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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder for which there is currently no cure. However, there are many different treatment options to manage symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically develop slowly over the years, but this can vary from patient to patient. While one of these symptoms on their own is not cause for concern, you should contact your doctor if you are experiencing more than one.

Living with Parkinson’s

It can be challenging to live with Parkinson’s, but – in addition to working with your doctor and following recommended therapies – there are things you can focus on to help maintain your quality of life, including:

Raising Awareness

In honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the Parkinson’s Foundation invites you to take the #KnowMorePD quiz to see how much you know about the disease. Anyone who takes the quiz during the month of April will be entered in a weekly drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. At the end of the month, one grand prize winner will receive a new Kindle Paperwhite pre-loaded with 12 of the foundation’s educational books on PD.

Resources

You can find an abundance of resources on the Parkinson’s Foundation’s website, including, advice for newly diagnosed, living alone, and Veterans and PD.

Dear Caregiver,

We celebrate you for your dedication to taking care of your loved one. You work tirelessly to ensure they have all they need, often after coming home from full-time jobs and hectic schedules of your own. But in all of your daily appointments and to-do lists, does it say ‘self-care’ anywhere? While we recognize the importance of taking care of your loved one, we also want to remind you of how imperative it is that you also take care of yourself.

Stop Feeling Guilty

We know you have grown accustomed to putting everyone else’s needs before your own. And we know you may feel guilty and think you are being selfish by taking time for yourself. But that is not the case. No, there are not enough hours in the day. And yes, you have so many other things you need to do. But if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be able to effectively take care of those who need you. If you are overtired and burnt out, how much help and support can you really provide? So think of it this way: it is actually helping the ones you love when you take care of yourself. Because with a little ‘me time,’ you can be the best version of you for those you love.

Find Someone(s) YOU Can Lean On

Sometimes all you need is someone to talk to who truly gets what you are going through. That support can come in the form of a friend, family member, or even a Facebook group for others in your shoes. There are groups for people caring for elderly parentscaring for a loved one with Dementia, and so many more! There is even a group where you can ask questions and get answers from award-winning nurse and end-of-life educator Barbara Karnes.

Remember…

So don’t forget to add ‘take care of me’ to your to-do list and take some time for yourself. You are not selfish for doing so. You deserve it. And you need it.

Yours truly,

CompassionCare Hospice

In honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day today, we invite you to take a moment to think about what your wishes are in the event of a medical crisis. This past year, COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of discussing your wishes with your loved ones and documenting these wishes in the form of an advance directive.

Far too often, this conversation gets put on the back burner and people find themselves in a medical crisis with no plan. When this happens, it may be too late to receive the care you wanted. 

So what is advance care planning?

It includes completing an advance directive, also known as a living will. This is a written statement that details your wishes for medical treatment should you be unable to communicate these to your doctor or healthcare provider yourself. Advance care planning also includes appointing a power of attorney (POA). This person will be responsible for making your healthcare decisions if you are unable to speak for yourself.

Why is it important?

These are important steps to take to ensure you receive the care you want in the event of a medical crisis. NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach says, “It’s also important to remember that having these thoughtful discussions with your family and documenting your wishes can be a gift to your loved ones should you become critically ill and unable to speak for yourself. Your priorities will be clear to them,”

So for yourself and for your loved ones, please take some time to come up with a plan, discuss it with your loved ones, and document it in an advance directive.

See below for some resources from the NHPCO that can help with your advance care planning:

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