Resources
Here at Parkinsons DMF Inc., we want to provide information to as many relevant Parkinson’s resources as possible. This includes areas such as contact information for relevant specialists, Medicare services, activities, financial support and more.
If you would like information on your services to be included below, please contact us at admin@dmfinc.org.au
Fight Parkinson’s
Fight Parkinson’s (formerly known as Parkinson’s Victoria) is a leading source of specialised health information, advice, and services. Through research, education, and support, they strive to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s or Atypical Parkinson’s (PSP, MSA and CBS).
The multidisciplinary team provides specialist advice and support to people living with Parkinson’s, their families, carers, and healthcare professionals through:
Tailored health education programmes and seminars
A free and confidential health information service
Comprehensive web-based information
An extensive peer support group network.
Find out more about Fight Parkinson’s Services and Supports
Peer Group Support
Join a peer support group for people with Parkinson’s. Living with or caring for someone with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but you don’t have to feel alone.
Peer support groups offer people the opportunity to learn more about living with Parkinson’s and to enjoy the company of others who share similar experiences, situations, and challenges.
A Fight Parkinson’s Peer Support Group is a gathering of people whose lives are affected by Parkinson’s. They meet regularly in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Find out more about a Peer Support Group near you.
Concessions
Victorian Government Concessions:
New South Wales Government Concessions:
Parking
If you are seeking an Accessible Parking Permit on the grounds of a cognitive or neurological disability you must be assessed by your GP.
If you are seeking a Double Time Permit (Vic) you can be must also be assessed by your GP or Occupational Therapist. This is for individuals with ‘‘significant mobility impairment or severe illness which does not affect their ability to walk more than 100m AND does require regular rest breaks when continuous walking is undertaken.’’
Victoria:
New South Wales:
Home Medicine Reviews
An accredited pharmacist checks the medicines you are taking. It involves your doctor and your preferred community pharmacy. The pharmacist will visit you in your home, look at the following and report back to your doctor:
Prescription medicines
Over-the-counter medicines
Vitamins and supplements; eye / ear drops / creams
Inhalers, blood pressure monitors and blood glucose monitors.
This is a free service and you can request every 2 years or if medications change
Driving
You are required to advise Medical Review of any serious, permanent or long-term illness, disability, medical condition or injury that may impair their ability to drive safely. You may be required to undertake driving assessment.
If licence cancelled, you can get “Proof of Age” card. Apply at VicRoads before handing in licence.
Victoria
New South Wales
Power of Attorney
A legal document that allows a person to conduct another person’s financial, legal, or personal affairs. Powers of attorney operate when the principal is alive and wants or needs someone to make decisions on their behalf. When the principal dies the attorney ceases to have any powers.
General – for a specific purpose / task
Enduring – authority to conduct personal and financial affairs
Supportive – dealing with banks, businesses, govt departments
Victoria
New South Wales
Medical Decisions
To make decisions about the person’s medical treatment when the person is unable to make such decisions themselves. For example, whether/when to perform surgery, whether to have a flu shot, whether to turn off life support. Medical treatment includes medical research and dental treatment.
An ‘Advance Care Directive’ sets out a person’s binding instructions or preferences and values about their medical treatment, in the event that the person no longer has decision-making capacity for that medical treatment.
The authority to act covers the following:
Centrelink
Medicare
ATO
Electricity
Internet
State Revenue Office
Councils / Water rates
MyAgedCare
NDIS
DVA
Gas
Telephone
Business Affairs
Insurances
Seniors Health Card
This allows you cheaper Medicines under PBS and possible bulk bills. Refunds are available after meeting Medicare Safety Net. In order to meet this, you must be:
Age Pension age and meet residence rules
Not be getting an income support payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs
Give a Tax File Number or be exempt from doing so
Meet the income test ($101,105 single & $161,768 couple)
Emergency Access
You can contact the below emails to set up easy access for emergency services to enter your home if needed. You will be put in contact with your local sector office to set up an access code. You will need to provide the following information:
Your full name and property address (& membership # if applicable)
The exact location of your key safe or lockbox (e.g., "front porch to the left of the door")
Your key safe code
Victoria: SPPTRequest@ambulance.vic.gov.au
New South Wales: Ambulance-GeneralEnquiry@health.nsw.gov.au
Carers
A range of support services and networks for those who are carers:
Victoria:
New South Wales:
Australia:
NDIS
Find out what the NDIS is and how to navigate it. Fight Parkinsons can also help provide information on how to apply.
Planning
A folder of personal information all in one place. It should contain the following:
Bank accounts
Investments
Solicitor details
Copy of wills, power of attorney etc
Login details for internet accounts