Grief and loss…

As anyone will know that reads this Blog, I am a Social Worker working in a Neurological Ward for people under the age of 65 with a brain injury. We have some very young people from time to time and with a diagnosis can come a lot of grief and loss. Many think of griefContinue reading “Grief and loss…”

The ‘downstairs bathroom’…

Many years ago I was on placement at our main hospital as a student Social Worker. I was placed in the Orthopaedic Ward for a short time and a very experienced Social Worker taught me a valuable lesson. A young doctor – who looked about 12 – declared that ‘Mrs So and So, has dementia’Continue reading “The ‘downstairs bathroom’…”

Feel the fear and do it anyway..

This is a saying I heard many years ago and something I try to live by in many ways. As an example, I had a friend who learned to sky dive when I was about 16 years of age. As someone who has always had a fear of heights the thought of it was quiteContinue reading “Feel the fear and do it anyway..”

‘Partners in Parkinson’s’… and ‘Family Systems Theory’

Tonight I have been looking around at other Blogs about Parkinson’s and amongst them found some Podcasts titled ‘When life gives you Parkinson’s’. I listened to one on the subject of Carers or Caregivers and how the person with Parkinson’s and their wife feel about the label of ‘Carer’. I found myself reflecting on thisContinue reading “‘Partners in Parkinson’s’… and ‘Family Systems Theory’”

More than my fair share…

I have said before now that Parkies is not the only health issue that I have. I have arthritis in my hands and beginning in my knees and also in my back. I have had to have four operations to put in artificial finger joints because of my arthritis. I also have a hiatus herniaContinue reading “More than my fair share…”

How do I ‘do life’ and not focus on Parkinson’s?

I try my best to be positive and to do as many things as I can to give me the best chance of a good life as someone with Parkinson’s. A Psychologist I work with once said to me that I shouldn’t make my life all about Parkinson’s. Easy for her to say, but difficultContinue reading “How do I ‘do life’ and not focus on Parkinson’s?”

Group Fitness – So unlike me!

I have been trying for some time to work out what works for me in the way of exercise. I have started at the local gym and am happy to go there 2-3 days per week, depending on my work, my life and general commitments. At least 2 days should be achievable. Tonight I decidedContinue reading “Group Fitness – So unlike me!”

Milestones and Memories…

So, here it is Monday evening recovering from a busy weekend with my family in Wellington. I say ‘recovering’ because we had such a busy time, I was exhausted at work today. However, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I have a son and a daughter who have blessed me with three grandchildren each.Continue reading “Milestones and Memories…”

Self care vs Finances…

One thing I have always tried to do for myself is to practice good ‘self care’. For me this means having regular small breaks throughout the year, as I work in a very stressful job. I currently work four days a week, Monday to Thursday and so have Fridays off. So, all I usually doContinue reading “Self care vs Finances…”

If only we had a crystal ball…

Life would be so much easier perhaps if we knew what to expect, but none of us has a crystal ball to be able to see what our future holds. Perhaps that is for the best. Today, I had a discussion with someone I have worked with for a few years now and who isContinue reading “If only we had a crystal ball…”