9 Ways #CarePartnersCan Find Support
Every November, the Parkinson’s Foundation joins with organizations across the country to honor care partners for National Family Caregivers Month. This year, we aim to empower care partners with resources that help them and their loved ones with Parkinson’s disease (PD) live better lives.
Just as care partners take on many responsibilities, with some help, care partners can take action to improve the caregiving experience. We’re using the hashtag #CarePartnersCan on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share information and recognize the incredible work care partners do every day.
Read our top 9 ways #CarePartnersCan find support this month and beyond:
- Contact our Helpline.
Helpline specialists answer your PD care partner questions and provide referrals to local healthcare professionals and wellness programs. Call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or email Helpline@Parkinson.org.
- Take a free care partner course.
Learn strategies for caring for your loved one (and yourself) as you navigate PD. Our Care Partner Program offers self-paced online courses that feature conversations with care partners and lessons from health professionals.
- Connect with your Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter.
Getting involved with your local chapter can help you build connections in your community. Find a chapter near you to discover local programs and resources.
- Attend a Care Partner Summit.
The 2022 Care Partner Summit will bring care partners together to provide them with tools to understand more about Parkinson’s and to manage their caregiving role. Connect with fellow care partners at one of our in-person or online summits.
- Make plans with your loved one.
Register for weekly virtual events through PD Health @ Home, including exercise classes you can do together. Connect with the PD community near you at an in-person event.
- Join a support group.
Support groups can help you meet care partners who share similar experiences. Connect with your local chapter to find an in-person support group or join PD Conversations, our online network of support.
BONUS Tip: Haven’t found your perfect support group? Consider starting your own with our Support Group Leader Guide.
- Practice self-care.
Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your loved one with PD. Read our blog article on care partner burnout to learn how to prevent burnout and stay healthy.
- Listen to our podcast.
Always juggling tasks? Listen to experts discuss the latest in Parkinson’s on our podcast, Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s, available wherever you listen to podcasts.
- Explore our website.
Our website features new articles written for care partners. Learn about all stages of the care partner journey and the resources that can help.
Pay it Forward for Parkinson’s
During National Family Caregivers Month, take the challenge to spread kindness and raise funds for the Parkinson's Foundation. Participants will work to complete 30 Acts of Kindness on their Pay it Forward Calendar while spreading gratitude this November.
As part of the PD community, you're helping raise awareness and funds that will bring us one step closer to a world without Parkinson’s while making lives better for people living with PD today. Download the calendar or bingo card today to get started!
#CarePartnersCan use these tips to find support for themselves and their loved one with Parkinson’s. Learn how you can celebrate National Family Caregivers Month at Parkinson.org/CaregiversMonth.