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Caring is critical

A Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis doesn't just happen to one person, it happens to the whole family. Understanding how to support your loved one and your role as care partner can help you plan for the journey ahead. 

Nurturing yourself and your relationship

We all know the adage “you can’t help others until you help yourself.” The same is true for caring for a loved one with PD. While your role will change throughout a loved one’s care, it’s important to put your mental and physical health front and center.  

Their needs change, so will your role

Parkinson’s symptoms progress differently from person to person. But you can expect the needs of your loved one to change and your role to change, too. 

Early stages

In the early stages of PD, you may act as a sounding board or cheerleader for a loved one with a life-changing diagnosis. You will most likely establish new daily routines and take on additional household roles. Together, you should determine your comfort level for sharing your diagnosis and progress with family and friends. During this time, take account of finances and budget for outside care in the later stages of PD, offering you both peace of mind that a plan is in place.

Mid-stage

As PD progresses, so will the level of care. Symptoms may arise that lead your loved one to ask for help completing daily tasks like cleaning the house or paying bills. You’ll also be faced with decisions about insurance, financial issues, and even advocating for your loved one when they can’t advocate for themself. Preserving your well-being is vital, so you can nurture yourself and your relationship during this phase.1 

Late stages

The late stages of PD usher in the harshest challenges. Dementia, imparied mobility, speech problems, and mood disturbances may lead your loved one to rely on you for everything from using the bathroom and dressing to visiting their doctors. 

During this time, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself. Take a moment or more to visit friends, exercise, and schedule activities you enjoy. There are many support groups and resources available to help you as you navigate caring for a loved one with PD. We’ve listed them below.1

“Knowing the debilitation that he had before [DBS], and what he’s like after the procedure—it’s night and day.” 

- Barb—Ken’s wife and care partner, Daytona Beach, FL

Resources for care partners2

Caregiver Action
https://caregiveraction.org/

 

Caregiver Action Network:
Home Parkinson’s Creative Collective
https://www.neurotalk.org/

GriefNet
http://www.griefnet.org/

 

Cargiving.org
https://www.caregiving.org/

Log on to learning

Find webinars hosted by specialists in PD and DBS. 

Browse Webinars and Events

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.

References: 1. Parkinson’s Foundation. Stages of Parkinson’s. Accessed July 1, 2021. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/What-is-Parkinsons/Stages-of-Parkinsons 2. Michael J. Fox Foundation. Support Groups. Accessed July 1, 2021. https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/support-groups

Indication for Use: The Boston Scientific Vercise™ PC, Vercise Gevia™, Vercise Genus™ Deep Brain Stimulation Systems are indicated for use in:
-Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of moderate to advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.
-Bilateral stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.
-Unilateral thalamic stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is indicated for the suppression of tremor in the upper extremity. The system is intended for use in patients who are diagnosed with essential tremor or parkinsonian tremor not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability. 
-Bilateral stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus for the suppression of disabling upper extremity tremor in adult essential tremor patients whose tremor is not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability.

The Boston Scientific Vercise Deep Brain Stimulation System is indicated for use in:
-Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of moderate to advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.

Contraindications: The Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Systems are not recommended for patients who will be exposed to the following procedures: Diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).  The safety of these therapies in patients implanted with the Boston Scientific DBS System has not been established.  Patients implanted with Boston Scientific DBS Systems without ImageReady™ MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Patients implanted with the Vercise Gevia or Vercise Genus or Vercise Genus Mixed System with M8 Adapter or Vercise DBS Lead-Only System (before Stimulator is implanted) with ImageReady MRI Technology are Full Body MR Conditional only when exposed to the MRI environment under the specific conditions defined in ImageReady MRI Guidelines for Boston Scientific DBS Systems.  Boston Scientific DBS Systems are not recommended for patients who are unable to operate the system or are poor surgical candidates or who experience unsuccessful test stimulation.

Warnings: Unauthorized modification to the medical devices is prohibited.  You should not be exposed to high stimulation levels.  High level of stimulation may damage brain tissue.  Patients implanted with a Boston Scientific DBS System may be at risk for intracranial hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain) during DBS lead placement.  Strong electromagnetic fields, such as power generators, security screeners or theft detection systems, can potentially turn the stimulator off, or cause unpredictable changes in stimulation. The system should not be charged while sleeping.  If you notice new onset or worsening depression, changes in mood or behavior or impulse control, or have thoughts of suicide contact your physician or emergency services immediately.  Chemical burns may result if the Stimulator housing is ruptured or pierced.  The Boston Scientific DBS Systems may interfere with the operation of implanted stimulation devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, implanted cardioverter defibrillators, or medication delivery pumps. Patients should operate motorized vehicles or potentially dangerous machinery with caution.  It is unknown if the device may hurt an unborn baby. Your doctor may be able to provide additional information on the Boston Scientific DBS Systems.  For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects, see DBSandME.com or call 833-DBS-INFO or 833-327-4636.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.