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.   

With the pandemic, many support groups have moved to virtual meetings with video while others have gone on hiatus until in-person meetings can occur once again. Some groups have expanded the number of virtual meetings to provide more support.  Most 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: Robin RiddleBrain Support Network, phone 650-814-0848

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

Notes: 

  • 2023 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
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

2nd Sundays, 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: Steven Russell, phone 650-995-6379, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach

Facilitator: Ann Blick Hamer, LCSW

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Belmont area
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

In-person meetings, indoors

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


Virtual meetings

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

RSVP: Yes, required


Berkeley - Care Partners Support Group - Mild-to-Moderate PD

Contact: PD Active, phone 510-479-6119

Self-facilitated

Notes: 

  • For caregivers of those with mild-to-moderate PD symptoms
  • Phone/email "group contact" to obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

2nd Wednesday, 3-5pm

RSVP: No


Berkeley - Care Partners Support Group - Moderate-to-Advanced PD

Contact: Donna Mickelson, PD Active, phone 510-479-6119

Self-facilitated

Notes: 

  • For caregivers of those with moderate-to-advanced PD symptoms
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting link

Virtual meetings

3rd Wednesday, 2:30-4:30pm

RSVP: No


Brentwood - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact: Sue Schnittker, phone 925-550-2756

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Brentwood area
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

No fixed schedule

RSVP: No


Daly City - PD Caregivers Support Group 

Contact: Steven Russell, phone 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
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

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

RSVP: Yes, required


Los Altos - Adult Child PD Caregivers Support Group 

Contact: Denise Dagan, phone 650-867-7419, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach

Facilitator: Denise Dagan

Notes: 

  • For adult child caregivers living/working on the San Francisco Peninsula or the South Bay
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings via video

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: Denise Dagan, phone 650-867-7419, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach

Facilitator: Susan Weisberg, LCSW  

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Los Altos area
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link
  • In person meetings are indoors, well ventilated, and socially distanced

In-person meetings, indoors

2nd Tuesday, 10:30am-noon
Virtual meetings via video

4th Thursday, 10:30am-noon

RSVP: Yes, required


Menlo Park - PD Caregivers Support Group

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

Contact: Robin RiddleStanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach, phone 650-724-6090

Facilitator: Susan Weisberg, LCSW 

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Menlo Park area
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting location

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

Contact: Robin RiddleStanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach, phone 650-724-6090

Facilitator: Stephne Lencioni, LCSW

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the Menlo Park area
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting location

In-person meetings, outdoors

3rd Tuesday, Noon-2pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Napa - PD Caregivers Support Group

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

Contact:  Teri Sandison, cell 707-318-7010

Notes: 

  • RSVP required before each meeting
  • Contact group leader to join meeting reminder email list

In-person meetings, outdoors

3rd or 4th Thursday, 3-5pm

RSVP: Yes, required


San Francisco - PD-Connect Care Partner Support Group

Location: Zoom AND in-person at Coterie Cathedral Hill, 1001 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, 94109

Contact: Robin Katsaros, to RSVP for in-person meetings, 650-787-7768

Notes:

In-person meetings, indoors, simultaneous with virtual meetings via video

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

RSVP: Required for in-person meetings only


San Jose (The Villages) - PD Caregivers Support Group

Location: The Villages, Montgomery Center, 5000 Cribari Lane, San Jose, CA 95135

Contact: Alice Pratte, phone 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 Montgomery Center

In-person meetings

3rd Thursday, 10-11am

RSVP: No


San Jose (Willow Glen) - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact: Charmaine Eng, phone 408-723-8116 

Notes: 

  • For caregivers living/working in the San Jose area
  • Phone "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

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

RSVP: No


San Jose - Parkinson's Grief Support Group

Location: St. James Anglican Church, Duncan Hall, 1565 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125 (next to the main church)

Contact: Dianne Growitz, dgrowitz@sbcglobal.net,
408-266-6045

Notes: 

  • Most attendees are former PD caregivers, but the group is open to anyone

In person, indoors, with masks

4th Wednesday, 2-3:30pm

RSVP: No


San Mateo - LBD Caregiver-Only Support Group

Location: Restaurant, San Mateo, CA 94401

Contact: Robin RiddleBrain Support Network, phone 650-814-0848

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

Notes:

  • 2023 meeting dates. 2nd Sunday of even numbered months, except February and April, which are the 3rd Sundays.
  • 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
  • Phone/email "contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting location

In-person meetings, outdoors

2nd Sundays, even months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Santa Cruz - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact: Audrey Trautwein, cell 831-419-2995

