I have been co-facilitating our local Parkinson’s support group for a few years now. It was something I enjoyed and something positive I could do in response to this challenging shared diagnosis. During a recent meeting I was speaking with fellow CarePartners about how busy our lives can get and the many hats we are called upon to wear. We talked about which hats could come off to relieve some of the stress we face. It was an eye opening experience for me.

There were a few hats that I couldn’t let go of, particularly those that involve personal care for my husband when no one else is around. Then there were the hats that involved caring for our home so we have a safe and sound roof over our heads. Financial management, shopping, generally interacting with the world at large are essential tasks that I must provide so those hats stay in place. One hat I realized I needed to take off was the one that involved the support group. I recognized that as my role as co-facilitator was impacting my role as CarePartner which was the indication it was time to step aside.

Just as my  husband’s disease is progressing, so is my role as his Caring Partner. There is more responsibility every day and as that increases I must realistically adjust my life in other ways to make it work. I know there are other hats that will have come off, but am happy that for now we can still come to support group meetings. I’m looking forward to putting that simpler attendee hat back on.