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How have Parkinson's New Zealand dealt with the COVID-19 lockdown?

Although Parkinson’s New Zealand had to change the way it delivered services throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, the organisation found new ways to continue to support people with Parkinson's. Through telephone, email and videoconference, the organisation continued to provide assessments and advice to them, their carers and their whānau.

The new way of working led to some very positive outcomes - ‘Zoom’ support groups were initiated for people with Parkinson’s Plus conditions. These are quite rare conditions, often involving a faster progression - people affected can therefore feel isolated particularly without peer-to-peer support in their region.

Jennifer Rainville, from Parkinson’s New Zealand, says “during this first Zoom support group, people from around the country were able to speak with others for the first time, sharing their experiences and knowledge with the support of our team here at Parkinson’s New Zealand. The positive feedback we received has encouraged us to continue the Parkinson’s Plus online support group indefinitely and begin holding other support groups online throughout the COVID-19 pandemic”.