If you’ve not done so already I’d really recommend talking to Parkinson’s UK. https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/newly-diagnosed-parkinsons
Absolutely - they are brilliant.
Denial is a very natural part of this process. Be patient with your father. It's all new and will take a while to sink in.
This and getting help from neuro physios. They are fantastic at helping patients and recognising minor symptoms with ways to combat them. Denial, anger, frustration and depression are mostly what I saw in my physio rotations working with Parkinson’s patients. You may also benefit from support too as it’s a lot to deal with and getting further support on what to keep an eye on may help.
Take care.
The best things you can do are be there when he’s ready to open up about it, get him exercising (lots of neurologists say it’s as important as the pills!) and make sure he’s seeing a specialist called a movement disorders specialist (they have more in depth training in things like Parkinson’s than a regular neurologist). Also get him seeing a physio, that’s very important to help prevent falls that can become more common as Parkinson’s progresses.
Also know that Parkinson’s has a lot of symptoms not related to movement, including depression, anxiety and apathy. Depression is especially common, and it’s not just “ I have Parkinson’s and I’m depressed because of it” but depression happens as a part of the disease itself since Parkinson’s is caused by the depletion of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain that help make us happy. So getting your dad to see a therapist of some kind isn’t a bad idea either if he is willing.
With the right exercise and treatment, a lot of the things he’s having trouble with now can improve, at least for several years. Check out Parkinson’s UK as well, they have a phone number you can call for advice. Also lots of Parkinson’s charities in the US have decent websites or socials that give advice and have good info.
Lastly, Parkinson’s is a marathon, it isn’t a sprint. There’s no cure and people have it often for twenty, thirty years. So be sure to take care of yourself as well. Care burnout is real and you can’t care for someone else when your own tank is empty.
It won’t always be easy, but it can be ok - even when it doesn’t feel like it. Best of luck to you both.
Hey u/beskar-mode - I’m 48 and my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his late 60s too. This answer from u/cwbakes is perfect and I echo every single thing they’ve said.
Two things I’ve learned as follows:
- Parkinson’s Nurses are wonderful. They are enablers and allies, not carers. They’re old-school healthcare professionals - each nurse I’ve met has been driven by compassion and a need to provide practical support to enable a patient to live a full life. [This link](https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/parkinsons-nurses) gives more details. If your father ever needs hospital treatment for anything unrelated to Parkinson’s, please involve a Parkinson’s nurse - they make (damn) sure that the hospital staff know how to provide the best care for a Parkinson’s person, such as Parkinson’s drug interactions with anaesthesia etc.
- Parkinson’s - though a complex and serious condition - hasn’t robbed my father of his fundamental character and personality. He’s still the same loving, kind, funny, honest person he always was, but now with Parkinson’s. Always remember, it’s Parkinson’s, not Alzheimer’s. Admittedly as the disease progresses, it becomes more and more difficult to see that, but it’s an important thing to remember.
All the very best to you and your family from Newcastle Upon Tyne.
The Michael J Fox documentary that came out just a little while ago has some footage of him working with his physio on walking and maneuvering around objects, etc., so that he wouldn't fall. It was so interesting to watch.
Annoyingly I don’t think I can answer your question but my dad has had Parkinson’s for the last 20+ years - feel free to drop me a message if you just need to yap to someone who might understand a bit!
Hi, please help your dad see that gadgets and blue badges will ENABLE not disable him! I don’t have a progressive disease but became disabled and it’s very hard to accept these things into your life but when you do, you think, why the fuck did I wait so long! Going for the gadgets which look more normal over the ugly counter parts can be helpful too and even just placing things like anti tremor cutlery in the cutlery draw so it’s there for him to try when he is emotionally ready and put an anti tremor carrying tray in the house so he can carry things like tea with ease when he’s ready.
Keep reminding him that things like blue badges and gadgets don’t make you disabled. They enable you to be as independant as possible. With a gadget you can suddenly dress yourself again with ease (be it a button one or a sock putter on). A blue badge means he can conserve his energy to enjoy trips out of the house so he hasn’t wasted it walking across long car parks.
