STRUTHERS PARKINSON'S CENTER
Classes and Events
Classes for Parkinson’s patients and caregivers
We understand that patients and families need quality information and support after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. When you attend one of our classes, you’ll find education, compassion and empowering information to help you or your loved one live well with Parkinson’s.
Caregiver skill-building classes
These classes are designed to teach you skills that will help you care for your loved one. The class is available at no cost and meets virtually on the third Tuesday of every month from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
FOCUS classes
The FOCUS class program is designed for individuals – their family members and friends – in the first year of a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. The program includes options to request written material and monthly virtual classes held on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. To learn more or join, contact Lacey Severson at
Additionally, a biannual “Parkinson’s 101” class covers facts about early symptoms, treatment and coping strategies. Each class covers the same content.
Deep brain stimulation informational classes
These classes provide an overview of the deep brain stimulation surgical process, which is offered as treatment for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Family members are also welcome to attend. Classes are free and offered virtually on Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. throughout the year.
Parkinson’s-specialized exercise classes
There are many
Golden Valley classes
- Seated yoga (light intensity) – Mondays, 11:05 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.
- Movement boosters (moderate intensity) – Wednesdays, 11:05 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.
- Movement boosters (moderate intensity) – Fridays, 10:05 a.m. to 10:55 a.m.
- Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery, aka PWR! (high intensity) – Thursdays, 3:05 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.
- Tai Ji Quan series – Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (For info and to register for this series, contact
laura.deshotels@parknicollet.com .)
St. Paul classes
- PD HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) – Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- PD EmPOWER – Tuesday and Thursday, 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- Balance with Tai Ji Quan – Tuesday and Thursday, 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
CREATE connection
Our CREATE connection program offers both in-person and virtual options to meet the needs of all our patients.
The virtual CREATE connection program offers online sessions with activities like brain boosters, seated exercises, music therapy, supportive discussions, art and nature lessons, and more. Classes meet every Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. These free online sessions allow for greater participation from those who live far from our Struthers locations or who may have difficulty with mobility and transportation. For more information, contact Emily Furseth, LICSW, at
In-person sessions of CREATE connection are offered at Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Golden Valley on Wednesday afternoons each week from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. These sessions offer good options for care partner respite, and include active exercise, music therapy, discussion, nature, and other arts and wellness programming. Staff will be present to provide verbal assistance and medication reminders but are unable to provide hands-on physical assistance. The fee for each session is $50. Interested participants must pre-register. For more information and to register, contact Emily Furseth, LICSW, at
Struthers Parkinson’s Center support groups
Struthers support groups are offered in person or virtually (online format requires registration). Each group meets once a month.
Groups:
- People with Parkinson’s group (in-person): Second Tuesday of the month, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Young-onset group: Second Saturday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Care partner group (in-person): Third Friday of the month, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- People with Parkinson’s group (virtual): First Wednesday of the month, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Caregiver group (virtual): Second Thursday of the month, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Early in journey care partner (virtual): Last Tuesday of the month, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Virtual voice classes
Struthers virtual voice classes meet Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- SPC virtual choir – Meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Led by a Struthers music therapist, the SPC virtual choir is for those who would like to make music while exercising their voice, respiratory strength and mind!
- Speech boosters – Meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Open to people with Parkinson’s disease who want to focus on maintaining speech and voice skills. Taught by our Struthers Speech Language Pathologists. Incorporates use of good breath support and a strong voice for speech and word-finding exercises with a light cognitive load.
Advance care planning class
Our advance care planning class explains why health care directives matter, what should be included in a well-written document, and how to go about creating or updating your own health care directive.
Other SPC educational programs
Additional educational conferences and programs are offered by Struthers Parkinson’s Center throughout the year. To stay updated on planned events and activities, join the SPC email list by
The Progress & Possibilities conference
Learn more about Parkinson’s disease and gain helpful practical strategies and insights at the Progress & Possibilities conference in September. This annual event is cohosted by Struthers Parkinson Center and the Parkinson’s Foundation.