Parkinson's Caregiver-Only Support Groups in Northern and Central California

Caregivers need to have their own private support group meetings  because they need to vent, share, learn tips and resources, and receive support from others walking the same path.   

Here you will find Parkinson's caregiver support groups in Northern California.  Most virtual groups restrict attendees to the local area.  

Are you in the SF Bay Area but don't see a PD caregiver group near you?  We have a list of caregiver-only support groups for those dealing with dementia.  Note that most attendees are likely dealing with Alzheimer's Disease.    

Are the meeting days/times below not ideal for you?  Or do you live outside of Northern and Central California?  Check out our lists of online support groups (meeting any time) and scheduled virtual nationwide support groups.


> PD and PD Dementia Caregiver-Only Support Groups - Bay Area
> Atypical Parkinsonism Caregiver-Only Support Groups - Bay Area
> PD Caregiver-Only Support Groups - Northern And Central California (beyond the Bay Area)


PD OR PD DEMENTIA CAREGIVER-ONLY SUPPORT GROUPS - BAY AREA

Bay Area - LBD Caregiver-Only Support Group 

Contact for meeting details: Robin Riddle, 650-814-0848, Brain Support Network

Facilitators: Caregivers whose loved ones have passed away and the Lewy body dementia diagnosis was confirmed through brain donation

Notes: 

  • 2024 meeting dates.  2nd Sunday of odd numbered months, except May, which is the 3rd Sunday
  • For caregivers coping with Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies who live in Northern or Central California

Virtual meetings

2nd Sunday, odd months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Belmont - PD Caregivers Support Group 

Location: Silverado Belmont Hills Memory Care, 1301 Ralston Ave, Belmont, CA 94002

Contact for meeting details: Steven Russell, 650-995-6379, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach

Facilitator: Ann Blick Hamer, LCSW

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Belmont area

In-person meetings, indoors

1st Thursday, 11:30am-1:30pm


Virtual meetings

3rd Thursday, 11:30am-1:30pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Berkeley - Adult Children of People with Parkinson’s Support Group

Contact and facilitator: Rachel Goldstone, MD

Contact for meeting details: PD Active, 510-479-6119

Notes:

  • Open to those who are adult children of people with Parkinson's

Virtual meetings

4th Monday, 7-8:30pm

RSVP: No


Berkeley - Mild / Recently Diagnosed Care Partners Support Group

Contact for meeting details: PD Active, 510-479-6119

Notes:

  • For caregivers of those who have been recently diagnosed or have mild PD symptoms
  • Self-facilitated

Virtual meetings

3rd Wednesday, 3:30-5pm

RSVP: No


Berkeley - Moderate Care Partners Support Group

Contact for meeting details: PD Active, 510-479-6119

Notes:

  • For caregivers of those with moderate PD symptoms
  • Self-facilitated

Virtual meetings

2nd and 4th Wednesday,
3-5pm

RSVP: No


Brentwood - PD Caregivers Support Group

Location: various restaurants in the Brentwood area

Contact for meeting details: Sue Schnittker, 925-550-2756

Notes: 

  • In-person monthly lunches resumed January 2023

In-person meetings

3rd Thursday, 11:30am

RSVP: No


Daly City - PD Caregivers Support Group 

Contact for meeting details: Steven Russell, 650-995-6379, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach

Facilitator: Ann Blick Hamer, LCSW

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Daly City/San Francisco area

Virtual meetings

2nd and 4th Tuesday, 11:30am-1:30pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Los Altos - Adult Child PD Caregivers Support Group 

Contact for meeting details: Denise Dagan, 650-867-7419, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach

Facilitator: Alanah Rosenbloom, MSW

Notes: 

  • For adult child caregivers living/working on the San Francisco Peninsula or the South Bay, or whose parent lives/receives medical care here

Virtual meetings

4th Tuesday, 7-8:30pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Los Altos - PD Caregivers Support Group 

Location: Los Altos United Methodist Church (LAUMC), 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos, CA 94024

Contact for meeting details: Denise Dagan, 650-867-7419, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach

Facilitator: Alanah Rosenbloom, MSW  

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Los Altos area

In-person meetings, indoors

2nd Tuesday, 10:30am-noon

RSVP: Yes, required


Menlo Park - PD Caregivers Support Group

Location: Outdoors of group member's home, Menlo Park, CA, 94025

Contact for meeting details: Robin Riddle, 650-724-6090, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach

Facilitator: Susan Weisberg, LCSW 

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Menlo Park area

In-person meetings, outdoors

2nd Friday, Noon-2pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Menlo Park - PD Caregivers Support Group

Location: Outdoors of group member's home, Menlo Park, CA, 94025

Contact for meeting details: Robin Riddle, 650-724-6090, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach

