Caregiver Appreciation Day

It is my delight and honor to wish you all a Happy Caregiver Appreciation Day!

This day is very special to me -- I started Parkinson's Resource Organization back in 1990 because I couldn't find the help I needed as a caregiver for both my mother and my husband with Parkinson's. Not only were there no support groups to help me process this journey, but because I was "just a caregiver" I couldn't get the time of day from doctors and researchers as I searched for answers to help my loved ones. 

So I decided if they won't pick up the phone for a caregiver, maybe they'll pick up the phone for a President. Thus, Parkinson's Resource Organization was born (called Children of Parkinsonians at the time).

I made a commitment to myself back then -- if this works, if I actually get the professionals on the phone, I will do everything in my power to share what I learn with the rest of the world. 

Caregivers -- this day is for you. Please remember the following free resources exist to support YOU:

Caregiver Support Groups - Share the ups and downs of caring for somebody living with Parkinson's. You are not alone. Benefit from community knowledge, experience, and solutions. Vent, laugh, cry, release your frustrations, and give yourself a break with other caregivers in a loving and sympathetic space. Or -- sign up for a Mindfulness, grief, or Movement class. 

Caregiving with Grace E-Book - Caregivers are everywhere. A huge percentage of them are untrained, unprepared, and unpaid. They just happen to be present in a household that suddenly (or slowly) has someone whose needs can no longer be met by themselves. Most of these unmet needs are filled by non-professionals. This book is written for these people.

Caregivers Bill of Rights - and don't you forget it!

The Wellness Village Resource Directory - The Wellness Village is a free, virtual, vetted, digital resource directory of the best available providers and services within the Parkinson’s world, designed to ease the research burden and introduce you to a wide range of holistic and practical support services to maximize your quality of life. And don't miss our Village Meetings, your chance to question and learn from the specialists themselves. 

'Newsworthy Notes' Monthly Newsletter - Through our long-running newsletter, we educate audiences across the country – and the world – on the latest Parkinson’s news, tried and true lifestyle tips, research, and more. Sign up to get it in your email here. 

Memorial Wall - A virtual place to hold the memory of someone who lived with Parkinson’s or Parkinsonisms…and their family members, caregivers, and friends who were touched by Parkinson’s. A virtual means of announcing the passing to a greater number of people than can otherwise be accomplished through a tangible publication.

And we are always a phone call away at (toll-free) (877) 775-4111.  

All my love, 
Jo Rosen

President & Founder

P.S. Our caregivers support services are free to access but not free to produce. Consider a donation today in honor of the caregiver in your life, to support our efforts so no caregiver is isolated because of Parkinson's.