In the United States, it has been estimated that more than 1 million people have Parkinson’s Disease (PD). In Colorado the estimate is 15,000 and in Larimer County there are at least 900 living with this chronic disease.

The Parkinson’s Support Group in Larimer County (PSGLC) has more than 100 members including PD patients, their caregivers, family and friends, health professionals and other interested parties.

Normally, the Larimer County Parkinson’s Support meeting is held the first Wednesday of each month at:

Map

Fort Collins Senior Center
1200 Raintree Drive
10:30 – 12:30

Visitors and newcomers are always welcome. There is no admission charge. And for now, we are streaming the presentation portion of these monthly meetings on Zoom – details are in our newsletter.

If you would like to be added to our email list in order to receive PSGLC communications and online meeting invitations, please submit your information on this page.

Upcoming support meetings:

(Click each date to see the details)

Events in February–April 2025

February Support - Family Caregiver Support Program - Zoom only!
February Support - Family Caregiver Support Program - Zoom only!
Zoom only this month! The Senior Center is undergoing renovations.

Larimer County Office on Aging

The Family Caregiver Support Program is part of The Larimer County Office on Aging (LCOA) which is the Area Agency on Aging for Larimer County. The LCOA serves adults 60 and beyond, adults living with a disability, and caregivers. LCOA plays a unique role not only to provide direct services and fund community partners, but to innovate and advocate to meet the growing needs of the community.

During this presentation you will specifically learn about some of the services provided by the Family Caregiver Support Program including our Respite and Grand Family Respite Vouchers, Caregiver Consultations, and free Evidenced-based classes (Stress Busting and Powerful Tools for Caregivers).

Dani Martin: I have worked with older adults for 8 years with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. I spent 4 years as an Activity Director at a nursing home and the last 4 years in this role at the Office on Aging. I have experience working with kids and adults with intellectual disabilities as well as older adults with chronic illnesses. I am a Colorado native and enjoy spending my free time with my husband, 11 month old son and our chocolate lab, Jax!

Mark Sleeter: I have been a professional Social Worker for 29 years and hold a Clinical License in Social Work (LCSW). I have worked in various settings including mental health, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice. Prior to joining the Office on Aging I worked for 10 years as a Medical Social Worker in hospice, serving those in the community that had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I also served as a Bereavement Counselor providing individual and group grief counseling. On a personal note, I was a family caregiver to my father-in-law who passed away last year.
March Support Meeting: Communication and Swallowing in Parkinson’s Disease
March Support Meeting: Communication and Swallowing in Parkinson’s Disease
Prairie Sage Rooms 2&3

Michelle Underhill, MA, CCC-SLP
Northern Colorado Therapy Services

Individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease often have questions and concerns about symptoms that are associated with PD. This interactive presentation will provide an overview of adult “Speech Therapy” for Parkinson’s, PD-related communication and swallowing issues, and practical “Action Steps” to address those concerns.

About Michelle Underhill:

Michelle Underhill is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of adults living with Parkinson’s Disease. Michelle and her husband, Jason, founded a small multidisciplinary private practice specializing in Parkinson’s in Fort Collins in 2015. She served for five years as the Director of the Parkinson’s Support Group in Larimer County and is a Contributing Author for multiple editions of the Davis Phinney Foundation Every Victory Counts Manuals.
April Support Meeting: Speech Language Pathology
April Support Meeting: Speech Language Pathology
Prairie Sage Rooms 2&3

Cognition for Communication in Parkinson's: The Role of Speech Language Pathology

Individuals living with Parkinson disease may experience cognitive changes to attention, memory, and language. Speech language pathologists are equipped to provide assessment and treatment for these changes when they impact communication. This talk will review potential cognitive changes that may impact communication, strategies to support satisfying communication, and pathways for comprehensive cognitive assessment. Following this talk, attendees will be able to identify potential topics to discuss with their own healthcare providers.

About Zoe Kriegel

Zoe Kriegel is an assistant professor in the Division of Communication Disorders at the University of Wyoming. Her research centers on understanding the impacts of Parkinson disease on communication to inform more accurate diagnosis and individualized treatments for communication problems. As a certified speech language pathologist, Dr. Kriegel has worked clinically with individuals across the lifespan in both inpatient and outpatient settings.