How are you doing?

For those of us that have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, I hope that for the most part we are supported by our GP’s, our specialists and other health professionals we are involved with. We need to have our medications reviewed from time to time and ensure that as we progress we have all that we need on a day to day basis both in medications and equipment. We are the ‘patient’ or ‘client’ with a diagnosed degenerative condition.

In Social Work we often use analogies to illustrate certain circumstances. As an example we sometimes talk about ripples in a pond to describe how the person with the condition affects others. We place the person with Parkinson’s at the centre, but radiating out from that centre point are friends, colleagues and family members.

It is important to realise the far-reaching effects of someone having a degenerative condition can have. The person with the diagnosis, often has a formal support team through whatever health system they may be under. Through that system the person with Parkinson’s is recognised – to various degrees – as needing help and support.

The risk can be that with all the support given to the PWP (Person with Parkinson’s) those that support them may not have anyone enquiring after their health, or checking in on a regular basis. It is a given that the PWP needs to have a good relationship with their GP to ensure that their medication is correct and various health checks are made on a regular basis. After all, as we age we often have a collection of ailments of which Parkinson’s may be only part of the picture.

If the PWP has a partner/husband/wife or other significant support, it is important that someone checks on them. They may be viewed as more robust and to be managing quite well, but perhaps they may feel that the PWP needs more support than they do. This can lead to the supporter having no-one to share their thoughts and feelings with. Given the fact that they are taking on the support of someone with a degenerative condition, this will mean that the level of support needed will increase with time.

Peer support groups can be a valuable way for the primary support people to be able to talk with others going through a similar situation. However, it is done it is vitally important that the health of the supporter is also monitored.

So for me, as the wife of a wonderful supportive husband who will continue to support me through the years, I will ensure that I check in with him from time to time and show my support for him.

Just saying ‘How are you doing?’ is important and gives them the opportunity to be heard and know that their needs are to be considered also.

So, all those supporters out there, check in with yourself ‘How are you doing?’

If the answer is ‘Not so good’ reach out for help and support.