Caregivers, Who Is Taking Care of You?

I recently read an article about Dolly Parton that really struck a chord with me. While caring for her husband, Carl Dean, Dolly admitted that she had health issues she “just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”

I think so many caregivers can relate to that.

When you love someone who needs you, especially someone living with a chronic condition like Parkinson’s disease, it becomes very easy to put yourself at the bottom of the list. Doctor appointments get postponed. Exercise gets skipped. Sleep suffers. Time with friends disappears. You tell yourself, I’ll take care of me later.

But caregivers need care, too.

At Parkinson’s Disease Trailblazers, we recognize that Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed—it affects the entire family. That’s why we offer a Care Partner Support Group on the first Saturday of every month, giving caregivers a place to talk, listen, learn, laugh, vent and simply be with people who understand.

We also offer complimentary Gentle Yoga for our caregivers, because sometimes taking care of yourself starts with one hour to breathe, move and focus on YOU.

Dolly’s story is an important reminder: caring for yourself isn’t taking time away from the person you love. Taking care of yourself helps you continue to care for the person you love.

To all of our caregivers: We see you. We appreciate you. And we want you to remember that you matter, too. ❤️

— Parkinson’s Disease Trailblazers
Together • Forward • Up.

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