For most people who have Parkinson’s disease, planning daily tasks is more important than ever before. From getting dressed to taking a shower, activities of daily living can be much more complicated. According to Liberato Fusco, Ph.D., who is a career coach based out of Boston, it is possible to take the planning several steps further. This can help people with the disease to live much more productive lives.
Fusco, known as Libby, has come up with a seminar series called No Regrets that helps senior citizens with Parkinson’s disease to create a life plan. It also can be useful for senior citizens over 65 who do not have the disease. Libby says that he came up with the program so people can figure out how to plan out their lives in the time that they have left. He notes that if you are 65, you may have 15 or 20 years left. How do you want to plan for that future? If you have PD, there are unique issues involved, but the methodology is mostly the same.
In one of his seminars, he asked people to bring in pictures of themselves from different times of their lives. Then they were asked to think about transitions into and out of those stages of life. Then, you can start to think about what your next transition is going to be.
Libby made several career transitions in his life. He started as a psychologist, and then moved into management consulting and coaching 15 years later. Ten years ago, he was diagnosed with PD. Now he is excited to focus the next stage of his career on helping people with PD to plan ahead and make the most of the time that they have.
Libby’s best advice to people with PD is to embrace changes in your life when you need to, even if the disease and the drugs that you need to take for it create more challenges. For example, Libby ran into a friend who has PD but was on a drug regimen very different from what Libby was on. Libby suggested that his friend try Libby’s cocktail of drugs instead after talking with his doctor. But the man said he was not comfortable making the changes. Libby talked to his doctor about the drug combo his friend was taking. He then shared what the doctor said to his friend, and the friend then decided he should talk to his doctor about taking a different set of drugs.
Libby also said it is very important to be part of a large support group, such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation. This can help you to learn about new ideas and therapies, and to hear about other people’s experiences with the disease.
For caregivers who are working with a PD patient, having some helpful Parkinson’s supplies can make the life of you and your loved one easier. At bath time, try the Soaper Sponge Bath Sponge. Or your loved one can try the Large Universal Weighted Holder for making brushing teeth and shaving easier.
