Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Emily) – Janet was a social person who loved to go out and have fun. Despite her Parkinson’s, she was determined to continue doing the things she loved, and it was my responsibility as her companion to assist her in experiencing those activities. We did everything from shopping trips, visiting restaurants, playing bingo, and going to the casino. Helping Janet do the things she loves was an important contribution to her overall well-being.

California Dreaming (Terry) – One of the most memorable adventures Janet and I shared was traveling to California to visit her mother. It was a significant trip for Janet because she wanted to spend quality time with her mom before either of their health limitations made a trip too challenging. Janet was overjoyed throughout the visit, and I am so grateful to have helped her make that happen. 

Do You Want to Know a Secret? (Jolynn) Janet and I experienced a meaningful moment when we both discovered that we would become grandmothers at a similar time. We were both so appreciative to have someone to share the experience with. I was thrilled when I was given the responsibility to keep the gender of my grandbaby a secret until the big reveal. However, I couldn’t contain my excitement, so I decided to share the news with Janet that I would be welcoming a grandson. It was one of the many special moments that Janet and I shared together.

Let’s Go Swimming (Emily, Terry, and Jolynn)—Last summer, Janet expressed her desire to swim in the waters of Lake Koronis at her beloved lake home. We were determined to make it happen, so we carefully planned to safely transport her into the lake using a floating lawn chair to provide her with support. It’s always a pleasure to go above and beyond when caring for someone and help make their dreams a reality. Those moments create wonderful core memories for everyone involved and leave you feeling grateful afterward.

Staying Independent (Terry) – Over time, as her disease progressed, Janet could do less and less. That was challenging for me because my instinct was to do more for her, while my training told me that it was essential not to take on any responsibilities that a person with Parkinson’s can and wants to handle themselves. For many, maintaining as much independence as possible is very important to their self-perception and sense of dignity. 

We Are Family (Terry) – The relationship I built with Janet’s family was something special. We used to have dinner together every Tuesday, and during the summer, we spent a lot of time with her family at their cabin on Lake Koronis. As a caregiver, it’s important to build meaningful relationships with the family members of the person you are caring for. Doing so helped me be a better caregiver to Janet and offered support to the people Janet loved most.

Specialized Training (Jolynn) – Caring for people with Parkinson’s is a specialty. So, at English Rose, we have developed a specialized Parkinson’s care curriculum. As part of this training, caregivers wear special slippers that simulate the feeling of being “stuck,” a symptom of Parkinson’s. They also use special utensils that mimic the shaking that people with Parkinson’s experience. All English Rose caregivers participate in Parkinson’s Care training, and they receive ongoing mentoring from our eight in-house certified Parkinson’s champions who have undergone more extensive training through our partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Practicing Patience (Terry) – When caring for people with Parkinson’s disease, patience is key. They may take some time to process a response or work through their emotions before answering a question. That’s ok. It’s important to allow them to do things independently before stepping in to assist.

Caregiving (Jolynn) – Parkinson’s is a complex illness, so what works for one person may not work for the next. For example, not all individuals with Parkinson’s experience severe cognitive impairment. As a Parkinson’s caregiver, the most important thing to do is build a positive relationship with your client, allow them to participate in all aspects of their care plan, help them maintain their independence, and keep them physically active.