Over the years since my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, I have learned so much about this disease, but I fear I have forgotten as much as I have retained. I have stacks of books about PD and pamphlets with information about local and national resources. I know more than I ever thought I would need and yet I still find myself stumbling when facing a new or unexpected situation. Maybe it’s time to go back to the basics.

What were some of the things I learned in the beginning? I remember a workshop about helping him get out of bed and in and out of cars but it wasn’t relevant at the time. Thank goodness I saved all of the handouts. I have a copy of Every Victory Counts from the Davis Phinney Foundation and Coping and Caring, A Caregiver’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease from the Parkinson’s Foundation. I even purchased a copy of Parkinson’s Disease for Dummies but have since given it away. I read all of these books but didn’t need the information at the time as it didn’t fit with my husband’s symptoms. I think it’s time to revisit those materials, looking specifically for what we need in our journey rather than try to absorb it all.

The thing I have held onto over the years is the knowledge that Parkinson’s Disease is going to look different for everyone who has it. That means that everyone who gets to be a CarePartner will also have a unique journey all their own. There are some basics I need to embrace, things like “don’t blame the person, blame the disease”; “don’t try to do it all yourself”; “look for and use supports within your community”; and always “put your own care first”. Hopefully, the other practical tips will be available for me when, and if, I need them.

For some great basic tips on caring for someone with Parkinson’s Disease see Practical Pointers | Parkinson’s Foundation.