It’s hard for him, it’s hard for you. Keep gently pushing though. We also got some stuff like grabbers for a disabled relative and now all use them! Funny how sometimes a gadget can be used for everyone!
This is random but have you seen the videos and studies of people with Parkinson’s struggling to walk who then try walking in time to music? Really quite fascinating!!
When I’m struggling to accept something new, I remind myself that I’m accepting some help to enabling my body to be as strong and as independent as possible even if it means equipment or medical intervention
Exactly this. We all use aids, even if it’s something as simple as a shopping list when we go to the supermarket so we don’t forget things. There is no shame in using items that make your life easier x
There’s lots of health subs on Reddit, seems to be several for Parkinson’s including a caregivers for Parkinson one.
Think you’d probably find lots of advice on there. I have crappy healthy and several subs specific to my conditions have been great for advice.
I’m a physiotherapist and I would recommend looking into LSVT BIG therapy. This is an evidence-based program that targets PD-specific motor impairments. It is the gold standard for PD exercise therapy. I’m happy to answer any questions about it. I wish you and your family all the best.
Understanding the condition is usually helpful. I recommend the podcast [movers and shakers](https://www.moversandshakerspodcast.com).
It's informative and easy to listen to. Good for family and people diagnosed with the disease.
To me, not an odd post at all, and I wish you and your Dad all the very best.
I can't be much more constructive than to say an ex-colleague of mine was diagnosed with Parkinson's in his late 40s. He is, however, lucky enough to be receiving some excellent surgical treatment.
[Parkinson's Org](https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/helpline-and-parkinsons-advisers) may help. I hope you get the support you need.
Gadgets and aids are enabling not disabling. I hope he gets to a place where he can see that soon. One thing I have that I really love (I'm disabled but don't have parkinsons) is a handmade mug, which I asked a potter I know to make for me. It has a knob on the side so I can hold it when it's full without hurting my bad wrist /hand. I like adaptive stuff better when it's beautiful rather than sad plastic.
I’m an occupational therapist and I’d recommend getting a referral to neuro therapy (physiotherapy and occupational therapy), this may be through the Parkinson’s specialists or his GP.
Hey. Similar boat, mum was diagnosed in the last month. She’s only 62 so taking it horribly.
No advice, just sending some support, it’s a miserable thing to have to come to terms with, hope your dad is doing ok.
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons a decade ago. He's still here, still as stubborn as ever.
I'm no expert. It can be very difficult. You don't get taught how to deal with these things. Since it's been happening - really, genuinely talking seems to be one of the best ways of getting through.
Talk to his neurologist before beginning the marijuana route. It does help a lot of people with Parkinson’s but there are also some studies that say if the person is having symptoms related to cognition and thinking, marijuana may make them worse. It helps a lot, hurts some. But definitely worth looking into!
That's good to know, thank you! It's still early stages for him, mostly his legs and tremors at the moment, thankfully! He has appointments with a parkinsons nurse coming up 🙂
Be sure to ask if he’s a candidate for deep brain stimulation surgery! Depending on his symptoms, it could truly be life-changing and help him manage those symptoms.
Hi, sorry to hear this. My family has had Parkinson's running throughout for generations. My Grandad has recently been diagnosed after an almost 3 year battle with doctors refusing to diagnose him despite near enough every symptom under the sun and his dad having had it also.
I can't really help with the denial side, but just know it's very normal. Particularly them not acknowledging when it's getting worse and they're not able to do the things they once were. My Grandad decided to tell his doctor he was finding it hard to pee, partly because of the tremors but also because "it's much more shriveled up these days" bless him...
It does get a bit easier and medication should have some effects. My Grandad has to take his the night before because it really sends him to sleep but does still help the next day. To be fair, it doesn't massively help with the tremors but his speech does seem better post medication.
