A Better Living Home Care Agency
(Sacramento)

9719 Lincoln Village, Suite 609
Sacramento, California 95827
(916) 361‑3000

A Better Living Home Care Agency
(Walnut Creek/Concord)

2280 Diamond Boulevard, Suite 580
Concord, California 94520
(925) 680‑0300

Parkinson's Disease & Relationships

Along with many other changes Parkinson's disease causes, changes in relationships can also occur. Relationships with friends, family, even partners and spouses may be affected. Changes may be small or large. It is not unusual to experience a complete loss of some relationships or extreme deepening of other relationships. While these changes may seem to be out of your control, it is important to remember you have control over how you handle them. By choosing to be positive and proactive you will be able to navigate the complexities of relationships as change occurs.

Coming to Terms with Your Parkinson's Disease ‑ Just like you must come to terms with Parkinson's disease and its effect on relationships, so too do your friends and family. Some of their first reactions upon learning of the disorder may be grief, anger, and even disappointment. These emotions are natural and are stages from which we progress. They should not go on indefinitely.

As you are coming to terms with Parkinson's disease, you must remember it is not your fault and that you do not have to apologize for your disorder. If you find that certain people cannot come to terms and accept it, remember it is their burden not yours. Your friends and family may need to be reminded that you are still you and not the disorder.

Your Relationship with You ‑ This is by far your most important relationship because it is this one that influences all others you have. When you can accept with grace your life with Parkinson's disease, you make it easier for others to accept it as well.

There are a few ways to strengthen your relationship with you. Do always enjoyed. If you enjoy art, find ways to surround yourself with your favorite art. If you enjoy gardening, but can't do all the labor on your own, don’t let Parkinson's slow you down. Ask friends to help you with your favorite gardening tasks. Just because you have Parkinson’s is no excuse for completely stopping yourself from participating. In one way or another, you can still enjoy the same activities as you always have.

Another way to strengthen your relationship with you is to find relaxing activities that can help you recharge your batteries and create inner calm. Listening to relaxing music, meditation, observing nature, praying can all be activities that renew your sense of aliveness and energy. Sometimes simply being alone for a few minutes is enough to balance you and give you the strength to contend with life's next obstacle.

Your Relationship with Your Significant Other ‑ Probably the second most important relationship you will have is with your spouse or partner. She or he sees you at your best and worst and is there to give you the support you need. You will be learning to manage Parkinson’s disease together. By remaining intimate, sharing what you’ve learned about Parkinson's, and staying positive, your relationship will only be deepened by the disorder.

During rocky periods, continue to speak openly and frankly with your significant other. Give each other chances to voice frustrations, concerns, and anxieties. Some issues may require the assistance of a couples councilor. As long as you continue to try to talk honestly, sharing feelings and fears, you’ll be able to resolve more problems as well as continue to strengthen your relationship with your loved one. When Parkinson's disease slows you down, let that be an opportunity for your relationship to grow emotionally and spiritually.

Remember your relationships with significant others, family members and friends are a vital source of happiness, comfort and joy. They will help you overcome the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. Soon after Parkinson's disease strains those relationships, there is a great opportunity to deepen those relationships like never before. Keep yourself invested in all these relationships to help increase your ability to manage Parkinson’s disease.

Learn Facts about Parkinson's
Parkinson's & Nutritrion
Parkinson's & Exercise
Parkinson's & Fatigue
Parkinson's & Stress
Parkinson's & Home Safety