Asking for help as the caregiver (husband 20 yrs with Parkinson's)

You are an amazing person. That is long time to be with a spouse for what I call a short time and then Parkinsons shows up. I have been married for 52 plus years.We have been going through this since 2013. He is getting much worse. I feel despair and defeated at times. It seems the more you do and nothing in return makes you feel like you are no longer their partner ..just their help. Cooking , cleaning and of course helping them get cleaned up. I really do understand. Sometimes it feels like your are dealing with a stranger. Please know alot of us get where you are. Share whatever you need to. I certainly will read and comment if appropriate. 🫂

Wow….52 years married. That is Amazing!!! I’m sorry you too are dealing with this.

Out God is my strength and comfort.

I can relate to the feelings you’re having about now caring for what seems to be a stranger versus a partner/helpmate/soulmate… many times it is hard to remember those special moments when loving was caring and NOW it is caring that is the loving.

God is good. He is always there and He is an amazing comfort. My prayers for you will be that you will seek Him and know He is with you at all times.

I know that this road that we are on can get very tough at times. I am a 76 year old male, been married for 44 years & also have Parkinson. My strength comes from having a relationship with Jesus Christ & accepting Him as my Lord & Savior. Never forget that God knows all about what we are going through & he really does care for us. I encourage you to trust in the Lord with all of your heart & to talk to Him in prayer. My prayers are with you & your husband at this most difficult time in your lives. God Bless You

Thank you for your words of encouragement and prayers. I too have a relationship with Jesus Christ as does my husband.

He is our strength and comfort. Sometimes I just need that physical warmth of a hug. My prayers for you and your wife. God bless you.

Thank you! I think you know that you are blessed to have a kind soul and the love of God. Your comments mean more than you know. Again, thank you and God bless you as well.

I just wanted to say hello and offer a hug to you. I have searched for parkinson care giver people and finally found this. I am 10 years in, it's been H--l. falls are the worst. now moving into the mild dementia stage. this is no fun.

If at all possible arrange for outside help to spend time with your husband so you can have a break. There may be state programs that can help you or if not paying for private help is worth doing. Medicare may cover some if his needs are "skilled nursing" types meaning help with taking meds, feeding, dressing etc.

I empathize with you, husband was diagnosed 10 years ago with parkinsons and now has mild dementia, he has anger outbursts with me and most recently this occurred the day after I had surgery. I'm finding the loss of my partner both physically and mentally extremely difficult. We're going to be needing changes here as I can't take it anymore. There's been total breakdown of our 35 year relationship. I am so lost. Wishing you peace.

@mira98 so sorry for both of you. This is a hard disease for each of you. My heart goes out to you. I pray you find support both mentally and physically. My son and his wife have been a godsend to us. We have just purchased a home with a generational suite for us to live in . There is a door separating our living space from theirs. Help is just a yell away. God is good. He is there to help you too. You and your husband will be in my prayers. Hugs.

Hello @mira98

I'm so sorry to hear of your difficult situation. It is important for you to be safe and for your husband to be cared for.

Have you looked into alternative living situations for your husband? What type of support do you have?