To balance stress and work life balance, it is recommended that caregivers pursue activities that can increase the feeling of meaning in life and help put their PD patient in social situations (White, Palmieri, 2024). A first-hand recommendation by Judy, a wife and caregiver of a PD patient (as detailed in the interview below), was to take her loved one on outings and find a community of people that supported them, for her, it was her church. Strong, outside socialization can decrease feelings of stress and increase positive feelings in both the caregiver and patient (White, Palmieri, 2024). Many caregivers turn towards religion and spirituality to seek assistance through the process of coping (White, Palmieri, 2024). Another tool is to access support groups to help create strong coping strategies. Some support programs include the VA which has multiple respite locations, and local Parkinson’s disease support groups (White, Palmieri, 2024). Many caregivers report feeling relief and positive benefits from being around others that are experiencing the same lifestyle and feelings (White, Palmieri, 2024). There are multiple support groups for PD in Washington state, which can be sorted by region and city. For example, a group with varies locations is the Young Onset Activity Group, which is a social group for individuals with PD under the age of 60 that undergo activities such as dinners, hiking, and more (APDA). Some virtual only groups include the APDA Northwest Virtual PD support group which meets on the 2nd Monday of each month in the afternoon, or the 1st Monday of each month in the evening (APDA). Other APDA virtual groups include APDA northwest virtual care partner group, APDA northwest Parkinson’s spouses’ virtual group, APDA northwest atypical Parkinson’s virtual group, and APDA northwest flying solo with PD virtual group (APDA). A variety of support groups can cater to different needs of either the caregiver or the patient. In the Spokane area, there is multiple different types of support groups for PD patients and their caregivers. Some of these groups include the NWPF’s bionic brain club which is a deep brain stimulation interest group that meets virtually, and the Women affected by PD group which meets in person on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Riverview Retirement Community (APDA). More groups in Spokane include the PWP & Carepartner group that meets at Touchmark South Hill on the third Wednesday of the month, and the PD Connect Group which meets in person at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley on the last Tuesday of the month (APDA). In the King Country area, there is also a large variety of support groups including the NeuroFIT support group in Auburn, the General Parkinson’s support group in Enumclaw, The Men’s group, and Women living with Parkinson group In Kirkland, and many other options and locations. In eastern Washington, there is the general meeting group at the Columbia Basin Hospital that meets on the first Thursday of the month in Ephrata, the general support group in Moses lake that meets at the Samaritan healthcare hospital on the 2nd Monday of each month, and the general support group that meets at Kadlec Neurological Resource Center on the 3rd Monday of the month (APDA). There is also the general group that meets in Walla Walla at the First Congregational church on the 4th Saturday of the month, the general meeting in Wenatchee that meets at the Aging and adult care center of Wenatchee on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, and the general support group in Yakima that meets at the Harman Center on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (APDA).
Another way to alleviate burnout is to seek alternative therapies such as music therapies, medication, and more. The Parkinson’s foundation created a list of realistic ways to implement self-care into your daily life as a caregiver. These self-care tips include eating healthy, managing stress by taking a hot bath, using a mediation app, reading a book, etc., exercising regularly, setting limits such as asking for help when needed, taking care of your own health needs, finding activities to enjoy outside of care, scheduling breaks, practicing mindfulness, and more (Parkinson’s Foundation). The Parkinson’s foundation also provides an informational tool about coping skills for caregivers that includes focusing on the positives, seeking out joy in your relationship with your loved one, and developing habits together (Parkinson’s Foundation). The Michael J Fox Foundation provides tips for decreasing burnout including brining in professional help if possible, trying online resources such as the “Lotsa Helping Hands” tool which allows caregivers to schedule meals and rides, as well as share a calendar with other family members (The Michael J. Fox Foundation). A large part of self-care is to also take breaks when you can. Some states offer respite care programs in which loved ones can be dropped off at a care center to be watched for a few hours so the caregiver can take some time to themselves. There is also an option to seek out homecare so trained medical professionals can come into the home and assist your loved one. There is 31 total respite care facilities located in Spokane, but there is an average cost of $367 per day for short term respirate care in Washington State (Senior Advice). Some examples of top respite care facilities in Spokane include the ManorCare Health Services, Providence St. Joseph Care center, Royal Park Health and Rehabilitation, The Gardens on University, Sullivan Park Assisted Living Community, and many more (Senior Advice). While there may not be one single answer for how to manage burnout, it is important to seek help, explore local resources, and take time for yourself.