Help for Families

This section aims to help families cope with the impact of Parkinson’s by connecting them to important information, support and resources.

• What about the needs of families?
• Information on Parkinson’s for families and carers
• Support for families
• Resources for children

What about the needs of families?
With such a complex illness, families face some difficult tasks. At the same time as supporting the person diagnosed, family members have to adjust themselves to its impact, coping with their own feelings that emerge along the way.

We recognise how hard this can be, so we’ve provided a list of resources below to help families understand and cope with Parkinson’s. Please note: You may also find information in the carers section useful.

Information on Parkinson’s for families and carers
Several sites provide information sheets about Parkinson’s for families and carers:

• Parkinson's Victoria - Publications

• Parkinson’s UK - Publications & Information sheets
• HealthInsite – Parkinson’s Disease and Carers
• Brainlink – For those who care: A practical guide for families

Support for families
Family members are affected in important ways by Parkinson’s. We encourage you to find support for your own needs and concerns by making use of the following options:

• Parkinson’s Victoria’s – Specialist Health Team can answer your questions and assist you with your needs and concerns. Drop in, call our helpline on 1800 644 189 or attend one of our community education seminars.
• Find resources for topics such as depression, anxiety and grief and loss in our counselling and support section (link to counselling and support, resources for emotional health).
• Find resources for keeping well in our carers section.
• Find information and resources about families through Family Relationships Online , Families Australia , Australian Institute of Family Studies and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
• Drummond Street Relationship Centre and LifeWorks provide a range of information resources and services including individual counselling, groups and seminars

Resources for children
There are some good resources available to help you explain Parkinson’s to children in language they understand.

These include:

• I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall - Rasheda Ali (this book can be ordered through Parkinson's Victoria 1800 644 189)
• Parkinson's UK information sheet - Talking to Children About Parkinsons 
• Brainlink – Supporting children and grandchildren