Groups offering assistance are increasingly adopting the use of Zoom for meetings and discussions.
In a remarkable shift towards digital connectivity, more than 21 Parkinson's NSW Support Groups are now meeting regularly via the video-chat application Zoom. This transformation, facilitated by Support Group Coordinator Felicity Jones, has provided a lifeline for those affected by Parkinson's, enabling them to maintain a sense of community during these challenging times.
Felicity Jones, who can be contacted at felicity.jones@ourwebsite or T: 8051 1900, assists some of the Group Leaders in setting up their meetings and inviting participants to join online. The initial Support Group Leader Zoom meeting attracted 29 Leadership Team members from 23 different Groups.
For those who were initially reluctant to adopt this technology, the experience has been surprisingly easy and even fun. Members are now linking in guests from other organisations, replicating the guest speaker experience from face-to-face meetings. Some groups are even setting fun themes for their Zoom meetings, such as wearing funny hats or all dressing in a particular colour.
Laurelle from the Port Stephens (formerly Tomaree) Support Group, for instance, participated in her first Zoom meeting and found it easy to navigate. The meetings offer a secure, accessible, and supportive virtual environment, mirroring successful models from established Parkinson’s support communities.
The meetings are scheduled on a regular basis, with a consistent day and time chosen for each group (such as the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 1:00–2:30 pm as done by the East County Virtual Parkinson’s Support Group). A Zoom link, Meeting ID, and Passcode are shared with all participants, ensuring easy access for everyone, whether they join via computer, smartphone, or landline.
Participants are asked to have their camera on or at least display their name to maintain group cohesion and security. Meeting guidelines are also provided, including rules about presentation materials or confidentiality.
The meetings are facilitated smoothly, with Felicity Jones admitting participants a few minutes early and encouraging participation and sharing in a supportive environment. Zoom features such as screen sharing or breakout rooms are also utilised when necessary.
Educational sessions or guest expert talks are offered, similar to the Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialists’ weekly Zoom clinics or online seminars on Parkinson’s topics. The meetings also provide an opportunity for participants to connect with established Parkinson’s networks for resources, such as the Parkinson's Association or Fight Parkinson’s organisations which host online events and support sessions.
Representatives of the Council of the Ageing (COTA) and Carers NSW have also joined recent Zoom meetings, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of this digital initiative.
In conclusion, the adoption of Zoom by Parkinson's NSW Support Groups has proven to be a game-changer, enabling those affected by Parkinson's to maintain a sense of community and support during these challenging times. By following the expert-informed guidelines, these groups are creating a secure, accessible, and supportive virtual environment for participants and carers to connect effectively.
Felicity Jones, who can be contacted at felicity.jones@ourwebsite or T: 8051 1900, is assisting support group leaders in scheduling video-chat meetings via Zoom, incorporating science-backed technology to foster mental-health support and well-being among Parkinson's patients. In these meetings, health-and-wellness topics are addressed through educational sessions and guest expert talks, while also promoting social engagement through fun themes and guest speakers from various organizations.
