Sometimes it’s the little things that count, things I wouldn’t necessarily think about but that can make a difference. The little things like chopping meat up while cooking so that it is easier for my husband to eat. Or, maybe it’s pre-buttoning his shirts so he can just pull them over his head and doesn’t have to wear t-shirts or sweatshirts all the time. Maybe it’s moving a tricky rug out of the way so he doesn’t trip on it. Maybe it’s slowing things down and really listening so that he feels heard and a part of our conversation.

I know that I can’t change everything to make life the way it was before he was diagnosed, but if there are small changes that can help us through, then I need to make them. Little things like paying for things when we are out and about so he doesn’t have to struggle with getting out his credit card or signing his name. I have become our driver so he can relax and focus on the ride. We have set our bedroom up so he has a clear shot at the bathroom should he need it during the night.

I hate to equate it to living with a young child, yet there are some similarities as we both plan to age in place. We are working together to PD-proof our lives and our home. Just as I had to adapt and child-proof my home when my son was a toddler, I take care to look at what is needed now and try to find ways to make life safer. I cannot control his illness, but I can control the environment we share and hopefully make it an easier journey for us both.