April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Nearly one million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease. Approximately 90,000 are diagnosed each year, or one every six minutes.

Notable figures diagnosed with Parkinson’s include Muhammad Ali (diagnosed 1984); Michael J. Fox (diagnosed 1991); and Neil Diamond (diagnosed 2018).

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative, progressive disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. 

Symptoms generally develop slowly over years and can include tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness of limbs, balance problems, and a variety of cognitive impairments. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s. 

Hospice SLO County helps families affected by Parkinson’s disease.

As a non-medical service organization, Hospice SLO County provides sensitive volunteer support to clients and their families who are navigating life-limiting illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease. Currently, our in-home volunteers and care manager help eleven clients who are living with Parkinson’s disease.

One volunteer told us, "With the insightful guidance of Hospice SLO County staff, I was matched with a client with whom I share some common interests. In our four years together, this person has struggled with deepening Parkinson's disease symptoms while suffering from multiple additional medical issues. As he has become more disabled, the demands on his caregiver have increased. The respite I can provide her has become even more important. Both have stated to me that my four hours per week mean so much for his social well-being and her respite."

The need for respite for caregivers is paramount. They must receive support for the emotional and physical stressors involved in caregiving so that they will continue to maintain their health and well-being. The in-home respite care provided by Hospice SLO County volunteers to individuals and families is a valuable resource and is a considerable contribution to the entire family’s peace of mind.

Our clients with Parkinson's disease frequently use our grief counseling to help cope with the progression of their disease.

One client said, "I like the idea of an in-home volunteer, but right now I am working with a counselor to address the grief I'm feeling about my physical decline. I live alone, so when the time comes, a volunteer will be welcomed."

We are honored to help our clients and their caregivers. To learn how our agency might help, call 805-544-2266 or visit www.hospiceslo.org. To learn more about Parkinson’s disease visit https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons.