Florence Parkinson's support group goes beyond helping those with disease

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 15,000 South Carolinians, and it projects that nearly 1.2 million people in the U.S. will be living with this condition by 2030.

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be caused by a variety of factors, although most people are primarily familiar with tremors. The risk of developing Parkinson’s increases with age, particularly for those over 60. While herbicides and pesticides are significant risk factors, exposure to other common toxins, such as those found in dry-cleaning agents, can also increase the risk. Additionally, men appear to be more susceptible to this neurodegenerative disease than women. 

Mitch House, 74, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight years ago. After being diagnosed, House found MUSC Health Florence Medical Center physical therapist Nicholas Everetts, who he credits for having been a vital support to him in his journey living with and fighting this disease. 

“There are a myriad of symptoms, some of which I have, but most of which I do not have.The variation among the different approaches neurologists take has been very large,” said House. “Enter Nick Everetts, who is totally knowledgeable, encouraging, compassionate and professional. As the disease inevitably progresses, I fully believe that he will help me do all the right things to enjoy a productive life as much and as long as possible.”

Everetts holds a specialized certification and brings extensive experience working with Parkinson’s disease patients. He focuses on helping them to regain more natural movement patterns, which are often affected by the disease. Parkinson’s can slow down and reduce the range of a person’s movements, making everyday tasks like dressing, walking and getting up from a chair challenging. Everetts uses targeted therapies to help patients to recalibrate their perception of their movements, thereby improving their walking, balance and self-care activities. By guiding patients to use larger, more deliberate motions, he helps them to enhance their quality of life and independence. 

Having witnessed the impacts of Parkinson’s disease firsthand, Everetts is committed to expanding resources and support for those living with the condition. To that end, the Florence Medical Center has reinstated its Parkinson’s Support Group that was shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everetts said this support group was needed because there are so many other challenges that come along with Parkinson’s outside of movement, emphasizing how 30% to 40% of people also suffer with anxiety or depression. In addition, caregivers frequently experience a number of difficulties at home that equally need to be addressed and supported.

“There's really not a lot of support groups for anything in Florence,” said Everetts. “So, I thought it was really important for people to come together to help reduce some of their fears and anxieties with Parkinson's. It was a big push, you know, seeing it in other places and thinking, ‘We need a support group.’”

The support group has had as many as 25 members at the monthly sessions. It's a combination of individuals who've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, as well as their family members and support systems. These sessions are organized as an open forum for people to talk about what they’re going through. A psychologist is present to facilitate the sessions and answer questions related to Parkinson’s. Sessions have also included guest speakers, including senior advanced director Diana Parish from the Parkinson's Foundation. 

“Nick disseminates a wide variety of excellent information to the group at every meeting, which we might not otherwise get. Just today, he covered two new medications for us to consider discussing with our neurologists,” said House. “Nicole Cool coming up from Charleston, as well as a member from the Parkinson’s Foundation, were helpful, as they added significantly to our knowledge. As the disease inevitably progresses, I fully believe that he and this support group will help me do all the right things to enjoy a productive life as much and as long as possible.” Nicole Cool is a nurse manager with the MUSC Health-Charleston Movement Disorders Program. 

Occupational therapist Roxie Smallwood, Pee Dee Division Director of Rehabilitation Services, said that she finds it very rewarding to work with individuals who are in need of resources and support and also being able to provide those services for them. “The support group is a great combination of patients, caregivers and other support systems. I think one of the beneficial things about our support group is that we have resources provided from the clinician.”

The Parkinson’s support group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at MUSC Florence Medical Center. For more information on the support group and how you can participate, please visit the Parkinson's support group website