I am learning more about my husband’s journey with aging and Parkinson’s Disease every day. I didn’t understand some basic challenges my husband was facing until they were called out to us. I didn’t realize that, back when he was showering himself, there were parts of his body he couldn’t reach to properly clean. We were being interviewed by a nurse evaluating his need for assistance when she asked who washed his back and feet. It was an “aha” moment for both of us.

In a more recent encounter with a speech and language pathologist, we were told he had a lump on the back of his tongue. I bought a tongue scraper and started helping him with his oral health twice a week and it seems to have gone away. The foot nurse who trims his toenails complimented my husband on his excellent foot care. He mentioned that many of his patients have fungus growing between their toes and other foot conditions from poor hygiene. I guess we’re doing something right.  

Dry skin is a constant with Parkinson’s and I am able to keep an eye on it when I help him dress. His caregiver trims the hair in his nose and ears and alerts me to any possible problems there. Parkinson’s impacts so many of my husband’s usual capabilities that only by working closely with his care providers are we able to make sure everything gets done. Especially those things he may not think of himself.