A ten-year study*, conducted by the Oregon Health Science University, has suggested that spouses that are caregivers for a partner with Parkinson Disease are at risk of developing a decline in physical and mental health.

Participants in the study were first studied in 1992 and 1994, lived across North America and cared for a loved one who was in the early stages of Parkinson’s. Extensive research was picked up again in 2002 and the following findings were discovered:

1. Caregivers caring for a spouse with Parkinson’s Disease over a ten-year period were at increased risk for negative health and strain. Health and well-being significantly deteriorated, while strain from caregiving significantly increased.
2. Quality of relationship and caregiver poorer health effected caregiver strain and well-being.
3. Of the people with Parkinson’s residing in assisted living facilities, 55% had dementia compared with only 8% of those who remained at home.
4. Depression requiring professional treatment was present in 20% o f the entire caregiver sample. Depression in caregivers of patients in assisted living facilities was over twice (55%) that of those in bereaved or ongoing care groups.

These findings suggest that caregiving for a spouse with Parkinson’s Disease for many years can lead to depression, health problems, and strain. It also emphasized the need to help families through community services such as in home care by professional caregivers, respite caregivers, and emotional support groups.

If you are caring for a spouse with Parkinson’s, know that your care is only as good as your health and well-being. Better Living Home Care can give you the support and relief you need to maintain your health and reduce strain.

Contact us today for a FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION.

(* The data from this study was conducted by Karen Lyons, Julie Carter, Barbara Stewart, and Patricia Archbold and was taken from the Official  Journal of the National Parkinson Foundation Vol. XV, Issue 4, Fall 2004. This study is still being analyzed.)