Caring for a Veteran with Parkinson's

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disease, meaning that it changes over time. As a care partner, your involvement will also change along the way. While the Parkinson’s Foundation has care partner resources and information, when your loved one with Parkinson’s is a veteran, you may also have access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources that can provide assistance.

Parkinson’s Foundation Care Partner Resources

As a care partner, you do not have to face this disease alone. Parkinson’s Foundation resources are always available to help you:

• Caring and Coping: a guide created for care partners for a loved one with Parkinson’s.
• Parkinson.org/Carepartners: from Care Partner Resources to Caring for You and Preparing for Changes, these articles provide helpful advice for every stage.
• Newly Diagnosed Guide: designed to help your loved one get started on their journey to living well with Parkinson's.
• PD Conversations: Join our online community and connect with others in the care partner discussion group.

VA Care Partner Resources

The VA offers resources specifically created for care partners:

• VA Caregiver Support Line: Call 1-855-260-3274. If you are new to the VA, this is a great first step to learn more about the support that is available to you. Visit the VA webpage: VA Caregiver Support.
• Caregiver Support Coordinators: located in each VA medical center, coordinators can help you learn more about available VA programs and services. Find your local coordinator using the VA webpage: Caregiver Support Coordinators.
• VA Caregiver Support Program: free online workshop for caregivers and advice from others who care for Veterans. Find more caregiver program options on the VA webpage: Connect with Others.
• VA Caregiver Summer Article: I’m Caring for a Veteran with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) - What Do I Need to Know?
• VA webpage: Parkinson’s Disease Research Education and Clinical Center, For Veterans and Families
• VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers: Eligibility for this program has expanded. To learn more about this program and to see if you are eligible please visit caregiver.va.gov.

For more information on the different VA benefit programs and care options for your loved one, visit the VA website.

Know the Signs of Depression

Depression is a non-movement symptom of Parkinson’s, along with anxiety and apathy, and can be a side effect of Parkinson’s medication. Know the symptoms of depression for both you and your loved one. Do not delay in seeking support or professional counseling. Talk to your doctor, depression is often treatable.

Keep contact information for a psychiatrist/therapist, Parkinson's Foundation Helpline 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) and the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1 or text 838255) and other emergency phone numbers nearby.

Learn more about non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Be Prepared for a Hospitalization

Every person living with Parkinson’s should be prepared for a possible hospitalization ― whether planned or unplanned. Hospitalization can be especially stressful for a veteran with PD and caregivers. Often, care partners become the care advocate, ensuring your loved one receives their medication on time.

Contact the veteran’s movement disorder specialist or treating neurologist to make them aware of the hospitalization and ask him/her to contact the hospital neurologist to discuss the treatment plan.

We recommend filling out the Parkinson’s Foundation Medication Form ― save it and print it for easy access.

Get Answers to Your Parkinson’s Questions

Call the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions. Helpline specialists can provide you with current disease information, medical issues including symptoms and treatments and referrals to health professionals and community resources for local support.