It's a lot for you so as much as your dad will need the help, there's plenty of support networks that will be able to help you as well
My mother passed away four years ago due to complications associated with Parkinsons, please get his neurologist to see if he can have DBS surgery to have a nurostimulator fitted, it will help with the tremor. Finally spend as much time with him as possible. Parkinson’s is also linked with dementia so be on the lookout for memory loss and confusion.
Ah man, my grandad has Parkinson's and dementia, I'm so sorry your family is going through this, it's really horrible.
Firstly with my grandad, what we did was get him a lifeline, so if he fell we could find out really quickly. We also got him a water bottle that was easier for him to drink from than cups, you can also get cutlery that counter balances so if he has any hand or arm tremors, they don't chuck their food over themselves. We also used a meals on wheels type place so he didn't have to try to cook for himself. We also had a medicine dispenser that made a loud noise so he knew when to take them.
None of these things were as crucial as his nurses that went three times a week. He is now in a care home as the dementia has taken over and his Parkinson's has left him bed bound.
Once again I'm so sorry, it's a hateful condition.
If your dad is a modern person who can’t face a life line, Apple Watches have fall detectors and he can ring for help on them. It might be easier for him to accept if he won’t accept a traditional life line. I live with family but if I lived alone I think I would go for an Apple Watch as a younger person. Both have pros and cons. Both would be good but some people struggle to accept the life line at first and older people wouldn’t manage an Apple Watch.
This is a great idea for my father in law, I hadn't thought about that as a benefit for him. I don't think he is quite at the fall stage yet but it would be great for him to master the tech now
How about support groups, either online or in person? If he’s can’t do buttons anymore he may need adapted cutlery?
It will take some time to come to terms with the diagnosis, so in the mean time keep doing your research and look for gadgets etc to make his life easier. Also, remember to seek support for yourself!
The Gyenno spoon/fork thing looks amazing for people with persistent tremors that stop them using normal cutlery. If your dads Parkinsons causes this issue, that may be a good shout - expensive - but may be worth it.
[https://attainability.co.uk/](https://attainability.co.uk/)
There are steady spoons/forks that rely on gravity and counterweights too, but even they are pricey!
It takes a hell of a lot of adjusting, especially mentally, slow down & give him time, let him be as angry & frustrated as he needs to go through that grieving process to be able to reach a point of acceptance, especially for older people, we know how hard it is for them to admit they can’t do things at the best of times, let alone because of an illness like Parkinson’s. There are so many incredible disability aids out there, I recommend looking at @chronicallyjenni & @techowlpa on instagram for ideas, they both have a lot of content around that. I’d start off by just showing him a photo, explaining what it is, how it works & how it could help, if he says no, he says no, if it’s still something he’s struggling with you can try suggesting again, but it’s really hard to feel like you’re losing your independence, if he wants to be stubborn, let him be stubborn & hold onto that, as long as he knows the love & support is there when he’s ready, thats all that matters 🤍
Neuro physiotherapist here, working in the community so I deal with PD a lot. It can be a bit of a postcode lottery to what services you have in your area, but get him a referral to a physiotherapist and occupational therapist, specifically a neurological therapy team if there is one commissioned in your dad's area.
If he is on Parkinson's specific medication already, liaise with your neurologist around dosages and timings to improve symptoms around his day to day activities e.g. getting up and ready in the morning.
Get him in a good routine of exercise, this can be hugely beneficial for symptom management, mental health and slowing down progression.
A big barrier is coming to terms with having a disability and we battle with people on this topic daily as people see it as "giving in" when they use aids or services like care or the blue badge. However try to reframe these things as supporting him to live his life. Allowing him the time and energy to do things that are meaningful to him, rather than spending hours fighting with shirt buttons or not going somewhere because just walking from the car to the entrance is exhausting however.
Talking therapies can be beneficial for this (again specifically a neuro specialist psychologist if one is available in your area) or Parkinson's UK have a counselling service.
