"Find Your Passion and Go For It."
"Just because you have PD doesn’t mean it is the end of the world... I have never looked back."
Read Gunnar's FULL STORY
Care Givers
Important questions pop up when a life altering diagnosis affects a family. Not only does the person with Parkinson disease have uncertainties but their loved ones may also ask themselves;
What can we expect for the future?
- Knowledge can lessen the fear you might have regarding Parkinson disease. It can dispel myths and put life with PD in perspective. Learn about the disease from reliable sources. You’ll see that treatments are available and living well with Parkinson disease is possible
- Talking about your feelings can help you manage them effectively. Our staff can help you by answering questions you might have, and through discussion questions that come to mind, and so that you can work toward developing strategies for coping. When you feel more in control you can begin making new plans for the future
Will I be able to cope with the effects as Parkinson disease progresses?
- Hearing about how others have coped successfully calms the fears you might have. A support group is a great place to talk to others who are experiencing the same things as you or who have experienced other challenges. You hear how people have triumphed through difficult times and you realize that it is possible
- Communicate your feelings with people who can support you through this process. Sharing the burden opens the door to finding solutions to the challenges
Will I have the strength to take care of my loved one?
- Sharing the responsibilities of caring for another person allows you to have the time and energy to devote to your relationship. Every caregiver and person with Parkinson disease needs time away from one another. Even the most loving relationships can become strained when partners spend every waking moment together. Involve other people, pay for companion services, arrange short term stays in care facilities on a regular basis so that you can get away, arrange day programs for your spouse so that they can have an enjoyable day outside the house
Parkinson Alberta Society can help you. We can also link you with other useful community resources.
Please contact your nearest Coordinator.