Progressive Illness: A Marathon, not a Sprint

When someone is diagnosed with a progressive long term illness it affects not only that person but the entire family and in particular the primary caregiver. As the facilitator of a Parkinson’s Support group for both those living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers I believe that communication plays a major part in successfully living with a progressive disease.

First, it is important to have an open dialogue with your spouse. As a caregiver you need to feel free to express your frustration just as the person with disease should be able to vent about the challenges they are facing. Second, communicate with your extended family and friends. So many couples feel a need to internalize the stress of a progressive illness and their friends and family feel like they are intruding if they ask about it. A progressive illness is a marathon not a sprint you will need a strong support system to weather this storm. Finally, find a support group that works for you.

Finding a group of people who are in similar situations as you and your loved one will give you a safe place as well as a wealth of knowledge from those that are experiencing an illness first hand. Nurses & Company offers several different groups including caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, and Parkinson’s Support Group. Call the office for more details or visit our website
www.NursesandCo.com.

We may grow older every year but age is only a number.
Let’s live fully, laugh a-lot, and continually learn so that together we can
age with grace.

Ann Byrum Ritter, RN
ARitter@nursesandco.com 
Facebook.com/NursesandCo 
www.NursesandCo.com
636.926.3722