Cheerleader or Caregiver

What is the role of those who live with someone who has a chronic condition, like Parkinson’s? Well, for some, it means being the primary caregiver. If the person is in the later stages of the disease, he or she may require constant care. Outside help may be needed if the family can no longer manage the level of care. This situation is difficult for the patient, the caregiver and the entire family. Long before this happens, the level of care requires a different type of caregiving.  The family member, especially the one living with the person with the disorder, needs to be a cheerleader. 

There are more days than I like to admit to that I just do not feel like doing anything. I guess you could say I am lazy and it takes all I can do just to get on with my day. On these days, I do not need a health care provider, I need a cheerleader.

There are times when I sit in church and my body is shaking so much I can feel the whole pew moving. I am embarrassed and frustrated. I know the people sitting next to me understand and are aware of my Parkinson’s, but I feel terrible. I want to go in the car and hide. I need a cheerleader.

There are times when I get up after a horrific night of sleep. I am tired and on the verge of tears from the lack of rest. I am cranky and irritable. I want to sulk and be alone, and stay in bed under the covers all day.  What I really need is a cheerleader.

You see, much of the care for people with a chronic degenerative disease is helping them get to a better state of mind. It takes some “rah, rah, rah” and “you can do it” and “you got this!” I am fortunate to have a squad of cheerleaders, my husband, my kids and my girlfriends. They lift me up in so many ways. Sometimes they give me a gentle push and sometimes they kick my butt! The best thing is each of my cheerleaders knows just what to say and when to say it. This is a gift that is precious to me. We all need cheerleaders in our lives and we all need to be cheerleaders to others. So put on your uniform, pick up your pom-poms and go get them!!!