How do you maintain an intimate relationship when you become a caregiver for your spouse or partner? Sharing life as a couple means facing and overcoming countless challenges. For so many, the ultimate challenge begins when an illness is uncovered, and one of you must become a caregiver to the other. Rene faced this transition when her husband of 20 years was diagnosed with Parkinsons in his mid-40s. In the two decades since his diagnosis, the couple has navigated a dramatic shift in household and relationship responsibilities and must constantly work at alternative ways to maintain intimacy and joy in an often difficult day-to-day.

In this episode, Rene Smyth details the ups and downs of how their relationship has changed, and Dr. Linda Franchi, a community counsellor with the Parkinson Wellness Projects, delves into the many facets of intimacy and the adjustments and adaptations spousal caregivers must embrace.

Find harmony between the caregiver and romantic partner relationships:

• The numerous kinds of intimacy beyond the physical;
• New ways to lean into each other, even in the face of painful and unprecedented change;
• Practical ways to incorporate self-care into your caregiving duties;
• The importance of reimagining the bond that holds your relationship together.

Resources:

• Find exercise classes, counselling, support groups, and education with Parkinson Wellness Projects - https://parkinsonwellness.ca/
• Learn more about Parkinson Society BC - https://www.youtube.com/@ParkinsonSocietyBC
• Alzheimer Society of Canada, "How your intimate relationships can change" - https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-living-dementia/managing-changes-your-abilities/how-your-intimate-relationships-can
• "The Value of Peer Support" - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/emotions-of-caregiving/the-value-of-peer-support/
• "Parallel Paths: The Changes Experienced in the Caregiving Relationship" - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/caregiver-learning-center/read-resources/parallel-paths-the-changes-experienced-in-the-caregiving-relationship

Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line - 1-877-520-3267 (Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4pm PT)

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