The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is often devastating not just to the patient but also to the patient's partner. The well spouse is faced with a number of questions: 

• What will happen to us? 
• Will I be able to cope with the effects of the illness? 
• Will I have the stamina and courage to care for my loved one?

Such care can be very demanding. At Parkinson Society Ottawa, we want to help improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's as well as their families and caregivers by providing information and support services. We believe that there are three key elements that can prevent the care-giving requirements from becoming overbearing.

Knowledge is power - Learn about the disease from reliable sources. The major hazard for caregivers is the avalanche of information available from various sources. For example, the number of Web sites providing medical information and advice is overwhelming. Unfortunately, many of the suggestions come from unreliable sources and can be hazardous to the patient's health.

Your primary source of information should be a family physician, neurologist or specialist, and Parkinson Society Ottawa. With our extensive Resource Library, the Society is a major source of information-we even provide information to physicians.

Communication is very important - Our Family Education Program, offered every three months, is hosted by professionals and involves a multi-faceted presentation on many aspects of Parkinson's; the program provides an opportunity for a discussion between the person with Parkinson’s, their caregivers and the medical professionals on hand.

Every caregiver needs a break - Find an hour a day to get away from the responsibilities of caring. Go for lunch with a friend or just spend some quiet time with a book. Involve family members, a neighbor, senior volunteer, or even paid companions. Remember, your care recipient also needs time away from you! Even the most loving relationships can become strained when partners spend every waking moment together.

If you can, arrange for a longer respite period once each week. Some Senior Day Centres offer attractive, inexpensive activity programs during the week. Time away from the house will keep you both from feeling like prisoners. Some residential care facilities admit patients for a short-term stay; this would allow you to get away for a few days to recharge your batteries.

Parkinson Society Ottawa can help you in locating information about respite care, visiting nurses, transportation services and day programs for the patients. Contact us- call our office at (613) 722-9238 or e-mail us at psoc@lri.ca.