RESEARCH ON CARE PARTNER STRESS

The following is based on a presentation* by Maya Katz, M.D. of the UCSF Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Center:

• Care partners' stress is significant in PD and can affect health outcomes.

• The majority of care partners would like to have time alone with clinicians to discuss issues but rarely have that opportunity.

• Care partners often feel inadequately prepared.

• Care partners often experience grief and guilt.

• Care partners commonly experience aggression directed towards them.

• Care partners commonly feel isolated.

• Care partners often have poor sleep. 

*(Bruno et al. 2016, Park & Related; Hudson & Payne, 2011, J of Palliative Med; Hudson, 2006, Palliative Med; Oguh et al., 2013, Park 7 Related)

LESSONS FOR CARE PARTNERS

Lessons are also available just for care partners. Some benefits include the following:

• Tools for reducing and managing one's own injuries, strain, and back pain (common in PD care partners)

• The opportunity for make time to practice self-care, receive support, and feel connected

• The opportunity to make space for one's own experience, needs, wishes, and sense of agency

• Partner support training