Most carers are asked to help with or take over daily tasks that may become difficult to near impossible for someone with Parkinson’s.
Carers may assist with making and keeping appointments, attending appointments to ensure information is understood and recommendations are followed, transport, cooking, cleaning, and providing ongoing emotional support on the good and the bad days. You do not need special medical training to assist someone living with Parkinson’s, though it is highly recommended that you seek professional help in the advanced stages.
Parkinson’s is challenging for the person living with it. However, it can be just as challenging for a care partner. Grief and loss for what you thought your future together would look like to the reality of living with Parkinson’s. Carers can suffer from frustration and anger, depression and sleep disorders. If not properly looked after, they can experience carer burden.
However, having the right supports in place for you and your person with Parkinson’s, including sound information, a multidisciplinary care team, carer supports from government programs like NDIS, and help from family, friends, work colleagues, and neighbours, will help you on your journey.
There are many carers’ supports available, including support groups, online training, counselling, breaks and respite care, and financial supports if you are eligible:
Key Facts
- There are over 3 million carers in Australia, making up nearly 12% of the population and about 1.2 million people (4.6% of the population) are primary carers
- Two-thirds of primary carers are female, and the average age of a primary carer is 54 years old
- Carers who are employed are 54% more likely to have healthy levels of wellbeing; however, 1 in 2 carers are doing less paid work than desired
- Carers with supportive workplaces are 33% more likely to have healthy levels of wellbeing
References: www.carersaustralia.com.au, 2024 Carer Wellbeing Survey