{"id":2427,"date":"2019-06-18T15:10:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-18T19:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parkinsonpost.com\/?p=2427"},"modified":"2019-06-18T15:10:00","modified_gmt":"2019-06-18T19:10:00","slug":"parkinson-canada-hosted-the-care-partner-summit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archiveparkinson.thedev.ca\/fr\/parkinson-canada-hosted-the-care-partner-summit\/","title":{"rendered":"Parkinson Canada Hosted the Care Partner Summit"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/a>
Download your copy<\/a>
of Parkinson Canada’s
Care Partnering manual.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

A person\u2019s life story changes after a diagnosis of Parkinson\u2019s. There
\nbegins a chapter of collaboration in care. Whether you are caring with<\/em> or for<\/em> a person living with Parkinson\u2019s, it is certain to involve you
\nmore and more over time and increase your understanding of the experience of
\nanother person.<\/p>\n

Caregiving
\nis a part of the societal fabric of most cultures. You may have witnessed
\nothers taking care of people in your family and community. Care partnering is
\noften adopted and learned based on a change in life circumstances by those who
\nface illness or injury. And you may or may not be prepared. Having the
\nknowledge, practicing the skills and using the tools available to you, will
\nhelp. <\/p>\n

Parkinson Canada\u2019s first ever Care Partner Summit<\/em> was a day dedicated
\nentirely<\/strong> to educate and support care partners, and recognize the vital role
\nthey play for people with Parkinson\u2019s. Over 80 care partners attended, thanks
\nto the generosity of Parkinson Canada donors. The format provided the
\nopportunity to connect with each other, assess their personal situations and
\nlearn from several guest speakers. <\/p>\n

Participants were provided with valuable tools, tips and
\nresources to use daily at home. The interactive day focused on collaborative
\ncare partnering to improve quality of life, both for the care recipient and for
\nthe care partner. <\/p>\n

\u201cParkinson\u2019s affects each person in a different way, so there is no \u2018one-size-fits-all\u2019
\napproach to caregiving. This makes it hard to define the role,\u201d says Grace Ferrari<\/strong>, Senior Manager,
\nEducation and Support, Parkinson Canada. \u201cAnd the disease and needs of a person
\nwith Parkinson\u2019s changes over time, so there is no single approach for every
\ncare partner.\u201d<\/p>\n

The feedback from care partners who attended was both touching and
\nrewarding.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo
\nwords!!! Thank you so much for extending the invitation to attend today\u2019s
\nconference.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs the
\nday progressed attendees became more involved and more comfortable sharing
\ntheir stories, questions and experiences as care givers.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThere
\nwere tears, there was a sense of community and healing. There was a revelation
\nfor many that help and support are available. On my way back to Brockville
\ntomorrow. Lots of information to share with my sister. Thank you so much.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful
\norganization! Such a high-level of compassion and knowledge!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cVery
\ngood day. Keep doing them, we need it!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWanted
\nto let you know that today was a watershed day for me.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt opened the door to the biggest problem we all face \u2026 \u2018The Elephant in the Room.\u00a0\u00bb<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Expert presenters and their sessions included: <\/p>\n

Neli Gontier<\/strong> is the Education & Training Specialist for Parkinson Canada.  As lead developer of several educational resources, including the ACT on Time\u2122<\/strong> program and the newly released Care Partnering: Managing Parkinson\u2019s Disease Together<\/em> book, Neli\u2019s presentation focused on better understanding the care partner experience; identifying the emotional, physical and psychosocial needs; assessing the burden that care partners\/caregivers live with; and, learning to prepare an effective Self-Care Plan. This hands-on presentation was enhanced with a free copy of the Care Partnering<\/em> book, which contains resources lists for national, provincial and territorial sources; tip Sheets; worksheets; information on Parkinson Canada\u2019s ACT on Time\u2122<\/sup><\/strong>Program and Care Partner Inspirations.<\/p>\n

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