Free Exercise and Support Groups

Over 30 Free therapy and support groups are available at 18 locations in the Houston Metropolitan Area including; Clear Lake, Kingwood, Pasadena, Baytown, Missouri City, Katy, Humble, Tomball, The Woodlands, Conroe, Pearland, Memorial, Texas Medical Center and Bellaire. Programs include exercise, water and speech therapy groups under the supervision of licensed occupational, physical and speech therapists, as well as tai chi, dance and meditation classes.

HAPS also offers support group meetings for participants to discuss the medical and psychosocial aspects of Parkinson's disease; share and solve common problems; provide information about available community resources and enjoy social events together. Support groups for caregivers caring for an individual with Parkinson's; individuals who have undergone Deep Brain Stimulation; and those under the age of 55 living with Parkinson's are available under the guidance of licensed masters level social workers.

Please see our list of Exercise and Support groups.

Respite Care

HAPS contracts with Sheltering Arms Senior Services and Home Instead Senior Care to send trained workrs into the home to assist with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting etc.) for the individual with Parkinson's disease, providing relief for caregivers who are exhausted by the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. This assistance is subsidized on a sliding scale based on household income.

Free Social Services

Licensed masters level social workers provide client assessments, education and information and resource referral. Additionally, individual, family and group consultations, home visits, safety checks and case management services are offered to clients and families as needed.

Free Educational Information

HAPS distributes educational information pertaining to Parkinson's disease, publishes a monthly newsletter available by mail and e-mail, maintains a wide variety of books and videos in a lending library in addition to providing current Parkinson's disease information on the website.

Free Transportation Program

HAPS provides wheelchair accessible transportation through the American Red Cross for those who meet program guidlines and are in need of transportation to the HAPS therapy sites and doctor's visits.

Emergency Financial Aid

HAPS provides emergency financial aid for visits to the neurologists, prescription medications, respite services and durable medical equipment for those who qualify.

Advocates for the Parkinson Community

HAPS works to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease among medical professionals, elected officials, the media and the greater community.

Monthly Newsletter

Every month, our newsletter HAPS Happenings brings over 2400 households news, articles, tips and other information of interest and importance to the Parkinson's community including a complete schedule of events and groups. Beginning in Spring 2009 HAPS Happenings can be received by mail or e-mail.

To view recent issues of HAPS Happenings and archived articles of interest, browse our Newsletter webpage.

Educational Programming

HAPS provides a full day annual symposium featuring expert speakers familiar with the lastest in research, treatment of Parkinson's disease. Additional educational workshops are presented throughout the year including a quarterly Newly Diagnosed education for recently diagnosed individuals. HAPS offers many informative presentations to staff at residential facilities, community organizations and agencies to increase Parkinson's disease awareness.

Check our calendar for Events!