About Us

Talking about getting more help at home as Parkinson’s changes is deeply personal. Whether you are living with Parkinson’s yourself or you are a care partner, a spouse, a son or daughter, or a friend, it’s completely natural to feel stuck on how to begin.

Conversation Companion is a new tool developed and piloted by Jigsaw, an incubator within Google, in collaboration with the Parkinson’s Foundation. We created it to help people with Parkinson’s and the people close to them turn important conversations about help at home into a clear, shared plan of action. Conversation Companion provides a space for each person in your care group to share their thoughts in an iterative way that enables you to find common ground, and decide on next steps together.

Why help at home?

Parkinson’s changes over time, and so do the everyday things that keep life at home going: getting dressed, bathing, taking medication on time, communicating clearly, moving around safely, and sleeping through the night. Small changes — like a near-fall, a missed dose, a softer voice or longer pauses in conversation, or a care partner who is running on empty — are often the first signs that a shared plan would make life safer and easier for everyone. Getting on the same page early can protect independence rather than take it away. Support can mean many things across the Parkinson’s journey: family sharing the load, communication routines that give everyone time to speak, a hospital "meds on time" readiness kit, an aide for a few hours a week, home health therapy, respite for the care partner, or an occupational therapy evaluation for home or driving safety.

Important to know

This isn’t medical advice. Talk with your neurologist or care team. In an emergency, call 911. Questions? Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

Because this is a pilot, Conversation Companion will continue to evolve. We are learning alongside the people who use it. Your feedback will directly shape how the tool grows to better support others so thank you for providing it.