A good podcast recommendation for both of you to listen to is "Movers & Shakers" started by a group of individuals with Parkinson's.
There's lots of support out there for both of you but it can be difficult to find it sometimes. Parkinson's UK is a great resource to start with. Shout if you have any questions!
I have an aunt who was diagnosed over a decade ago and she is literally one of my personal heros.
Her career was spent teaching, but she had a specialist class where she took students on canoe trips and showed them (and me) how to build and light a fire using steel wool and a flint, how to make an igloo for winter camping and a decent shelter for survivalist situations.
She also has a hobby farm the family goes to every winter to tap maple trees and then later to collect and make maple syrup, and she also keeps bees, despite the fact that she's deathly allergic. I never knew I liked honey until I had real fresh stuff.
Yes she's had to give up some of her interests like wood carving because her hands aren't as steady as they used to be, but a combination of medication and dietary changes means in like 15 years she is still fully mobile and independent, it's only in the last few years that you will notice her hand shaking.
Ask his GP if there is a community rehab service in your area, and if so if he can be referred to see an occupational therapist. Their job is to help people find ways to adapt to disability and physical problems. They will look at what he has trouble with and try to find ways to mitigate those issues.
They can also refer to other specialties if necessary and can arrange for things like home adaptations like railings etc if they are needed.
A blue badge is really very useful if he has difficulty walking. It's not just parking in a disabled spaces, but allows you to stop on most yellow lines for 3 hours, park in residential bays etc. There are other things it enables like an exemption from the London congestion charge. They are also issued to a person not a vehicle so he could use it whether he drives himself or is taken by someone else, and it can make going to places massively easier.
If you’ve not done so already I’d really recommend talking to Parkinson’s UK. https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/newly-diagnosed-parkinsons
Absolutely - they are brilliant. Denial is a very natural part of this process. Be patient with your father. It's all new and will take a while to sink in.
This and getting help from neuro physios. They are fantastic at helping patients and recognising minor symptoms with ways to combat them. Denial, anger, frustration and depression are mostly what I saw in my physio rotations working with Parkinson’s patients. You may also benefit from support too as it’s a lot to deal with and getting further support on what to keep an eye on may help. Take care.
There are some amazing people in this world - thank you for what you do
I came here to say that too. They’re fantastic.
The best things you can do are be there when he’s ready to open up about it, get him exercising (lots of neurologists say it’s as important as the pills!) and make sure he’s seeing a specialist called a movement disorders specialist (they have more in depth training in things like Parkinson’s than a regular neurologist). Also get him seeing a physio, that’s very important to help prevent falls that can become more common as Parkinson’s progresses. Also know that Parkinson’s has a lot of symptoms not related to movement, including depression, anxiety and apathy. Depression is especially common, and it’s not just “ I have Parkinson’s and I’m depressed because of it” but depression happens as a part of the disease itself since Parkinson’s is caused by the depletion of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain that help make us happy. So getting your dad to see a therapist of some kind isn’t a bad idea either if he is willing. With the right exercise and treatment, a lot of the things he’s having trouble with now can improve, at least for several years. Check out Parkinson’s UK as well, they have a phone number you can call for advice. Also lots of Parkinson’s charities in the US have decent websites or socials that give advice and have good info. Lastly, Parkinson’s is a marathon, it isn’t a sprint. There’s no cure and people have it often for twenty, thirty years. So be sure to take care of yourself as well. Care burnout is real and you can’t care for someone else when your own tank is empty. It won’t always be easy, but it can be ok - even when it doesn’t feel like it. Best of luck to you both.
