Many years ago, I worked at an assisted-living community as a business development coordinator. Introducing this facility to the community was a big part of my job, meaning I didn’t often have the opportunity to engage with the residents. The only time would be after my work day, when I could make it a point to join residents in the dining room.
On many occasions, I remember seeing a gentleman sitting at a table in the corner of the dining room. He seemed to have a very difficult time eating his meal. His spoon would shake every time he lifted it up to his mouth, and food would fall off at each attempt. Yet he continued without hesitation. I noticed he always sat with the same two residents. They seemed kind and never made the gentleman feel uncomfortable during the struggle of this daily task.
I couldn’t help but think how hard this must be for him emotionally and physically. After dinner, I noticed he would then slowly make his way back to his apartment. He had a shuffle in his walk. He would sometimes stop in the middle of the hall, almost as if he wasn’t sure of when the next step would happen. He knew it would be a matter of time when his feet would be able to move again. Patient with himself, he would smile and simply wait.
Like I mentioned, in my position, I had very little opportunity to be with residents, but when I could, it really was a favorite activity of mine. I loved spending time and talking with them. One morning, I decided to go and introduce myself to the gentleman from the dining room. I knocked on his door and heard a soft voice say, “Come in.” I opened the door, peeked in, and saw him gazing up at me with a big smile. I introduced myself and mentioned that I noticed him many times in the community and have wanted to meet him. He smiled again then said, “I have Parkinson’s.”
This gentleman was very comfortable and knowledgeable talking about his disease. He explained that he has had Parkinson’s for over 20 years, and it’s getting harder for him now to do the normal daily tasks. He had a wonderful sense of humor and continued to demonstrate incredible perseverance. I thanked him for inviting me into his home, and he seemed happy to have the visit. I enjoyed learning all about him: who he was, what he did as a profession, and the education he provided about his disease. Feeling blessed to have made such an amazing new friend, it was not long after that I decided to become an advocate for people like the gentleman who struggle on a daily basis with this disease.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which reminds us to become educated in this life-changing disease and learn the many symptoms that impact a person in their daily life. My advocacy has led to Parkinson’s support groups along with an annual awareness event, Pitching for Parkinson’s. Take a moment every April and at other times to learn more about Parkinson’s.
Kim Patterson is marketing director for CarePatrol.
CAREPATROL
(920) 428-0827
carepatrol.com
If you have any questions regarding the Parkinson’s support groups or Pitching for Parkinson’s, contact at kpatterson@carepatrol.com, and visit the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association at wiparkinson.org.