Living With Mr. Parkinson

By murcadden

1 min read

As I live each day as it comes, here is what I'm doing right now, in the seventh year after my diagnosis. I am waiting to go back home, after living with my son and his wife for just over a year. It is rather scary, as I will be living alone for the first time since 1988; and Mr. P took my walking ability away, although many of the other symptoms have not happened to me. While I cannot sign my own name, I can still type, do cross-stitch embroidery, and crossword puzzles, which I do regularly.

My son wanted me to stay with him after my significant other of twenty-five years passed away 9/23/18, at least until he and his wife felt I was able to live alone. (I suppose I should mention I am 87 years old)

He finally agreed that I was capable and we were in the process of getting my house equipped for my "invalid" self, when I fell 8/29 and fractured my hip. I was in short-term therapy until 10/19; and now I am again making plans to live on my own again.

I have always been and independent person, glad that I could carry my own weight; and this is what I sincerely want, but it is still somewhat scary. Some words of encouragement would be most appreciated.

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Sharon Krischer Member
Murcadden, I think it is great that you are going back home to live on your own. I would suggest that you make use of any services available to you in your area, including in-home physical therapy, ride services, visiting nurses, etc. Are you planning to have a caregiver, even part-time, who would make sure that you are getting the care that you need, take you out and be a companion? The most important thing about living alone is that you do not isolate yourself. Wishing you all the best. Sharon <a href='https://parkinsonsdisease.net' target='_blank'>Parkinsonsdisease.net</a> moderator
1. murcadden Member
 Thank you so much for your quick response to my request, Sharon. I do plan to have someone to come twice a week for about 4 hours each time to help me with housework, laundry, etc; as well as being available to help with my shower. I am definitely checking out therapy and rides, probably with local transit. One of the reasons for wanting to be on my own is to be with people my age; and my home is in a mobile home park, where we will be having social activities. The clubhouse is just up the hill a few feet from my home. Again, thanks for the encouragement
Lorraine Wilson Member
I want to commend you on the sensible steps you’ve taken thus far to prepare to live independently without rushing into it. You wrote that your walking ability is compromised but I don’t know if that means you use a walker, a wheel chair, or both. While it might take more effort to get out and about, please make that effort. I echo the comment by Sharon about checking available services. I will add to that a suggestion to find a local support group since that might help build a community network. You mentioned enjoying cross-stitch. There might be a local group that meets monthly to work on crafts together. Look at your local library, churches or arts and crafts shops. It sounds like your family is lending support in many ways. May your transition and living independently go smoothly. Lorraine <a href='https://parkinsonsdisease.net' target='_blank'>Parkinsonsdisease.net</a> moderator
1. murcadden Member
 Thank you, Lorraine, for your reply. As for my walking ability, I must have the aid of a walker or a wheelchair to get about; since my legs, unfortunately, just don't seem to want to hold me up the moment I put some weight on them. I do plan to check into the local library for craft groups; also, I plan to join local music groups, where I already know many of the participants. My family here has suggested that I wait until after January 1st, as the holidays will be very busy for my son & daughter-in-law, and I will also want to be involved with family; so I agree that it will be much better for all of us if I do wait. Again, thanks for your quik response. I plan to follow all of your suggestions.
Dan Glass Member
I applaud your spirit and drive, as well as your planning, in being the most independent version of you that you can possibly be. Parkinson's is a nasty condition, but you have a lot of great "family" and friends here to help you. We believe in you and wish you all the best in your battle against it and the fears that it brings. I know it may be hard to ask for help or to accept comfort, but it sounds like you have a team ready to keep you strong, and sometimes, letting people empathetically be there for you can help both you and them. All of our best to you!
1. murcadden Member
 Thank you, dan, for your encouraging note. It is indeed hard to ask for help; but I am lucky to have a team of very fine friends & family close by. I apppreciate your words of encouragement.
tomatera Member
I really applaud your courage and positivity. I would like to add one more thing to Sharons list. Since you will be living by yourself Please consider a wearable emergency button. They can be worn as a bracelet or necklace. They will work anywhere now because of cellular service. You can summon a relative or emergency services if need be. Too many people have suffered waiting for someone to discover them incapacitated in some way from a fall or whatever with their phone unavailable. Hear something concerning at night? Just press a button. Anyone with a computer or smartphone can help you research it.
1. murcadden Member
 Than you for your reply. My son, who is my "rock", has already made arrangements for a system as you described; and I plan to make fulll use of it.