A Special Thanks to My Parkinson's Life Coach and Advisor
Thank goodness, I have a Parkinson's life coach (PLC) and advisor. This individual is the best PLC and advisor to lead the Team "Marc."
My life coach is better than any caretaker. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of a life coach is: "An advisor who helps people make decisions, set and reach goals or deal with problems."1
What makes a good life coach?
What are the "10 Commandments" of a Parkinson's life coach? The list below is adapted from Brian Tracy's, 10 Qualities of a Life Coach. Brian Tracy is a consultant specializing in both personal and professional development training.2
- Maintain a positive attitude and inspire others.
- Be Passionate and empathetic. Understand the emotions of others.
- Understand and listen to the person with Parkinson's.
- Remain neutral.
- Refrain from passing judgment. Be honest with just the facts.
- Help the person with Parkinson's understand their own feelings.
- Have a good knowledge base of Parkinson's challenges.
- Observe the person with Parkinson's. Look out for signs of worry or fear.
- Learn to communicate clearly.
- Be kindhearted and gentle.
Other traits and qualities
A PLC should have traits that include patience, kindness, empathy, and compassion. They are strong both physically and mentally. All PLCs are caring people whose purpose is for the betterment of others.
There is a willingness to be there wholeheartedly for the support of Parkinson's individuals. Likewise, Parkinson's life coaches are there to help us navigate through the changing twists and turns of our ongoing journey with the disease.
How are they involved?
My PLC has many team members involved in my care. My team includes a movement disorder neurologist, physical, speech, and occupational therapists, a psychologist, and others. In addition, my advisor coordinates my healthcare appointments, drives me to and from the doctors, pharmacies, and labs.
This PLC is in charge of my nutrition, hydration, and exercise. This advisor encourages me to make sure that I am doing my activities of daily living independently. For example, dressing, feeding, using the bathroom, oral care, walking, and more.
To keep me as independent as possible, my PLC assigns me things that I can still do around the house such as laundry, gardening, and cooking. This helps in keeping my cognition intact.
Patience is key
My PLC keeps my mind active. This person asks for my opinion on home and family decisions. My PLC advises me on my life's concerns and decisions. Thankfully, this individual has the patience of a saint!
During our time together, getting upset with my moods and depression are non-existent. Subsequently, housekeeping is cheerfully done.
Moreover, this person has an excellent work ethic! Actually, my PLC is an unpaid participant and never takes a day off. Therefore, having this advisor in my life is an indispensable asset!
Who is my coach?
In summary, my Parkinson's Life Coach is there for me 7 days a week, 24 hours a day if necessary. In all honesty, without this tremendous support, I would not be the person I am today!
To my chagrin, I don't always communicate how much I appreciate the effort provided in my care. I can actually say though, that I love my Parkinsons life coach. Who is she? My wife...Hilary, of course.
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