Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging - April 14, 2025

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

by Lauren Kipfer, MSW, LCSW, Social Worker, Goodwin Home Health

How many of us know someone with Parkinson’s Disease? Did you know that over 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s Disease, with an estimated 90,000 more being diagnosed every year? Chances are, someone in your life has been affected by Parkinson’s Disease. Since the rate of diagnosis increases after someone is 65 years old, we at Goodwin Living all probably know someone living with or affected by Parkinson’s Disease. April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which began as an effort to bring more visibility to this condition and the people who live with it.

A lot of people think you can look at someone and see that they have Parkinson’s Disease. Maybe they have a hand tremor, a shuffling gait or they speak quietly. However, there are over 30 movement and non-movement disorders with similar symptoms. There is a common saying, “If you know one person with Parkinson’s, then you know one person with Parkinson’s.” Parkinson’s presents differently with every person who has it, so it is essential that everyone is treated individually and not just based on any one symptom or side effect.

I have extensive experience in the Parkinson’s community. Prior to transitioning to Goodwin Living, my last workplace specialized in Parkinson’s Diseases. I was on the Parkinson’s interdisciplinary team as the social worker. I provided education to nurses and additional supports to those with Parkinson’s Diseases. I attended an annual symposium presented by the Parkinson’s Foundation of the National Capital Area. I also ran a support group for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. These care partners are some of the hardest working, knowledgeable and passionate people I know.

One of the most common things I have heard from people living with Parkinson’s Disease is that they want to be treated like everyone else. Even though it is a chronic, progressive disease, more medical advancements are being made all the time. Just like anyone else, there are good days and bad days, but they just want to be treated like everyone else.

There has been an increased visibility for those living with Parkinson’s Disease in recent years. Perhaps the most famous example, of course, is Michael J. Fox. He has continued to work and be in the spotlight long after his initial diagnosis. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has funded over $2 billion in research programs, with a goal of eliminating the disease. People with Parkinson’s Disease have also been portrayed in television and movies, such as Harrison Ford’s performance in Shrinking. In this TV show, viewers watch him navigate his diagnosis, symptoms and treatment, all while still working full time and leading a fulfilling life.

For now, Parkinson’s Disease is still here, but with more awareness and understanding, it will hopefully become more humanized and individualized.

For more resources, including support groups, Parkinson’s Disease-specific exercise classes and further education, please refer to these websites:

• https://www.michaeljfox.org/
• https://www.parkinson.org/
• https://parkinsonfoundation.org/
• https://www.apdaparkinson.org/

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Goodwin Living DEIB Committee: Statement of Purpose: Educate, Embrace and Empower team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living to support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

Goodwin Living DEIB Committee Desired Outcome: The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee (DEIB) will seek open and honest communication and collaboration that will inform and celebrate the age, culture, ethnicity and sexual orientation of team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living without bias.

*Members include Priority Club members and Goodwin Living at Home.

Questions or comments? Please contact us DEIB@GoodwinLiving.org