The Day By Day Approach

Hello Friends and Families,

Parkinson’s disease, which we recognize this month, is a condition that touches many individuals.  According to the Parkinson’s disease Foundation, the number of people with Parkinson’s exceeds the number of people with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.  Now, double that number to factor in at least one family caregiver for each person with Parkinson’s.

Though the hope for a cure is always present, people with Parkinson’s struggle with daily activities; basic tasks that evade completion.  No matter how much we look toward the future or set long-term goals, everyone can become discouraged when the speed of our progress is slow or unchanging.  Sometimes it is better for our outlook and even our health if each day begins with a fresh start.

Many organizations like Synergy HomeCare have established programs to help people with Parkinson’s, but the best medicine is often a personal strategy to overcome our daily obstacles.  For a long time, I have been a fan of the “For Dummies” series, which increase understanding of complex topics by breaking them down into essential information.  I highly recommend reading the daily Parkinson’s disease CHECK-IN is a refresher course on how to approach each day with this disease:

• • Challenge — Acknowledge and face the facts.
  • Humor — Find and revel in the absurd.
  • Empowerment — Refuse to surrender your life and relationships to PD.
  • Collaboration — Team with your family, friends, and healthcare providers.
  • Knowledge — Know the difference between myth and fact and keep up with the latest developments.
  • Integration — Treat the body, mind, and spirit.
  • Never give up!

The neurological degeneration of Parkinson’s directly impacts motor function, but it doesn’t decrease one’s ability to make a difference in the world.  People like Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali speak out about Parkinson’s research.   Johnny Cash and Pope John Paul II continued to inspire and uplift large groups of people after their diagnosis.  The prognosis for Parkinson’s is still uncertain.  However, this does not take away your ability to be an active participant in your everyday life.

If you have Parkinson’s Disease, or care for a loved one with this condition, there is help for you and your family.  You are welcome to refer to Synergy HomeCare’s list of free resources, or contact your local Synergy HomeCare office for information aboutrespite and compassionate caregiving.

Sincerely,

Peter Tourian

CEO, Synergy HomeCare