Parkinson’s Awareness Month in Chester & Lancaster Counties

Every April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month raises awareness for the nearly one million Americans impacted by Parkinson’s disease.

According to a 2022 study supported by the Parkinson’s Foundation, almost 90,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year. This marks a sharp 50% increase from the previous estimate of 60,000 annual cases. Parkinson’s disease is on the rise, especially as the population ages and more people are living longer.

At Griswold Care Pairing for Chester & Lancaster Counties, we are dedicated to helping seniors stay safe, independent, and comfortable in their own homes. We thoughtfully match seniors with compassionate Caregivers and collaborate with families to create personalized care plans that work for each individual’s needs. Because we see firsthand how Parkinson’s can affect seniors and their loved ones, we want to raise awareness this April and share helpful information, local resources in Chester and Lancaster Counties, and ways Griswold can support seniors with Parkinson’s to live life to the fullest.

Understanding Parkinson’s

With the number of people affected by Parkinson’s disease rising each year, it’s important to understand the factors and trends shaping this condition. The same Parkinson’s Foundation study, Incidence of Parkinson’s Disease in North America, also highlighted several key findings:

• Parkinson’s incidence increases with age, especially after 65
• Age is the main risk factor for Parkinson’s
• Men are more likely to be diagnosed than women at any age
• The rise in Parkinson’s cases parallels the growth of the aging population
• Some regions, including Central Pennsylvania and other areas of the “Rust Belt,” have higher rates of Parkinson’s

Because of the growing number of families affected, access to reliable information and community support is more important than ever. Fortunately, residents of Chester and Lancaster Counties have a variety of local resources available to help.

Local Resources in Chester & Lancaster Counties

If you, a loved one, or someone you know is facing Parkinson’s disease, there are many resources, support groups, and programs available in our area.

Chester County

• Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital offers a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group at the West Chester Area Senior Center on the last Wednesday of each month. This free group, part of the Senior HealthLink Program, welcomes patients, families, friends, and Caregivers to discuss medication, nutrition, exercise, and coping with Parkinson’s. Use their event search catalog and enter “Parkinson’s” to find meeting dates.
• YMCA of Greater Brandywine provides a Parkinson’s Cycle class every Monday and Friday. Led by a trained instructor, this class helps participants work toward symptom relief and improved cardiovascular fitness in a supportive environment.

Lancaster County

• Red Rose Parkinson’s Support Group offers support, education, and strategies for managing Parkinson’s. The group also organizes the Annual Red Rose Parkinson’s Community Walk and educational events with guest speakers.

State of Pennsylvania

American Parkinson Disease on Association provides statewide resources, education programs, virtual and in-person events, and support groups.

Griswold Can Help

If you or a loved one in Chester or Lancaster County is living with Parkinson’s disease, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Griswold Care Pairing specializes in connecting families with experienced caregivers who can offer reliable support, encouragement, and practical assistance at home.

Our referred Caregivers can provide a wide range of non-medical home care services, including assistance with daily routines, mobility support, personal care, companionship, and safety measures to reduce fall risk. They can also remind clients to take medications and adapt care to evolving needs. We’ll work with you to design a care plan that aligns with your goals and brings peace of mind to your family.