My dad was diagnosed with PD about 2 years ago, but due to COVID and the lockdowns the diagnosis was delayed by some time. He’s not been well for a good few years before that
At first we thought it was just depression or anxiety, he’s always been quite a nervous person, but then it just got worse and worse.
My mum is his carer essentially now and I really worry she’s struggling to cope. I love close by so see them a one or two times a week, but I feel so powerless.
I honestly worry about my mum’s mental health. My dad isn’t the same person, he’s just so small now, in stature and demeanor.
I feel awful about this but sometimes I dread going to see them because I just don’t know what to say or how to help. My mum doesn’t really have any friends to offloaded to and the whole situation just feels hopeless. I must cry about the situations at least once every few days.
My husband’s parents are both in good health and go out all the time and on holiday and I just feel it’s so unfair. My parents should be enjoying their retirement, my dad is only 69, my mum 65 and it’s just not fair that they have to deal with this for the rest of their lives.
I don’t know the point of this message but I just need to put it out into the aether.
We’re so sorry to hear about the challenges your family is facing. There is no easy answer or fix, sadly, but the good news is that intelligent, determined, fiercely driven people are working every day to find a cure. And you can help. Just have a look at our website at Parkinsons.org.uk for information about Parkinson’s as well as ways you can help raise funds, educate your community, and understand better what your dad – and your mum – are going through.
In addition to this we have a free and confidential helpline, on 0808 800 0303, staffed with advisors who can assist with a range of needs, including financial and mental health support for carers in your mum’s position, so do reach out to them, and perhaps have your mum speak to them as well. They are friendly and supportive and may surprise you with the ways they can help.
We hope these tools can provide some support for your family during this trying time.
I know exactly where you are coming from feeling helpless. I cry a lot too. My Dad is my mum’s carer, they are both 81. Mum has had Parkinson’s for 22 years now, he often rings me to vent when he is frustrated with her condition and I just don’t know what to say or do. I feel so isolated at times, I don’t have any siblings, partner or kids to share the burden. I work full time so feel guilty that I can’t spend more time with them to help. The hardest part is getting people to understand about Parkinson’s, they just don’t understand the condition and how hard it is to see someone you love suffer.
