Resources for Health Partners
Education and Practical Tools for Parkinson’s Care
The Wisconsin Parkinson Association (WPA) partners with healthcare professionals across Wisconsin to improve the quality of care and quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s is a complex neurological condition that affects movement, cognition, mood, sleep, swallowing, and many aspects of daily life. Because care often spans multiple settings—from clinics to rehabilitation to long-term care—education and coordination across healthcare professionals are essential.
WPA provides educational resources and practical materials designed to support clinicians, caregivers, and healthcare teams in delivering informed, compassionate Parkinson’s care.
Education for Healthcare Professionals
WPA offers educational resources that support professionals working in a variety of care settings, including:
- Primary care providers
- Neurology and movement disorder clinicians
- Nurses and nurse practitioners
- Rehabilitation professionals (PT, OT, SLP)
- Assisted living and long-term care staff
- Social workers and care coordinators
- Home care professionals
- Caregiver support professionals
Educational opportunities include:
- Community education programs
- Recorded expert presentations through Parkinson’s EmPower Talks: Insights from the Experts
- Practical guidance through Pearls for Parkinson’s: Tips for Everyday Living
- Downloadable training materials for healthcare teams
These resources are designed to support both clinical understanding and real-world caregiving practices.
Parkinson’s Care Education Library
After-Visit Summary Tools for Clinicians
Primary care and neurology visits are often brief, and patients may leave with many questions. WPA provides printable content that clinicians can share with patients and families to reinforce key education.
This library provides practical materials designed for healthcare professionals and care teams supporting individuals living with Parkinson’s.
Core Parkinson's Education
- Diagnosis, Genetics & Prognosis
- Understanding Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
- Eating, Swallowing & Drooling in Parkinson’s Disease
- Bowel & Bladder Issues in Parkinson’s Disease
- Cramping, Dystonia & Restless Legs in Parkinson’s Disease
- Low Blood Pressure in Parkinson’s Disease
- Medication Management & “On/Off” Periods
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)
- Sleep & Parkinson’s Disease
- The Parkinson’s Exam: What to Expect
- Tips for Managing Tremor in Daily Life
- Understanding Parkinson’s Medications
- Visual Changes in Parkinson’s Disease
- Visual Hallucinations, Paranoid Ideation & Behavioral Changes
Staff Education Resources
Individuals living with Parkinson’s frequently transition into home care, assisted living or long-term care environments. Staff education can significantly improve safety, comfort, and quality of life.
- 10 Parkinson’s Care Mistakes Facilities Often Make
- Advanced Parkinson’s Care Considerations
- Contraindicated Medications in Parkinson’s Disease
- Dementia in Parkinson’s Care
- Low Blood Pressure in Parkinson’s
- Mobility and Fall Prevention for Residents Living with Parkinson’s
- Parkinson’s Hallucinations and Delusions
- Parkinson’s Mealtime Safety Checklist for Staff
- Recognizing the Cardinal Features of Parkinson’s Disease
- Supporting Activities of Daily Living in Parkinson’s
- Swallowing and Aspiration Risk in Parkinson’s
- Understanding Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s
- Understanding the Emotional Experience of Parkinson’s
- What Professional Caregivers Should Report to the Neurologist
- Why Parkinson’s Medications Must Be Given On Time
Contraindicated Medical Cards
Contraindicated Medications in Parkinson’s
The Wisconsin Parkinson Association provides contraindicated medication cards that help patients, care partners, and healthcare professionals quickly identify medications that may be unsafe for people with Parkinson’s. These cards are helpful to keep with you and share with healthcare providers, hospitals, and pharmacies.
Contraindicated Medications for Cognitive Disorders
The Wisconsin Parkinson Association also provides a contraindicated medication card for individuals experiencing memory or cognitive changes. Certain medications have the potential to worsen memory, thinking, and confusion.
A helpful rule of thumb is:
“Anything that can dry your mouth can dry your memory.”
Many medications that cause dry mouth may also interfere with memory and cognitive function.
These materials are designed to support patient understanding and encourage continued learning between visits.
Contraindicated Medications in Parkinson’s
Certain medications can worsen Parkinson’s symptoms or interfere with Parkinson’s treatments. Because of this, it is important for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their healthcare providers to be aware of medications that should generally be avoided.
The Wisconsin Parkinson Association provides contraindicated medication cards that help patients, care partners, and healthcare professionals quickly identify medications that may be unsafe for people with Parkinson’s. These cards are helpful to keep with you and share with healthcare providers, hospitals, and pharmacies.
The WPA contraindicated medication card is reviewed annually by the Wisconsin Parkinson Association Medical Advisory Committee to ensure the information reflects current clinical guidance and best practices in Parkinson’s care.
Additional educational materials on medication safety are also available within the WPA PDF library.
Contraindicated Medications for Cognitive Disorders
The Wisconsin Parkinson Association also provides a contraindicated medication card for individuals experiencing memory or cognitive changes. Certain medications have the potential to worsen memory, thinking, and confusion.
A helpful rule of thumb is:
“Anything that can dry your mouth can dry your memory.”
Many medications that cause dry mouth may also interfere with memory and cognitive function.
Educational Videos for Professionals
Healthcare professionals may also benefit from WPA’s educational video resources.
Parkinson’s EmPower Talks: Insights from the Experts
These recorded expert presentations feature clinicians and specialists discussing topics such as:
- Parkinson’s treatment updates
- Rehabilitation approaches
- Care partner support
- Home care planning
- Non-motor symptoms
Videos can be used for professional learning or team education sessions.
Pearls for Parkinson’s: Practical Tips for Everyday Living
Pearls for Parkinson’s offers short, practical insights into daily challenges individuals living with Parkinson’s experience.
Topics include:
- Mobility and daily movement
- Medication timing strategies
- Swallowing and eating tips
- Managing fatigue and energy
- Home safety and adaptive tools
These resources help healthcare professionals better understand the lived experience of Parkinson’s.
Partnering with WPA
The Wisconsin Parkinson Association welcomes collaboration with healthcare organizations, clinics, and care facilities across Wisconsin.
Opportunities include:
- Parkinson’s education for healthcare teams
- Staff training presentations
- Community education partnerships
- Resource distribution for patients and families
If your organization is interested in Parkinson’s education opportunities, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
Contact WPA
For questions about educational resources or collaboration opportunities:
Wisconsin Parkinson Association
Call: 414-312-6990
Visit: wiparkinson.org
© Wisconsin Parkinson Association – Healthcare Provider Resource Series