Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis (PD) for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. Morningside of Fullerton offers a specialized support group and fitness classes to help navigate the challenges.
We invite you to meet resident Carol Fizzard, who was willing to share her personal story of her PD diagnosis and why she found it so necessary to launch a Morningside of Fullerton support group. This also inspired the Morningside fitness team to launch a new program aimed at helping residents with their range of motion and balance.
A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease
It’s been two years since Orange County senior Carol Fizzard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This is the same neurodegenerative disorder that affects an estimated 1 million Americans and some 10,000 people in Orange County alone.
In the months leading up to her diagnosis, she started noticing her voice was changing, becoming softer and slurred. She also began developing balance issues and no longer moved her left arm when walking. Both are common signs of PD. Other signs and symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Stiffness in the limbs
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
She was in her 80s and had lived at Morningside of Fullerton for a few years before scheduling her neurological appointment. Following her diagnosis, she joined a local support group in Fullerton, CA., to gather more information about the diagnosis and meet others who were facing similar challenges as her.
“Hearing from other experiences helped me out,” said Fizzard. “We all need the help we can get.”
In January 2024, she started a PD support group at her Morningside of Fullerton home in hopes of helping her neighbors who may be living with the disease. So far, six residents and their spouses are involved. Fizzard hopes the group helps those with future diagnoses.
“There’s about 400 people who live at Morningside. I knew I wasn’t the only one here who has Parkinson’s,” said Fizzard. “The group has been a wonderful outlet for all of us to learn and have the support of knowing we’re not alone.”
The Parkinson’s Support group meets monthly and is open to Morningside of Fullerton residents. It’s one of the many life enrichment activities started and led by residents. The group discusses literature released by the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, medications, experiences and new research.
Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease at Morningside of Fullerton
To make an even more significant impact on residents’ lives and continue to promote the benefits of an active lifestyle for seniors, Morningside’s Fitness Manager Dianna Smock launched a 30-minute Mobility Matters class twice a week.
“The class incorporates several LSVT Big® and PWR moves,” said Smock. “The class aims to help all residents with their range of motion, particularly those with Parkinson’s.”
Research shows that exercise can positively affect people with Parkinson’s, improving physical and mental health.
Despite her diagnosis, Fizzard lives in residential living and has seen the benefits of an active lifestyle provided at Morningside. She exercises up to four times a week in the on-site gym, where she attends fitness classes and utilizes equipment, including the HUR strength training technology.
In 2024, President Biden signed the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act into law. This monumental bill can potentially shape the lives of Americans living with PD by increasing federal research, improving early diagnosis and sparking new and enhanced patient care models, among other things.
Live Life to the Fullest with Support at Our Life Care Community in Fullerton, California
Residing at a Life Plan community, residents enjoy the comfort of having a comprehensive retirement plan for their future. Our community provides many activities and amenities to meet your physical and mental needs.
Whether it’s a fitness class that helps with balance or group meetings to discuss care needs with neighbors going through everyday situations, friendships are being formed daily that enhance the lives of our Morningside family.
Would you like more information about what makes our residents’ lifestyles unique from others within Orange County? Download our comparison chart here. If you have any further questions about our community, please don’t hesitate to call us.
