CARING FOR PARKINSON’S

Livingii & Ccaringi authors Ann Andrews and Jennifer Dann provide advice for families affected by the disease

Parkinson’s is a slow-moving neuro-degenerative disorder. People can go for years with only mild symptoms like a hand tremor, slowed walk and quieter speech. Their partners often don’t realise they’ve become a carer until the person with Parkinson’s begins falling regularly and it’s no longer safe to leave them alone for more than an hour or two.

The couple socialises less as the person with Parkinson’s struggles to keep up with group conversations and finds it embarrassing to eat in company because they make a mess. Increased isolation combines with exhaustion as the person with Parkinson’s wakes several times a night to go to the toilet and needs help to get there. While carers are at risk of injury while lifting their partner, the emotional toll is far greater. All carers experience difficult feelings such as frustration, anger, guilt, loss and sadness.

When these become overwhelming, it’s time to ask for professional help. Being on duty 24/7 with no relief grinds carers down. Friends, family and neighbours can all help by offering to give carers a break. Schedule time to take the person with Parkinson’s on an outing or simply keep them company at home so the carer has a chance to get out and do something for themselves.