Kritiese faktore vir ontwikkeling en groei by Parkinson-ondersteuningsgroepe

English: The curative advantages of support groups are lauded in the literature and offer every individual to grow in self-knowledge (Nichois & Jenkinson 1991:16). Despite the physical, psychological and cognitive limitations of Parkinsons disease and old age, support groups offer positive outcome in many ways (Manicorn & Viljoen 1992:37): Groups are time-effective and economical. Support groups enable multidisciplinary teams to become involved in consulting and rehabilitating roles. Every member becomes a potential helper and thus each person's status and self-worth is increased. Each member has own unique experience that makes belonging to a group worthwhile (Haberman-Little 1991:165). Family, friends, life partners and caregivers are included in a supportive environment where processes, which are to everyone's advantage, can take place. Despite the advantages, the researcher found that Parkinsons support groups in South Africa are stagnating or disappearing. The aim of this study was to identify critical factors, which could initiate the growth and development of Parkinsons support groups. The information would enable the Parkinsons Association to initiate successful support groups in the community. A descriptive study design was used. Individual questionnaires were sent to 400 patients and caregivers who were drawn systematically from the Parkinsons Association's alphabetical address list. All group leaders, identified by the association, and who could be found, also received the questionnaire. Eventually, 312 completed questionnaires were returned (171 patients, 126 caregivers and 15 group leaders). The literature and empirical study identified both socialising and increasing knowledge of pathology, as the respondents' most important needs. Parkinsons support groups fulfil both these needs. Additional factors are needed to ensure the continued growth and development of Parkinsons support groups. The following critical factors that hamper development were found: - The lack of community awareness and involvement concerning Parkinsons support groups. The new health laws may possibly improve the situation by creating the relevant resources in the community. - All three groups are not aware of a support group's potential and what the Parkinsons Association is able to offer. - Communication is lacking between support groups and with the Parkinsons association, especially for the group leaders. - There are no specific group structure and aims (the internal mechanisms which develop and sustain a group). Program planning according to each individual group's needs and effective evaluation methods are lacking. - Basic skills training and development of Parkinsons support group leaders, in presentation and group management, should be done. - Patients are unsure of their own specific needs and which needs to choose for group subjects. Thus, the democratic compilation of the year program is affected. - The acknowledgement of the caregiver's role and needs in Parkinsons support groups is lacking. A multidisciplinary team involvement with groups is needed. - Rehabilitation and maintenance programs are not emphasized.