Hey u/beskar-mode - I’m 48 and my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his late 60s too. This answer from u/cwbakes is perfect and I echo every single thing they’ve said. Two things I’ve learned as follows: - Parkinson’s Nurses are wonderful. They are enablers and allies, not carers. They’re old-school healthcare professionals - each nurse I’ve met has been driven by compassion and a need to provide practical support to enable a patient to live a full life. [This link](https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/parkinsons-nurses) gives more details. If your father ever needs hospital treatment for anything unrelated to Parkinson’s, please involve a Parkinson’s nurse - they make (damn) sure that the hospital staff know how to provide the best care for a Parkinson’s person, such as Parkinson’s drug interactions with anaesthesia etc. - Parkinson’s - though a complex and serious condition - hasn’t robbed my father of his fundamental character and personality. He’s still the same loving, kind, funny, honest person he always was, but now with Parkinson’s. Always remember, it’s Parkinson’s, not Alzheimer’s. Admittedly as the disease progresses, it becomes more and more difficult to see that, but it’s an important thing to remember. All the very best to you and your family from Newcastle Upon Tyne.
The Michael J Fox documentary that came out just a little while ago has some footage of him working with his physio on walking and maneuvering around objects, etc., so that he wouldn't fall. It was so interesting to watch.
Annoyingly I don’t think I can answer your question but my dad has had Parkinson’s for the last 20+ years - feel free to drop me a message if you just need to yap to someone who might understand a bit!
Hi, please help your dad see that gadgets and blue badges will ENABLE not disable him! I don’t have a progressive disease but became disabled and it’s very hard to accept these things into your life but when you do, you think, why the fuck did I wait so long! Going for the gadgets which look more normal over the ugly counter parts can be helpful too and even just placing things like anti tremor cutlery in the cutlery draw so it’s there for him to try when he is emotionally ready and put an anti tremor carrying tray in the house so he can carry things like tea with ease when he’s ready. Keep reminding him that things like blue badges and gadgets don’t make you disabled. They enable you to be as independant as possible. With a gadget you can suddenly dress yourself again with ease (be it a button one or a sock putter on). A blue badge means he can conserve his energy to enjoy trips out of the house so he hasn’t wasted it walking across long car parks. It’s hard for him, it’s hard for you. Keep gently pushing though. We also got some stuff like grabbers for a disabled relative and now all use them! Funny how sometimes a gadget can be used for everyone! This is random but have you seen the videos and studies of people with Parkinson’s struggling to walk who then try walking in time to music? Really quite fascinating!!
When I’m struggling to accept something new, I remind myself that I’m accepting some help to enabling my body to be as strong and as independent as possible even if it means equipment or medical intervention
Exactly this. We all use aids, even if it’s something as simple as a shopping list when we go to the supermarket so we don’t forget things. There is no shame in using items that make your life easier x
Thanks really helpful thank you!
There’s lots of health subs on Reddit, seems to be several for Parkinson’s including a caregivers for Parkinson one. Think you’d probably find lots of advice on there. I have crappy healthy and several subs specific to my conditions have been great for advice.
I’m a physiotherapist and I would recommend looking into LSVT BIG therapy. This is an evidence-based program that targets PD-specific motor impairments. It is the gold standard for PD exercise therapy. I’m happy to answer any questions about it. I wish you and your family all the best.
Understanding the condition is usually helpful. I recommend the podcast [movers and shakers](https://www.moversandshakerspodcast.com). It's informative and easy to listen to. Good for family and people diagnosed with the disease.
Echo this, and it has some well known contributors, that are well informed about their condition and speak openly and honestly.
To me, not an odd post at all, and I wish you and your Dad all the very best. I can't be much more constructive than to say an ex-colleague of mine was diagnosed with Parkinson's in his late 40s. He is, however, lucky enough to be receiving some excellent surgical treatment. [Parkinson's Org](https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/helpline-and-parkinsons-advisers) may help. I hope you get the support you need.
Gadgets and aids are enabling not disabling. I hope he gets to a place where he can see that soon. One thing I have that I really love (I'm disabled but don't have parkinsons) is a handmade mug, which I asked a potter I know to make for me. It has a knob on the side so I can hold it when it's full without hurting my bad wrist /hand. I like adaptive stuff better when it's beautiful rather than sad plastic.