Notes: 

  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link
  • Note the 2nd/4th virtual meetings are closed to new members

Virtual meetings

3rd Wednesday, 1-2:30pm

RSVP: No


Santa Rosa - PD Caregivers Support Group

Self-facilitated  

Notes: 

  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

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

RSVP: No


Walnut Creek - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact: Lorie McGuinness, 925-980-4011 

Facilitators:  Lorie McGuinness, 925-980-4011, and Donna Campo, 925-324-0998

Notes:

  • For caregivers living/working in the Walnut Creek area
  • Phone/email "contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

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

Facilitators:  Jan Browne, 925-899-6685, and Linda Leong, 925-944-3582

Notes:

  • For caregivers living/working in the Walnut Creek area
  • Phone/email "contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

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: Robin RiddleBrain Support Network, phone 650-814-0848

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

Notes: 

  • 2023 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
  • Phone/email "Contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

2nd Sundays, odd months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Bay Area - PSP and CBD Caregiver-Only Support Group

Contact: Robin RiddleBrain Support Network, phone 650-814-0848

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

Notes: 

  • 2023 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
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

2nd Sundays, odd months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


San Mateo - MSA Caregiver-Only Support Group

Location:  Restaurant, San Mateo, CA 94401

Contact: Robin RiddleBrain Support Network, phone 650-814-0848

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

Notes:

  • 2023 meeting dates.  2nd Sunday of even numbered months, except February and April, which are the 3rd Sundays
  • Group meets on the outdoor patio of a restaurant.  (Indoors, if poor weather.)  Most attendees have dinner (separate checks).
  • Phone/email "contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting location

     

In-person meetings, outdoors

2nd Sundays, even months, 5-7pm

RSVP: Yes, required


San Mateo - PSP and CBD Caregiver-Only Support Group

Location:  Restaurant, San Mateo, CA 94401

Contact: Robin RiddleBrain Support Network, phone 650-814-0848

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

Notes:

  • 2023 meeting dates.  2nd Sunday of even numbered months, except February and April, which are the 3rd Sundays
  • Group meets on the outdoor patio of a restaurant.  (Indoors, if poor weather.)  Most attendees have dinner (separate checks).
  • Phone/email "contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting location

In-person meetings, outdoors

2nd Sundays, 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: Karen Hancock, phone 530-885-0950 

  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

In-person meetings

3rd Tuesday, 11:30am

RSVP: No


Davis - PD Care Partners Support Group

Location: Davis City Park, Corner of 5th and B Streets, Davis, CA 95616

Contact: Karen Eagan, phone 530-564-4323

Notes:

  • Masks required
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Physically-distanced, outdoor meetings

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

RSVP: No


El Dorado Hills / Folsom - Caregiver Lunch

Contact: Larry Alver, phone 916-933-2465

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

  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

 

 

 

In-person meetings

1st and 3rd Friday, 11:30am

RSVP: No


Goleta - Caregivers Only ("South County")

Contact: Coast Caregiver Resource Center, phone 805-569-8950

Notes:

  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

Last Wednesday, 10-11:30am

RSVP: Yes, required


Lodi - PD Caregivers Support Group

Contact: Jean Whitted, cell 209-329-7075

Location:  Grace Point Church, 801 S. Lower Sacramento Rd., Lodi, CA 95242

  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Physically-distanced meetings

3rd Monday, 10am-12pm

RSVP: Yes, required


Sacramento - PD Caregivers Lunch Bunch

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

  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

3rd Tuesday, 11am-1pm

RSVP: No


Sacramento / Gold River - Lewy Body Dementia Care Partner Group

Contact: Denise Davis, phone 800-272-3900

Notes:

  • Via Google Meets (like Zoom)
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

Virtual meetings

2nd Thursday, 10-11:30am

RSVP: No


Santa Barbara - PD Caregivers Grief Group

Contact: Parkinson Association Santa Barbara, phone 805-683-1326

Notes:

  • Meets at group member's home
  • For those who have lost loved ones
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list, obtain meeting link, and meeting location

In-person meetings

Tuesdays, 11am

RSVP: No


Santa Barbara - PD Care Partners

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

Contact: Parkinson Association Santa Barbara, phone 805-683-1326

Notes:

  • Discussion facilitated by counselors from the Center for Successful Aging
  • Phone/email "group contact" to join meeting reminder email list and obtain meeting link

In-person meetings

Tuesdays, 1-2:15pm
Virtual meetings

Tuesdays, 2:30-4pm

RSVP: No



Last updated February 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