Adult children and PD
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a family affair: everyone in your family is affected. As a parent of a young child or teen, it is important to consider how PD might affect your children and what can be done to continue to live a full family life with PD. A parent’s illness can present challenges for a family, but it can also provide opportunities for children to grow in ways they may never have experienced without the health issue. The good news is that children often adjust well to a loved one’s diagnosis of PD. With support, they not only adjust but also thrive and can become more self-sufficient, confident and independent -
Get the “Every Victory Counts” book from https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/resources/every-victory-counts-manual/
It has a few pages about this and more.
“Learning that your parent has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s isn’t something anyone wants to face. However, if you’re able to focus on the good that comes with it, it is possible to help your parent and all of the others involved live well.
Things will change over time as Parkinson’s progresses—your parent’s Parkinson’s symptoms will change, meaning family plans, finances, and responsibilities will change, now and for the future. Talk with your parents about your concerns. Together you can figure out solutions.
A Parkinson's diagnosis creates a ripple effect. Your diagnosis affects your partner, family, friends and acquaintances. Being open about your feelings, symptoms and concerns can help keep relationships strong and get you the support you want or need.
“I was 18/19 years old when it happened. You’re old enough to feel like you’re on your own, but you’re young enough to still need your parents… My dad was like Superman to me. I think that was the hardest part, thinking that Superman could be affected by anything outside of kryptonite. I didn’t want to believe it.”
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