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World Parkinson’s Day Fundraiser at NSPH


Thank you staff and visitors to North Shore Private Hospital for supporting Shake it Up Australia Foundation for Parkinson’s Research on World Parkinson’s Day. 100 beautifully decorated cupcakes on our cupcake stall sold out in no time!

All monies raised at the yearly April 11 World Parkinson’s Day fundraiser go to Shake it Up Australia Foundation to support the amazing work they do for Parkinson’s research.

For more information on Shake it Up, head to www.shakeitup.org or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shakeitupaust/https://www.facebook.com/shakeitupaust/

The Sydney DBS surgical team
North Shore Private Hospital Nurse Unit Managers, Karen Morrison and Morena Hill from our Neurological ward with NSPH CEO, Richard Ryan

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Caring for Carers

As the carer of a loved one or friend with Parkinson’s Disease, you make a tremendous difference. Being a carer can be exceptionally fulfilling but also highly demanding. Fortunately, there are a number of strategies and support networks available to help you provide the best possible care, and look after yourself too.

Here are some approaches to consider:

Define your role

Chances are, you won’t be the only person involved in your loved one’s care. Speaking to the other support staff and carers to determine your responsibilities can help you to define exactly what’s expected. Writing down your key roles and those of others can help to create a sense or order and make it easier to know who to turn to when new challenges arise.

Be flexible

As the condition of the person you care for changes, your role as a carer will change, too. You may need to learn more about dispensing medications or become more involved in daily activities such as dressing, eating and washing. Being ready for change can make transitions feel easier.

Take time for yourself

Make sure you take time away from your caring duties to focus on your health and have regular ‘you’ time. Life as a carer can be difficult and overwhelming, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking a break. If necessary, consider enlisting the help of other family members or bringing others in to help you in providing care.

You may wish to talk to the doctor treating the person you care for if you need assistance with your caring duties or if you are feeling overwhelmed. Speaking privately with your own doctor can be helpful too.

In Australia, you can talk with the GP of the person you care for about setting up a Government funded Aged Care Package or (for younger patients) about a support package through the National Disability Insurance Scheme. There are many private organisations that can also provide assistance if this is affordable.

Often, carers are reluctant to seek out or accept outside help, but usually extremely relieved when they do. Sometimes just a few hours of regular, reliable respite can make a wonderful difference for both you and the person you care for.

Focus on healthy living strategies

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will keep your mind and body healthy so you can feel prepared for any challenges. Remember to:

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep
  • Consider reducing your alcohol intake

Learn about Parkinson’s Disease

Knowledge is empowering. Learn more about Parkinson’s Disease so you can anticipate changes in the symptoms or behaviour of the person you care for. As a carer, you may find that knowing what to expect at different stages of the disease can help you to manage new situations as they arise.

Empower your loved one

As the carer, you don’t have to do everything all the time. Talk to the person you care for about how involved they want to be in their care, and encourage them to do what they can. If necessary, you might allow for more time to get these tasks done, so that they can maintain a level of independence for as long as possible.

Find a support group

Speaking to other people in similar circumstances can bring comfort, strength and new ideas. Links to a few Australia based support organisations are listed below:

Parkinson’s Australia https://www.parkinsons.org.au/for-carers

Parkinson’s NSW http://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/about-parkinsons-disease/caring-for-someone/

Carers NSW Australia https://www.carersnsw.org.au/how-we-help/support/csg/

References

The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and is not treatment advice. Recommendations regarding therapy can only be made on a case by case basis, discussed between a patient and their treating doctor(s).

The information in this article was current at March 2019.

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PD Warrior Seeking Volunteers with PD to assist with Professional Training Program

PD Warrior are hosting an instructor course for health professionals on 24 June 2018 in St Leonards, Sydney, and are seeking volunteers with Parkinson’s disease to assist them for demonstration purposes.

To thank their volunteers, PD Warrior are offering afternoon tea, a copy of The New Parkinson’s Treatment book, an assessment and treatment with an instructor in training, use of their exercise circuit and a taste of PD Warrior! They will also be operating another course on 16 September 2018. If you’d like more information, please contact admin@pdwarrior.com.

 

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Deep Brain Stimulation Support Group at NSPH

The first Deep Brain Stimulation support group took place at North Shore Private Hospital on Friday 25 May. The group, which will now meet quarterly, was hosted by Parkinson’s NSW and Sydney DBS and gave those who have undergone DBS as a treatment option for their Parkinson’s disease an opportunity to share their stories and experiences.

Speaker, Dr Paul Clouston, spoke about his own personal experience of electing to undergo DBS to help treat his Parkinson’s disease and how the procedure has improved his life. Dr Clouston was joined in discussion by Sydney DBS Neurosurgeon Dr Raymond Cook and Neurologist Dr Paul Silberstein who provided the support group attendees with information on how they identify patients who could benefit most from DBS treatment.

The register your interest in the next DBS support group at North Shore Private Hospital, proposed for Friday 21 September, please call the Parkinson’s NSW Info Line on 1800 644 189

Dr Paul Silberstein, Dr Paul Clouston and Dr Raymond Cook

 

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Parkinson’s Disease & Deep Brain Stimulation Seminar at NSPH

Sydney DBS Neurologist, Dr Paul Silberstein and Neurosurgeon, Dr Raymond Cook were course convenors for the Parkinson’s Disease & Deep Brain Stimulation seminar at North Shore Private Hospital on 15 May.

A packed room of attendees, including Neurologists, GPs, Allied Health professionals and Parkinson’s nurses, listened to presentations from Drs Silberstein & Cook who were also joined by a DBS Neurologist, a Neuropsychiatrist and a Rehabilitation Physician who specialises in Parkinson’s disease.

Topics of discussion included an introduction covering a PD overview, current indications for DBS and current clinical guidelines before presentations on the DBS surgical procedure and two seperate patient two case studies. These case studies were supported by Dr Liang, Dr Shin and Dr Meagher’s expertise.

Pictured are presenters Neurosurgeon Dr Raymond Cook, Rehabilitation Physician Dr Hannah Shin, Neuropsychiatrist Dr Linton Meagher, Neurologist Dr Christina Liang and Neurologist Dr Paul Silberstein.

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Post DBS Support Group at North Shore Private Hospital

What Happens After DBS? The first Post DBS Support Group, hosted by Parkinson’s NSW, will take place at North Shore Private Hospital on Friday 25 May at 10.30am. Enjoy morning tea while sharing personal experiences, asking questions and participating in discussions.

Speaker Dr Paul Clouston will be joined by Sydney DBS Neurologist, Dr Paul Silberstein and Neurosurgeon, Dr Raymond Cook.

Please call the PD NSW InfoLine on 1800 644 189 to register.