
This year, the Fixel Institute joins the Parkinson’s Foundation in recognizing our care partners (Heros @ Home) for the National Family Caregivers Month.
Now, more than ever, we want to show our thanks and appreciation for those who give of themselves to ensure that their loved one living with PD is healthy and living a happy life.
Care partners and caregivers deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
Being a #HeroAtHome for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease can be an emotional roller coaster. That’s why we have the resources that can help you along the way
To do that, the Parkinson’s Foundation and other programs across the country have pulled together gathered resources to ensure that care partners and caregivers have the tools that you need to stay healthy and feel supported.
Read the Thank You from our Fixel Family Here.
A Day in the Life of a PD Caregiver
Contributed by Kathleen Mason with excerpts from the Davis Phinney Foundation
A sampling of just some of what caregivers do every day for persons with Parkinson’s (PWP):
— Taking the PWP to all doctors appointments/ therapies and overseeing the plan of care

—Ordering and administering medications
— Providing hands on personal care as needed
— Doubling and tripling up on household responsibilities
— Adjusting daily routines to include good “on times” for the PWP
— Keeping the home clean, accessible and safe
— Managing family, friends and social interactions to stay active
Caregivers are truly the unsung heroes behind the scenes. They often witness things they cannot fix or make better despite their best efforts.
Thanks to all the caregivers who step up every day and give their all — you are valued and appreciated!
Parkinson’s CareGiver Resources
Fixel Support
Fixel Institute Patients & Caregivers
C.A.R.E.S. Program
C.A.R.E.S (Caregivers Accessing Resources for Emotional Support) is free, 1-on-1 counseling to caregivers of patients in the Fixel Institute who are currently experiencing emotional and mental strain while caring for a loved one. Can be provided by Zoom online.To schedule this FREE service, call our office at 352-733-2410 or email Jana Unislawksi.

Fixel Institute Patients and Caregivers
Fixel Caregiver Support Groups
Join the Fixel Institute for their monthly caregiver meeting that occurs on the first Friday of every month and PWP/caregiver group on the third Friday of every month. Currently, sessions are being held virtually.

Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline
Need immediate support? Staffed by nurses, social workers and therapists, the free Helpline is available to answer caregiver questions and concerns. Just call 1-800-473-4636.

Finding Support
Support Groups
Access for a list of Parkinson’s Support Groups and Caregiver Support Groups across Florida.

PD Conversations
Join online discussion groups where you can connect with others who are sharing similar experiences to you and your loved one.

2021 Care Partner Summit
Care partners have an enormous and often underappreciated job. Join the Parkinson Foundation At the 2021 Care Partner Summit to learn valuable tools for caregiving and networking.

Children as Care Partners
Mommy has PD…But Its Ok
Educating your children about your diagnosis of PD can be challenging. However, the APDA hopes to make this easier with this cartoon.

Practicing Self-care
WEbinar
Mental Wellness for Parkinson’s Care Partners
Thursday, November 12th- 2pm EST

15 Actionable Ways to Practice Self-Care
Taking into account the importance and tough job that a caregiver has, it is also critical that a caregiver takes care of themselves. The Parkinson Foundation provides 15 ways to practice self-care in this blog below.

Caregiver Bill of Rights
Many caregivers can lose themselves and what brings them joy if they are not mindful of their own needs. Here’s some universal considerations for all caregivers…

Parkinson Foundation
Self-Assessment Tool for Caregivers
Take this self-assessment quiz to see which areas of your life may need attention.
