Living Well with Parkinson’s: Support in action at Resthaven Marion Community Services

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month — a time to better understand a condition that affects more than 200,000 Australians and over 10 million people worldwide.

As the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, Parkinson’s doesn’t just shape the lives of those diagnosed; it touches families, carers, and entire communities.

At Resthaven Marion Community Services, one group has been quietly building that sense of community for more than a decade.

Each week, 18 members living with Parkinson’s come together as part of the Parkinson’s Disease Self-Management Group. Guided by Resthaven Occupational Therapist Briony McClounan, the group is designed to support clients through the physical, cognitive, and social challenges of the condition — while also creating space for connection.

‘Currently we have 18 members attending each week, so we split into two exercise groups,’ Briony explains.

The structure of the sessions is intentional, balancing movement, learning, and peer support.

‘We typically host four-week blocks of a specific exercise, offered in 30-minute sessions,’ Briony says. ‘That might be boxing, dance, Tai Chi, Parkinson’s-specific exercises, or high-intensity interval training.’

‘Then we follow this up with 15 minutes of general exercise in the gym.’

After the physical component, the focus shifts: ‘The whole group meets together for a shared education session and morning tea.’

‘That could be a cognitive or physical game, or a discussion around a Parkinson’s-specific topic — such as the signs and symptoms, fatigue, energy conservation, falls, sleep, or just sharing experiences of living with Parkinson’s.’

The group has evolved over time.

‘It actually started more as a seated group,’ Briony reflects, ‘but it has steadily progressed to include a variety of different exercises.’

Every eight weeks, the format expands to include carers, recognising the vital role they play.

‘The whole group runs from 10am for just over two hours,’ Briony says. ‘For the first hour, carers and clients break into separate groups — clients are doing exercises, while carers meet together with our social worker to share their experiences and support for each other.’

‘After the first session, we usually have a guest speaker. Most recently, Kristen, a Parkinson’s nurse from the Hospital Research Foundation, spoke about continence.’

While the exercises and education are important, it’s often the shared understanding that resonates most.

‘Clients have told us they really enjoy the group camaraderie and the speakers,’ Briony says. ‘They’re able to share tips and tricks they’ve learned from living with Parkinson’s and learn from each other.’

Parkinson’s is a complex, degenerative neurological condition, most commonly diagnosed around the age of 65 — though one in ten people are diagnosed before the age of 45. Symptoms can include tremor, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and speech, and balance difficulties.

During Parkinson’s Awareness Month — and especially on World Parkinson’s Day, 11 April — it’s a reminder that support doesn’t just come from treatment, but from community.

Thank you, Briony, for sharing your insight.

Parkinson’s Support Groups are available across many Resthaven Community Service locations. Read about a similar program at Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services. My Aged Care provides information and access to these groups.

To learn more about Parkinson’s Disease and understanding those who are affected, please visit the Parkinson’s website or visit our Specialised Services page for helpful resources.