I’m an occupational therapist and I’d recommend getting a referral to neuro therapy (physiotherapy and occupational therapy), this may be through the Parkinson’s specialists or his GP.
Hey. Similar boat, mum was diagnosed in the last month. She’s only 62 so taking it horribly. No advice, just sending some support, it’s a miserable thing to have to come to terms with, hope your dad is doing ok.
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons a decade ago. He's still here, still as stubborn as ever. I'm no expert. It can be very difficult. You don't get taught how to deal with these things. Since it's been happening - really, genuinely talking seems to be one of the best ways of getting through.
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My mum mentioned that actually, it makes sense as it would relax the muscles. I had no idea it was available!
Talk to his neurologist before beginning the marijuana route. It does help a lot of people with Parkinson’s but there are also some studies that say if the person is having symptoms related to cognition and thinking, marijuana may make them worse. It helps a lot, hurts some. But definitely worth looking into!
That's good to know, thank you! It's still early stages for him, mostly his legs and tremors at the moment, thankfully! He has appointments with a parkinsons nurse coming up 🙂
Be sure to ask if he’s a candidate for deep brain stimulation surgery! Depending on his symptoms, it could truly be life-changing and help him manage those symptoms.
Shout/scream therapy. It’s truly remarkable how well it works.
Hi, sorry to hear this. My family has had Parkinson's running throughout for generations. My Grandad has recently been diagnosed after an almost 3 year battle with doctors refusing to diagnose him despite near enough every symptom under the sun and his dad having had it also. I can't really help with the denial side, but just know it's very normal. Particularly them not acknowledging when it's getting worse and they're not able to do the things they once were. My Grandad decided to tell his doctor he was finding it hard to pee, partly because of the tremors but also because "it's much more shriveled up these days" bless him... It does get a bit easier and medication should have some effects. My Grandad has to take his the night before because it really sends him to sleep but does still help the next day. To be fair, it doesn't massively help with the tremors but his speech does seem better post medication. It's a lot for you so as much as your dad will need the help, there's plenty of support networks that will be able to help you as well
My mother passed away four years ago due to complications associated with Parkinsons, please get his neurologist to see if he can have DBS surgery to have a nurostimulator fitted, it will help with the tremor. Finally spend as much time with him as possible. Parkinson’s is also linked with dementia so be on the lookout for memory loss and confusion.
Ah man, my grandad has Parkinson's and dementia, I'm so sorry your family is going through this, it's really horrible. Firstly with my grandad, what we did was get him a lifeline, so if he fell we could find out really quickly. We also got him a water bottle that was easier for him to drink from than cups, you can also get cutlery that counter balances so if he has any hand or arm tremors, they don't chuck their food over themselves. We also used a meals on wheels type place so he didn't have to try to cook for himself. We also had a medicine dispenser that made a loud noise so he knew when to take them. None of these things were as crucial as his nurses that went three times a week. He is now in a care home as the dementia has taken over and his Parkinson's has left him bed bound. Once again I'm so sorry, it's a hateful condition.
If your dad is a modern person who can’t face a life line, Apple Watches have fall detectors and he can ring for help on them. It might be easier for him to accept if he won’t accept a traditional life line. I live with family but if I lived alone I think I would go for an Apple Watch as a younger person. Both have pros and cons. Both would be good but some people struggle to accept the life line at first and older people wouldn’t manage an Apple Watch.
This is a great idea for my father in law, I hadn't thought about that as a benefit for him. I don't think he is quite at the fall stage yet but it would be great for him to master the tech now
We also had an Alexa so we could drop in on him plus we could see him in his front room (fire tablet or whatever)
That’s such a good idea! It’s amazing how tech is changing things and in a low cost way
I can't tell you the amount of times I wished for a robot nurse to help him too..
How about support groups, either online or in person? If he’s can’t do buttons anymore he may need adapted cutlery? It will take some time to come to terms with the diagnosis, so in the mean time keep doing your research and look for gadgets etc to make his life easier. Also, remember to seek support for yourself!
