When a person receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, the effects extend out into that person’s world. Family members often find themselves in new roles as caregivers—or, in the phrase of Sheila Moore, a licensed clinical social worker at Pacific Neuroscience Institute—care partners. Sheila works with people who have Parkinson’s disease and their care partners at PNI and at PNI’s Movement Disorders Center. Sheila has a wealth of information, resources and referrals for families, as well as support for those incredibly trying times. Sheila also works closely with PNI’s Parkinson’s disease and movement disorder neurologists, Dr. Melita Petrossian and Dr. Natalie Diaz as well as the rest of the team. Sheila shares with us today some of her experiences and advice for when situations become tough, along with her top ten tips for the empowered care partner. We also talk to Mary, who found herself thrust into the role of care partner when her husband Charles received a Parkinson’s diagnosis at PNI almost 10 years ago. Mary has worked with Sheila and participated in support groups, and offers her own advice and experience in how to cope with this challenging situation.
When a person receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, the effects extend out into that person’s world. Family members often find themselves in new roles as caregivers—or, in the phrase of Sheila Moore, a licensed clinical social worker at Pacific Neuroscience Institute—care partners. Sheila works with people who have Parkinson’s disease and their care partners at PNI and at PNI’s Movement Disorders Center. Sheila has a wealth of information, resources and referrals for families, as well as support for those incredibly trying times. Sheila also works closely with PNI’s Parkinson’s disease and movement disorder neurologists, Dr. Melita Petrossian and Dr. Natalie Diaz as well as the rest of the team. Sheila shares with us today some of her experiences and advice for when situations become tough, along with her top ten tips for the empowered care partner. We also talk to Mary, who found herself thrust into the role of care partner when her husband Charles received a Parkinson’s diagnosis at PNI almost 10 years ago. Mary has worked with Sheila and participated in support groups, and offers her own advice and experience in how to cope with this challenging situation.