Gathering Updates from Advocacy Circle:

Gathering Updates from Advocacy Circle:

Jenny Zirkler, a former Executive Care Manager, has assumed leadership of the Nambucca Support Group for Parkinson's disease patients. Having collaborated with the group through her work in aged care and with Parkinson's specialist nurse Vince Carroll, she saw an opportunity to utilize her skills and experience in a volunteer capacity following her retirement.

"I wanted to continue using my skills and experience in a volunteer setting while keeping my knowledge up-to-date and my registration current," Zirkler explained. "I am also involved in two local boards, the Local Health District and a new residential home at Coffs Harbour."

Zirkler spent her childhood in Nambucca Heads before moving to Sydney for nursing training. She returned after her training, undertaking relief work in various locations and studying for her bachelor's and master's degrees. Nambucca Heads remained her home base, where she raised her family.

Prior to her work in aged care, Zirkler held positions in hospitals and served as the Executive Director of Nursing at Macksville Health Campus. Her experience in change management sparked her interest in the field of aged care, leading her to work closely with Parkinson's specialist nurse Vince Carroll as many individuals with the disease transition into residential care.

John Mills, the previous president of the support group, aided Zirkler in her transition into the role, having worked diligently for the group for the past 12 years. "Support groups always have people joining and leaving, so part of the role is to ensure that newly diagnosed individuals know we are here to help," Zirkler said. Monthly meetings typically feature a speaker, with Zirkler leveraging her background to invite medical professionals to share their insights.

Zirkler emphasized the importance of a safe, face-to-face setting for group meetings, as social interaction is often limited for individuals with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers, particularly over the last couple of years. While online platforms and community newspapers can help connect people, meeting others at the support group remains crucial.

While Zirkler has transitioned to volunteer work, she still makes time for hobbies such as walking on the beach, knitting, sewing, and gardening. "I've discovered I really enjoy whippersnipping – it's immensely satisfying to see the immediate results of your efforts," she shared. Spending time with family, including her sons and grandchildren, adds to her contentment.

Although the Enrichment Data didn't provide specific details about Zirkler's background and experience in aged care and Parkinson's support, it may be found on professional networks or organizations related to these fields. For more general insights into roles and experiences in aged care and Parkinson's support, see the Overview provided in the Enrichment Data.

1. Jenny Zirkler, now leading the Nambucca Support Group for Parkinson's disease patients, aims to use her skills in volunteer settings while keeping her knowledge updated.
2. Zirkler is also actively involved in the Local Health District and a new residential home at Coffs Harbour, besides her role in the support group.
3. Her childhood was spent in Nambucca Heads before moving to Sydney for nursing training, and she returned after her training, making Nambucca Heads her permanent home.
4. Prior to her work in aged care, Zirkler held positions in hospitals and served as the Executive Director of Nursing at Macksville Health Campus.
5. Her interest in aged care was sparked by her experience in change management, leading her to work closely with Parkinson's specialist nurse Vince Carroll.
6. John Mills, the former president of the support group, aided Zirkler in her transition, having worked diligently for the group for 12 years.
7. Monthly meetings in the support group typically feature a speaker, with Zirkler inviting medical professionals to share their insights on chronic diseases, medical conditions, and therapies and treatments.
8. Zirkler emphasizes the importance of face-to-face meetings for the support group, considering social interaction often limited for individuals with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers.
9. Hobbies like walking on the beach, knitting, sewing, and gardening help Zirkler find joy in her retirement, including a newfound appreciation for whippersnipping.
10. Aged care, Parkinson's support, health and wellness, fitness and exercise, mental health, and various medical specialties like neurological disorders, cardiovascular health, skin care, and autoimmune disorders can be part of Zirkler's extensive experience.
11. In addition to the insights provided by the Enrichment Data, more details about Zirkler's background and experience can be found on professional networks or organizations related to aged care and Parkinson's support.
12. Workplace wellness, digestive health, eye health, hearing, cancer, respiratory conditions, and nutrition also likely fall within Zirkler's areas of expertise, given her extensive background.
13. As the use of CBD for neurological disorders, mental health, skin-conditions, and other medical conditions becomes more prevalent, Zirkler's expertise and experience may continue to evolve.

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