With Parkinson's, because the advancement of the disease is usually fairly slow, it can be many years before a person might feel they have become a carer for their loved one. If, or when, this happens, there are a number of agencies ready and willing to help and some of them are listed on this page.
Other information is often passed on at meetings by members in the our Support Group. Jan, one of our long-standing members, has been a carer for many years as her husband, Ron, was diagnosed with PD over 30 years ago. This is a short video of them, taken by Local 7 News, in 2018.
Carers Queensland Australia is a group that offers services to carers - from information about other various support agencies to counselling. Individual appointments are available.
If and when a partner or family member might need to assist in regular daily personal activites of a PwP, there is a Carers' Allowance from Centrelink available. It is not means tested.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-allowance
PwP often have mobility and balance issues. Avoiding a fall is always foremost in getting around. Often places of entertainment are a danger for PwP. This card is useful for both PwP and carers.
http://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/companion-card
Carer Gateway came into being in 2020 as a government support service. It aims to make your life easier. By calling Carer Gateway, you will be connected with a new Australia-wide network of Carer Gateway service providers. They will talk through what you need and help you to find local services and support to help you.
It is nice to see that some research is being done about caregivers. The diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease affects not only the sufferer but very much so the eventual carer. Here is a link to the recent article published by Melissa Forbes in Psychology of Music. This is a highly ranked international journal and Melissa's study was about the effects for CARERS who regularly accompanied their partners to choir.
Toowoomba Parkinson's Support Group
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