Taking on the caregiver role definitely can interfere with our relationship especially in times when we are trying to be intimate. We have found that spontaneity is a thing of the past so we now schedule Playdates for ourselves. As we learned in a recent OHSU program on Intimacy and Parkinson’s*, if we can plan for birthday celebrations and holidays, why not treat the loving side of our relationship in the same way? Setting a date allows us to look forward to it with excitement and makes sure we are ready when it arrives. Usually we try to set aside time once a week, and it gives us an excuse to let go of everything else.

We take advantage of all those times when we can be loving whether it is cuddling in bed every morning or candlelit dinners at home every night. The balance in our relationship has shifted, but he still knows that I am his partner first and caregiver second, I hope it will always be that way.

*The Intimacy and Parkinson’s presentation was part of the OHSU Essential Tools for Managing PD. Find more information at their website OHSU Parkinson Center.