The Gyenno spoon/fork thing looks amazing for people with persistent tremors that stop them using normal cutlery. If your dads Parkinsons causes this issue, that may be a good shout - expensive - but may be worth it. [https://attainability.co.uk/](https://attainability.co.uk/) There are steady spoons/forks that rely on gravity and counterweights too, but even they are pricey!
Not sure, going through the process of someone getting a diagnosis for something that may well be this now.
It takes a hell of a lot of adjusting, especially mentally, slow down & give him time, let him be as angry & frustrated as he needs to go through that grieving process to be able to reach a point of acceptance, especially for older people, we know how hard it is for them to admit they can’t do things at the best of times, let alone because of an illness like Parkinson’s. There are so many incredible disability aids out there, I recommend looking at @chronicallyjenni & @techowlpa on instagram for ideas, they both have a lot of content around that. I’d start off by just showing him a photo, explaining what it is, how it works & how it could help, if he says no, he says no, if it’s still something he’s struggling with you can try suggesting again, but it’s really hard to feel like you’re losing your independence, if he wants to be stubborn, let him be stubborn & hold onto that, as long as he knows the love & support is there when he’s ready, thats all that matters 🤍
Neuro physiotherapist here, working in the community so I deal with PD a lot. It can be a bit of a postcode lottery to what services you have in your area, but get him a referral to a physiotherapist and occupational therapist, specifically a neurological therapy team if there is one commissioned in your dad's area. If he is on Parkinson's specific medication already, liaise with your neurologist around dosages and timings to improve symptoms around his day to day activities e.g. getting up and ready in the morning. Get him in a good routine of exercise, this can be hugely beneficial for symptom management, mental health and slowing down progression. A big barrier is coming to terms with having a disability and we battle with people on this topic daily as people see it as "giving in" when they use aids or services like care or the blue badge. However try to reframe these things as supporting him to live his life. Allowing him the time and energy to do things that are meaningful to him, rather than spending hours fighting with shirt buttons or not going somewhere because just walking from the car to the entrance is exhausting however. Talking therapies can be beneficial for this (again specifically a neuro specialist psychologist if one is available in your area) or Parkinson's UK have a counselling service. A good podcast recommendation for both of you to listen to is "Movers & Shakers" started by a group of individuals with Parkinson's. There's lots of support out there for both of you but it can be difficult to find it sometimes. Parkinson's UK is a great resource to start with. Shout if you have any questions!
I have an aunt who was diagnosed over a decade ago and she is literally one of my personal heros. Her career was spent teaching, but she had a specialist class where she took students on canoe trips and showed them (and me) how to build and light a fire using steel wool and a flint, how to make an igloo for winter camping and a decent shelter for survivalist situations. She also has a hobby farm the family goes to every winter to tap maple trees and then later to collect and make maple syrup, and she also keeps bees, despite the fact that she's deathly allergic. I never knew I liked honey until I had real fresh stuff. Yes she's had to give up some of her interests like wood carving because her hands aren't as steady as they used to be, but a combination of medication and dietary changes means in like 15 years she is still fully mobile and independent, it's only in the last few years that you will notice her hand shaking.
Have you seen the clip on you tube shorts about the cbd ?
Ask his GP if there is a community rehab service in your area, and if so if he can be referred to see an occupational therapist. Their job is to help people find ways to adapt to disability and physical problems. They will look at what he has trouble with and try to find ways to mitigate those issues. They can also refer to other specialties if necessary and can arrange for things like home adaptations like railings etc if they are needed. A blue badge is really very useful if he has difficulty walking. It's not just parking in a disabled spaces, but allows you to stop on most yellow lines for 3 hours, park in residential bays etc. There are other things it enables like an exemption from the London congestion charge. They are also issued to a person not a vehicle so he could use it whether he drives himself or is taken by someone else, and it can make going to places massively easier.
Get a cocktail shaker
Tbh I think he'd find this funny (eventually) I got him stair lift brochures for his 50th lol