People have been caring for each other since the beginning of time, but families in Canada are now providing more complex care for a longer period of time than ever before. Medical advances have meant that we are more successful in the treatment of serious, acute illnesses and therefore our loved ones are living longer. As a result, they are developing more ongoing or chronic conditions like Parkinson's that can make it very difficult for them to care for themselves.
Increasingly, the stresses on the health care system means that more and more family members (particularly women) are taking on more caregiving responsibilities, and many need support and information for their new role.
Caring for a loved one can bring families closer, it can enhance relationships and it can feel good to make it possible for a loved one to stay in their own home. It can be rewarding to know that your loved one is living the best way possible.
However, caring for a family member can also separate families, disrupt relationships, be exhausting and involve some difficult decisions. Some challenges you may encounter include:
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A shift in dependence when a parent or partner becomes frail
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Finances becoming an issue
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Stress related to changes in roles
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Lack of understanding of the aging process
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Emotional responses to change
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Lack of understanding of the workings of the health care system
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Difficulty setting limits on the type and degree of involvement
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Lack of planning (practical and financial) for the future
(Adapted from "Resource Guide for Family Caregivers", 2nd Edition, Family Caregivers Network Society, Victoria, BC)
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Caring in Parkinson's will look different at different times. Initially, the term "care-partner" may be appropriate to describe the relationship of a spouse, adult child or friend who helps a person with Parkinson's. You may partner with each other to provide care for each other.
For some people, this relationship shifts as Parkinson's progresses. In the later stages of Parkinson's, the emotions of caring for each other may remain, but the physical act of caring is no longer reciprocal. |
To successfully adapt to the role of caregiver and to experience the many positive aspects of this role, self-care is essential. Caring for someone with Parkinson's disease means caring for yourself.
For more information:
or request a copy by calling the phone numbers below.
For support and information relating to family caregiving, don't hesitate to contact Parkinson Society British Columbia (1-800-668-3330). Your local Health Authority may also have some education and programs related to caregiving.
