[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the Doctors words “It is Parkinson’s,” circumstances change since it has a profound effect on everyone involved, spouse, family members and also friends. This life change is especially dramatic for whoever the primary care partner is going to be. The emotions begin running the gauntlet from angry to fear for both.

This is a journey which you and your care companion are taking collectively which is unique to the two of you. Because this is a chronic progressive disease presently there simply is no method for anyone to chart the course as it advances at its own speed.

The preliminary responsibility as a care partner is to comprehend the value of your overall health and well-being, without you the entire program will fail. Don’t neglect your health and wellbeing; don’t miss your doctor appointments avoiding your own overall health needs and requirements in order to provide care of your care recipient.

Having the ability to sleep at night frequently turns into an issue for the primary care partner, get into a sleep routine going to bed at the same time and this becomes your regimen. If necessary discuss with your doctor about a sleep aid. With this new role of being a care partner the emotions usually are going to be conflicted at times causing undo stress and anxiety which will be amplified with absence of sleep.

Having Parkinson’s disease often signifies loss of earnings which lead to monetary concerns. This in turn leads to stress, tension in the home, anxiety regarding the future and often leads to depression. A substantial majority of care partners experience some level of depression which frequently leads to additional health related problems and complications. Be very conscious of what your body is telling you.

This new partnership/relationship between care partner/spouse and care recipient will develop into a new unique personality for both. This will take time to recognize and comprehend for the care partner as they will be experiencing their own individual challenges in coping with a chronic progressive disease. There will be times that the care partner experiences more issues than the person with Parkinson’s. Seems unusual to state but yet that is the reality of a care partner coping with a long term chronic illness, it has effects on each differently at diverse times.

Whenever caring for someone who has a chronic progressive disease after being diagnosed is the coming to grips with their situation. Grieving is a component of the process of coping. The care partner will be affected by this process mentally, emotionally and physically as well and it will become difficult to move forward until both reach acceptances. Once this is obtained then the care partner and person with Parkinson’s can have a realistic, practical view of what is forfeited and what the foreseeable future holds. This process of arriving to an understanding of the circumstances of what life will be and how to manage could take two years so the care partner is in a grey area of adjustments. Don’t be upset, discouraged, angry or frustrated it is a process, begin the planning, become organized and prepare for the future. Learn all you can about Parkinson’s.

Keep in mind roles and functions will be in transition from this point forward so be prepared and organized as the individual with Parkinson’s becomes more dependent relying on their partner, physically and emotionally. As this transition develops it is essential for the care partner absolutely not neglect their own needs emotionally, physically or socially. Don’t allow angry or frustration to become an emotional burden if the person you are caring for causes you to additionally neglect your own personal needs and support. This is all a function of becoming a care partner like the assumption you are not supposed to complain. That is now human and reality. Sometimes you just get angry, complain, become frustrated and lose your temper, which could be a value to let off steam and the best thing to happen for both of you. It is all part of the process and it happens, don’t beat yourself up or feel guilty, you are human.

It is extremely essential for the care partner to take care of themselves, value you and schedule time for yourself; this is not a luxury but a necessity. If you need help ask for it, if you need time away take it, it is ok that the care recipient is not always center stage. This is a long journey and by taking care of yourself you are better prepared to meet the demands of caring for you loved one. You are the most important part in this journey.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]