Changes, even small, are not our friend. A glitch in our schedule can take us from a good day to a bad day in a moment. We recently had work done at our house which meant people coming and going all day long. The disruption was expected and yet still we struggled. I could tell that my husband was exhausted as his naps were shorter and less restful. Thank goodness they were only here for a couple of days.

I also need to make sure that things stay in place within our home. Not just the big things either, it can be a small item in the wrong spot and it causes a problem. I put my razor on the wrong shelf in the shower, he knocked it off and broke it. Not a big problem for me, but it could mean a potential fall for him. It was where it didn’t belong, my fault, because I know that my husband doesn’t handle unexpected events. I need to minimize potentially dangerous situations by remembering to put things away correctly.

Set routines and a safe environment have benefits for both of us. If we have a solid framework for our days, then the ups and downs of Parkinson’s won’t be as difficult to manage. There is much in my life over which I have little or no control; I can try to keep a schedule and a tidy house. At least then, when the unexpected happens, it won’t be my fault.