You will find some local care partner support groups here [ https://www.cdparkinsons.org/nearby-groups ]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurological condition that gradually impacts movement, cognition, and non-motor functions. Caregiving for someone with PD often starts gently—helping with tasks the person may have difficulty with early on—but as the disease advances, caregiving demands escalate. Caregiving encompasses:

• Physical assistance (help with mobility, daily activities, medication management)

• Emotional support (navigating fluctuating moods, depression, anxiety)

• Practical tasks (appointment scheduling, financial and legal planning)

Roles and Evolution of the Care Partner

The Parkinson’s Foundation outlines caregiving as extending beyond obvious physical tasks—often including emotional and spiritual care, advocacy, and coordination with healthcare teams. Early on, caregivers may not identify fully as “caregivers” because the person with PD can still function independently; however, this role becomes more defined as symptoms progress.

Caregiving often evolves through stages:

• Early stages: learning about PD, adapting to diagnosis, managing mild symptoms

• Middle stages: increasing assistance with mobility, communication, daily living tasks

• Advanced stages: tending to complex medical needs, possible decisions around residential or hospice care

Challenges and Burdens of Caregiving

Caregivers frequently encounter:

• Emotional stress and burnout: The ongoing demands can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Sometimes, caregivers experience “compassion fatigue,” a depletion of emotional resources due to constant empathy and caregiving demands.[2]

• Physical strain: Assisting with mobility and personal care can be taxing physically.

• Social isolation and lost opportunities: Caregivers may reduce social activities and feel isolated.

• Financial strain: Time off work, medical expenses, and other costs add burden.

Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers

Supporting the caregiver is as important as supporting the person with PD. Self-care practices might include:

• Accessing peer support groups and educational resources

• Taking breaks and respite care to prevent burnout

• Practicing stress reduction techniques

• Seeking counseling or mental health support as needed

Available Resources and Support

Organizations such as the Parkinson’s Foundation provide extensive resources for care partners, such as:

• Helplines and educational programs

• Local support groups and online communities

• Guides on how to prepare for medical appointments

• Tips for caregiving in different PD stages and practical safety measures

Health Disclaimer

Please remember that while caregiving guidance can help, every person’s Parkinson’s journey is unique. It is essential for care partners to work with healthcare providers for personalized advice. Also, caregivers facing significant stress or burnout should seek professional support.

Find them here:

https://www.cdparkinsons.org/nearby-groups

Davis Phinney Foundation

https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/resources/parkinsons-care-partner-resources/

The Parkinson’s Foundation Care Partner Program is designed with care partners in mind and is recommended for anyone caring for someone living with PD, including spouses, partners, children or friends. 

The Care Partner Program: Building a Care Partnership

This Series of Online Courses for Family Care Partners are: Completely Free and available for anyone with an internet connection

Self Paced – each can be completed in 1-2 hours in a single sitting or spread out over days, weeks or months

Designed by the Care Partner Program Committee, made up of current and former Parkinson’s Care Partners

Read more at https://www.parkinson.org/Summit

APDA REaources for care partners

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/resources-support/for-caregivers/

The first Tuesday of every month

12 pm Mountain Daylight Time

(11 am PDT, 1 pm CDT, 2 pm EDT)

If you could use some extra support as a care partner, please join us for our monthly Care Partner Meetup. During these one-hour sessions, Connie Carpenter Phinney and Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassadors and care partners Pat Donahoo and Gail Gitin discuss the concerns, challenges, and questions that many Parkinson’s care partners have today.

Connie has been a care partner to her husband and our founder Davis Phinney since his diagnosis 20 years ago. Pat is a care partner to his wife Cidney and Gail was a long-time care partner to her husband Gene before his passing. Together they have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, but even more so, as fellow Parkinson’s care partners, they “get” you in a way very few people do.

So, come with your questions or come just to be in the presence of others who are traveling a similar path. If you need support and are eager to find additional ways to connect with others through meaningful conversations, you’re going to love this hour each month with Connie, Pat, and Gail.

Register

Click the button above and fill out the brief form to register. You’ll receive a confirmation email with details for accessing the meetup.

Connie Carpenter Phinney

About Co