While doctors and caregivers do play an integral role in the treatment and management of Parkinson\u2019s disease the most important member of any care team is the person diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Parkinson Society Canada has a variety of resources to help you stay informed to make individual choices.\u00a0 We know that controlling symptoms, managing medications and working with a health care team can be a lot to juggle.<\/p>\n
Tapping into some of our self-management resources will enable individuals to retain their independence longer, put less work and stress on their care team and have a better outlook for the future.\u00a0 Here are a few suggestions to get started.<\/p>\n
Resources for Self-Management<\/b><\/p>\n
Taking Control<\/b><\/p>\n
After receiving a Parkinson\u2019s diagnosis people often don\u2019t know how to proceed. Moving forward towards acceptance, assistance and management of symptoms is much easier with a little guidance. Parkinson Society Canada has helped many people over the years transition into a life with Parkinson\u2019s with as little discomfort as possible.<\/p>\n
We took our experience and knowledge and packaged it into the \u201910 Steps to Taking Control\u2019 handout. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s please download the Taking Control guide for free.<\/p>\n
Download the \u2018Taking Control \u2013 10 Steps to help you cope\u2019 guide here<\/a><\/p>\n Keeping Active<\/b><\/p>\n Problems with mobility and posture are common Parkinson\u2019s symptoms from one person to the next. Managing those mobility issues means exercising on a regular basis but without a proper exercise regime that can be difficult. That\u2019s why Parkinson Society Canada developed the Exercises for People With Parkinson\u2019s<\/i><\/a>booklet.<\/p>\n This guide will help people with Parkinson\u2019s target maintain a healthier lifestyle and improve their mobility symptoms when they implement the regime a few times a week, or as often as possible. Ask your doctor what level of exercise is right for you and then, get active.<\/p>\n Download the Exercises for People with Parkinson\u2019s booklet here<\/a><\/p>\n We also offer a \u2018Physical Activity and Parkinson\u2019s Disease\u2019 resource on our website, with examples of the types of exercise that can help people with Parkinson\u2019s and what specific symptoms those exercises can improve.<\/p>\n This guide comes with a companion chart to track your progress and is free to download. Visit the Physical Activity and Parkinson\u2019s Disease webpage<\/a> and download your physical activity tracking chart<\/a> to help improve your mobility.<\/p>\n Both resources were developed in partnership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.<\/p>\n A Guide to the Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s Disease<\/b><\/p>\n People with Parkinson\u2019s learn that the symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s are more than just tremors, problems with posture and low energy reserves. Often people experience difficulty getting a solid night\u2019s sleep, cognitive issues, swallowing problems and even bladder dysfunction. These features are often not identified by or discussed with the family physician.<\/p>\n The Guide to the Non-Motor Symptoms<\/a>\u00a0<\/i>will help you and your doctor identify these symptoms and discuss the best treatment plan. This patient-friendly booklet, and its companion guide for family physicians, is based on research funded in part by Parkinson Society Canada.<\/p>\n Download the Non-Motor Guide here<\/a>.<\/p>\n I have Parkinson\u2019s Medication Card Carrying your I have Parkinson\u2019s Medication card will alert staff to the importance of adhering to your medication routine. There is also an education program geared to staff to learn more about Get it on Time<\/a> that contains handouts and medications schedules that will help your health care team apply medications at your regulated intervals and keep you as healthy as possible during your stay.<\/p>\n Download the \u2018Get it on time\u2019 medication card here<\/a><\/p>\n Other Resources<\/b><\/p>\n Parkinson Society Canada has a wide selection of free resources available for both people with Parkinson\u2019s and their care partners. Stay informed and download the Parkinson\u2019s Facts<\/a> sheet. Please visit the Resources section<\/a> of our website to see a full list or contact the regional partner<\/a> closest to you for more direct assistance.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to talk to someone at Parkinson Society Canada about the resources available for free please visit the contact us page<\/a> of our website or call 1-800-565-3000 for direct assistance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n<\/b>Getting your Parkinson\u2019s medications on the regulated schedule prescribed by your doctor is important but others who help you along your journey with Parkinson\u2019s may not realise how important it is.. Invariably, from time to time, people with Parkinson\u2019s will need to visit care facilities, like hospitals, to get additional medical assistance. Keeping the staff informed of your needs isn\u2019t always easy.<\/p>\n