Facilitator: Stephne Lencioni, LCSW

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Menlo Park area

In-person meetings, outdoors

3rd Tuesday, Noon-2pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Mill Valley PD Caregiver Support Group

Location: The Redwoods, 40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Contact for meeting details: Debby Thurlow, 415-302-0362

Notes:

  • Periodic guest speakers
  • Room 5-7L
  • Parking is more available across the street at Safeway

In-person meetings

1st Wednesday, 3-4:30pm

RSVP: No


Napa - PD Caregivers Support Group

Location: Outside of group member's home, Napa, CA, 94558

Contact for meeting details:  Teri Sandison, cell 707-318-7010

Notes: 

  • RSVP required before each meeting

In-person meetings, outdoors

3rd or 4th Thursday, 3-5pm

RSVP: Yes, required


San Francisco - Care Partner Support Group

Location: Coterie Cathedral Hill, 1001 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94109

Contact for in-person meeting: Robin Katsaros, 650-787-7768
Contact for virtual meeting: Lisa Oei, PD-Connect, 415-604-2477

Notes:

  • For in-person: as parking and meeting space are limited, RSVP is required. Complimentary valet parking entrance at 236 Myrtle St.
  • For virtual meeting link, see PD-Connect calendar  
  • Began March 2023
  •  

Hybrid meetings (in-person and virtual)

2nd Monday, 2:30-3:30pm

RSVP: Required for in-person


San Jose (The Villages) - PD Caregivers Support Group

Location: 5000 Cribari Lane, San Jose, CA 95135, Cribari Center Forum Room

Contact for meeting details: Alice Pratte, 408-223-8033 

  • Tell staff at the entrance gate you are attending the Parkinson's Caregiver Support Group.
  • Entrance gate staff and signage will direct attendees to the Cribari Center

In-person meetings

3rd Thursday, 10-11am

RSVP: No


San Jose (Willow Glen) - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact for meeting details: Charmaine Eng, 408-723-8116 

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the San Jose area

Virtual meetings

4th Wednesday, 1:30-3:30pm

RSVP: No


San Mateo - LBD Caregiver-Only Support Group

Location: Restaurant, San Mateo, CA 94401

Contact for meeting details: Robin Riddle, 650-814-0848,  Brain Support Network

Facilitators: Caregivers whose loved ones have passed away and the Lewy body dementia diagnosis was confirmed through brain donation

Notes:

  • 2024 meeting dates. 2nd Sunday of even numbered months, except February, which is the 3rd Sunday.
  • Group meets on the outdoor patio of a restaurant.  (Indoors, if poor weather.)  Most attendees have dinner (separate checks).
  • For caregivers coping with Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies who live in Northern or Central California

In-person meetings, outdoors

2nd Sunday, even months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Santa Cruz - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact for meeting details: Audrey Trautwein, cell 831-419-2995

Notes: 

  • There's also a 2nd/4th Wednesday (2-3:30pm) virtual group that is closed to new members

Virtual meetings

3rd Wednesday, 1-2:30pm

RSVP: No


Santa Rosa - PD Care Partners Support Group

Contact for meeting details: Meg Alexander

Notes: 

  • Self-facilitated

Virtual meetings

1st and 3rd Friday, 10:45am-12:15pm

RSVP: No


Walnut Creek - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact for meeting details, and Facilitators:  Lorie McGuinness, 925-980-4011, and Donna Campo, 925-324-0998

Notes:

  • For caregivers living/working in the Walnut Creek area

Virtual meetings

1st Friday, 1-2:15pm

RSVP: No


Walnut Creek - PD Caregivers Support Group

Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd.,  Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Contact for meeting details, and Facilitators:  Jan Browne, 925-899-6685, and Linda Leong, 925-944-3582

In-person meetings

3rd Saturday, 10-11:15am

RSVP: No


ATYPICAL PARKINSONISM CAREGIVER-ONLY SUPPORT GROUPS - BAY AREA

Bay Area - MSA Caregiver-Only Support Group

Contact for meeting details: Robin Riddle, 650-814-0848, Brain Support Network

Facilitators: Caregivers whose loved ones have passed away and the multiple system atrophy diagnosis was confirmed through brain donation

Notes: 

  • 2024 meeting dates.  2nd Sunday, except in May, which is the 3rd Sunday
  • For caregivers coping with multiple system atrophy, atypical parkinsonism, or Parkinson's Plus who live in Northern or Central California

Virtual meetings

2nd Sunday, odd months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Bay Area - PSP and CBD Caregiver-Only Support Group

Contact for meeting details: Robin Riddle, 650-814-0848, Brain Support Network

Facilitators: Caregivers whose loved ones have passed away and the progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal degeneration diagnosis was confirmed through brain donation

