Caregiver Resources
A caregiver, also known as care partner or care provider, is someone who provides any type of physical and/or emotional care for another person. Often times they find themselves having to perform new and unfamiliar tasks to include:
- giving medicines
- helping with personal care
- assisting with meals
- performing medical and nursing procedures.
It is normal to feel nervous or overwhelmed. You may experience a number of mixed emotions including anxiety, anger, and sadness. At the same time, however, you'll probably feel the need to care for the person with Parkinson's Disease as well as you can.
Some people have trouble adapting to their new role. So it is very important to recognize if this is happening to you and, if so, to talk to someone. Friends and family members are a great place to start. Try not to think about being a burden to others or hold back in fear of their judgment. You are experiencing a big challenge and it is okay for you to turn to family and friends for help.
Set It in Motion
One of our educational programs, Set It in Motion will help you care for someone with Parkinson's Disease. In this program, you will increase your skills and knowledge so that you are better aware of and trained in the special care of people with Parkinson's Disease. This training is highly recommended for spouses, family members, respite care workers, support group leaders, social workers and public workers.
Call the Parkinson's Information & Referral Center if you would like to learn more about this or any of our other programs.
