Our local Parkinson’s Disease community has a couple of CarePartner specific support groups that have been very helpful in my journey. They also provide training on caring for your Person with Parkinson’s and offer grants for respite care. When I felt that I still needed a little more support, I worked with a friend to create a monthly breakfast group for PD CarePartners. I even learned recently about a local organization that provides holiday gift bags for everyone who cares for someone with a chronic illness, regardless of the diagnosis. They understand the difficulties we face and how valuable our work is to the community as a whole. It feels so good to know that there are people out there who acknowledge and recognize the role we play.

I also take advantage of some national resources. All of our major Parkinson’s related foundations are now offering CarePartner training and support. One of my favorites is an on-line monthly meeting led by Connie Carpenter Phinney, a long-time CarePartner herself, and can be accessed through the Davis Phinney Foundation website. It is held the first Tuesday of every month and I can join with CPs from around the world to talk about things that we are all facing.

My husband’s welfare depends on my welfare. I need to make sure that I am taking good care of me so I can take good care of him. Accepting help by utilizing all available resources is essential as I strive to be the best CarePartner and the best person I can for both of our sakes.

To find more resources check out the Parkinson’s Foundation, American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Davis Phinney Foundation, and your local Area Agency on Aging.