Notes: 

  • 2024 meeting dates.  2nd Sunday, except in May, which is the 3rd Sunday
  • For caregivers coping with progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or corticobasal syndrome who live in Northern or Central California

Virtual meetings

2nd Sunday, odd months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


San Mateo - MSA Caregiver-Only Support Group

Location:  Restaurant, San Mateo, CA 94401

Contact for meeting details: Robin Riddle, 650-814-0848, Brain Support Network

Facilitators: Caregivers whose loved ones have passed away and the multiple system atrophy diagnosis was confirmed through brain donation

Notes:

  • 2024 meeting dates.  2nd Sunday of even numbered months, except February, which is the 3rd Sunday
  • Group meets on the outdoor patio of a restaurant.  (Indoors, if poor weather.)  Most attendees have dinner (separate checks).

In-person meetings, outdoors

2nd Sunday, even months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


San Mateo - PSP and CBD Caregiver-Only Support Group

Location:  Restaurant, San Mateo, CA 94401

Contact for meeting details: Robin Riddle, 650-814-0848, Brain Support Network

Facilitators: Caregivers whose loved ones have passed away and the progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal degeneration diagnosis was confirmed through brain donation

Notes:

  • 2024 meeting dates.  2nd Sunday of even numbered months, except February, which is the 3rd Sunday
  • Group meets on the outdoor patio of a restaurant.  (Indoors, if poor weather.)  Most attendees have dinner (separate checks).

In-person meetings, outdoors

2nd Sunday, even months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


PD CAREGIVER-ONLY SUPPORT GROUPS - NORTHERN AND CENTRAL CALIFORNIA (beyond the Bay Area)

Auburn - Caregivers Only Lunch

Location: Club Car Restaurant, 836 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603

Contact for meeting details: Karen Hancock, 530-885-0950 

In-person meetings

3rd Tuesday, 11:30am

RSVP: No


Davis caregivers

Location: Davis Senior Center, 646 A Street, Davis, CA 95616

Contact for meeting details: Karen Eagan, 530-564-4323

Notes:

  • Masks required

In-person meetings

2nd and 4th Thursday, 11am-12:30pm

RSVP: No


El Dorado Hills / Folsom - Caregiver Lunch

Location:  Round Table Pizza, 2793 E. Bidwell Street, #100, Folsom, CA 95630

Contact for meeting details: Larry Alver, 916-933-2465

 

 

 

In-person meetings

1st and 3rd Friday, 11:30am-1pm

RSVP: No


Eureka (“Humboldt County”) - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact for meeting details: Rose Bond, 707-826-7764  

Virtual meetings

1st and 3rd Wednesday, 11am-Noon

RSVP: No


Lodi - PD Caregivers Support Group

Location:  GracePoint Church, Room 132, 801 S. Lower Sacramento Rd., Lodi, CA 95242

Contact for meeting details:  Charlene Martin, 916-600-5769 

In-person meetings

3rd Monday, 10am-Noon

RSVP: Yes, required


Nevada City/Grass Valley - Carepartners Group

Location:  Location:  The Communal Cafe, 233 Broad St., Nevada City, CA 95959

Contact for meeting details: Jennifer Westoby, 408-313-3524 or 530-268-2563

In-person meetings

4th Thursday, 11am

RSVP: No


Sacramento / Gold River - Lewy Body Dementia Care Partner Group

Contact for meeting details: Denise Davis, 916-930-9080, Alzheimer's Association

Virtual meetings

2nd Thursday, 10-11:30am

RSVP: No


Sacramento - PD Caregivers Lunch Bunch

Contact for meeting details: Gain Saetern, 916-728-9333, ext. 109, Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center

Virtual meetings

3rd Tuesday, 11am-1pm

RSVP: No


San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara County - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact for meeting details: Coast Caregiver Resource Center (CCRC), 805-569-8950

Notes:

Virtual meetings

Last Wednesday, 10-11:30am

RSVP: Yes, required


Santa Barbara - PD Caregivers Grief Group

Contact for meeting details: Parkinson Association Santa Barbara, 805-683-1326

Notes:

  • Meets at group member's home
  • For those who have lost loved ones

In-person meetings

Tuesdays, 11am

RSVP: No


Santa Barbara - PD Care Partners

Location: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 4575 Auhay Drive at Arroyo, Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Contact for meeting details: Parkinson Association Santa Barbara, 805-683-1326

Notes:

  • Discussion facilitated by counselors from the Center for Successful Aging

In-person meetings

Tuesday, 1-2:15pm
Virtual meetings

Tuesday, 2:30-4pm

RSVP: No



Last updated August 2023 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach. Are you a support group leader who would like to contact us about this page? Email Robin Riddle