Be Proactive
Getting a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease can be devastating and is life changing. Being able to accept the diagnosis and to learn as much information as you possibly can regarding Parkinson's disease will help tremendously. Education is a powerful tool that a newly diagnosed individual and their family can use to know what to expect in the future and to begin a conversation about what, if any, roles that need to shift. Opening the lines of communication between loved ones will be important for the individual with Parkinson's disease and the family members. Education regarding communication skills can be found on the symptoms and deficits page and you can request free educational materials to help understand the disease from the Parkinson's Disease Foundation to help start the conversation between loved ones. Parkinson's Disease Foundation also has a list of 750 resources to those looking for more information about PD and answers to questions that you might come up with. Remember you are not alone in this, there are others that have the same diagnosis as you.
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Mindfulness Meditation
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UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center provides a weekly podcast of various mindfulness activities.
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Palliative Care
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San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA)
San Diego county HHSA is an Aging and Independence Services Family Caregiver Support Program that provides services for caregivers. This is helpful for both the patient and the caregiver. This can provide some comfort for the patient knowing that their loved one will have a support group and assistance in caring for them, both physically and mentally.
If you are an adult family caregiver of an individual age 60 and older in San Diego County, you are eligible for services such as:
If you are an adult family caregiver of an individual age 60 and older in San Diego County, you are eligible for services such as:
- Assistance to caregivers through contracted providers
- Comprehensive assessment
- Care management
- Professionally administered support groups and counseling
- Caregiver skills training
- Respite care which provides care to a loved one for a brief period of time so the caregiver has the opportunity for relief and rest (in the individuals home, or in an out-of-home setting).
- Provides legal consultations which can help with elder law and advocacy (Elder Law and Advocacy)
- Minor home modification such as grab bars in the bathroom and safety checks.
- Outreach and education to provide information regarding chronic and disabling conditions and diseases, aging, caregiving issues and community resources. Extensive resources for caregivers including DVDs, books, and fact sheets.
- Most of the services are free of charge.
- Caregivers can apply at Southern Caregiver Resource Center by calling 800-827-1008 or visit their website for more information.
- If you are interested in applying for services please click San Diego County Health and Human Services and look for How do people apply.