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/
Log on to learning
Find webinars hosted by specialists in PD and DBS.
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
Indications for Use: The Boston Scientific 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.
Contraindications, warnings, precautions, side effects: The Deep Brain Stimulation Systems or any of its components, is contraindicated for: Diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as the safety of these therapies in patients implanted with the Vercise™ DBS System has not been established, patients who are unable to operate the system, patients who are poor surgical candidates or who experience unsuccessful test stimulation. Patients implanted with Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation Systems without ImageReady™ MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Patients implanted with Vercise Gevia™ or Vercise Genus™ 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 Deep Brain Stimulation Systems. Assess patients for the risks of depression and suicide. This assessment should consider both the risk of depression and suicide as well as the potential clinical benefits of DBS therapy. Monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or changes in mood or impulse control and manage appropriately. Refer to the Instructions for Use provided with the Vercise DBS System or BostonScientific.com for potential adverse effects, warnings, and precautions prior to using this product.
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 the Vercise 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 Vercise Stimulator housing is ruptured or pierced. The Deep Brain Stimulation System 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 Vercise DBS System. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects, 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.
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