When the Carer Needs Care: Planning for the Unexpected With Parkinson’s
Imagine a couple who have been married for 40 years.
One partner has Parkinson’s.
The other helps with the things that have gradually become more difficult.
Perhaps they organise medication, prepare meals, drive to appointments or help with getting dressed.
They know the daily routine.
They know which medication needs to be taken and when.
They know which days are more difficult, what helps when symptoms fluctuate and which little adjustments make life easier.
They’ve been doing it for years.
Then one morning, the carer wakes up feeling unwell.
Not just a little tired.
Properly ill.
Perhaps they have flu.
Perhaps they’ve injured their back.
Or perhaps they need to go into hospital unexpectedly.
Suddenly, the person who normally provides the support is the one who needs looking after.
And a question nobody has really discussed becomes rather urgent.
Who looks after the person with Parkinson’s when their usual carer cannot?
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