When I married my husband Peter, I knew he had Parkinson’s.
Nobody Prepares Us for This Part
I thought retirement would be different.
Instead, my days revolved around medications, appointments, interrupted sleep, emotional outbursts, and the constant pressure of making sure nothing fell apart.
And somewhere inside all of that … caregivers begin to feel like we're disappearing.
We can feel guilty for being overwhelmed.
Ashamed about losing patience.
Guilty for wanting a moment to ourselves.
Our efforts can feel invisible.
Parkinson’s changes more than movement.
It changes relationships. Identity. Marriage. Connection.
And almost nobody talks honestly about that.
But what you’re feeling is real.
And you are not failing.
I help Parkinson's caregivers carry what no one else sees.
Your love runs deep.
But Parkinsons has changed your life in ways that nobody prepared you for.
The exhaustion.
The guilt.
The loneliness.
You do not have to carry this alone.
But Parkinsons has changed your life in ways that nobody prepared you for.
The exhaustion.
The guilt.
The loneliness.
You do not have to carry this alone.
A Gentle Three-Step Path Forward
Here is Where to Start
1. Free Weekly Support
Get Real Talk - weekly Q&A emails about Parkinson's questions - the real questions that caregivers ask.
2. Find Your Own Center
Sign up for Resilience & Renewal, a 21-day program that will take you from surviving to thriving as a Parkinson's caregiver.
3. Read the Book
I wrote Love, Dignity & Parkinson's for those living the transition from partner to caregiver.
Caregivers need & deserve support.
Not because you’re doing everything perfectly.
Not because someone else needs you.
Because your life matters too.
Your exhaustion matters.
Your grief matters.
Your needs matter.
And you've likely not been told that clearly - or often - enough.
Not because someone else needs you.
Because your life matters too.
Your exhaustion matters.
Your grief matters.
Your needs matter.
And you've likely not been told that clearly - or often - enough.
Hope Returns
Every Parkinson's book you have read was written about the person who has the diagnosis.
This one is written for you.
An honest, compassionate guide for spouses and partners trying to care for someone they love without losing themselves in the process.
This one is written for you.
An honest, compassionate guide for spouses and partners trying to care for someone they love without losing themselves in the process.
Testimonials & Reviews
In Their Words
"I can't thank you enough for helping me in my journey as a caregiver (for both myself and PWP). You have made an amazing contribution to my learning about my well-being. I will continue to reflect on and put into action the grace and depth you have added to my life…
— Louise H.
The 'Caregiver Challenge' increased my awareness of what a PWP is experiencing in regards to emotions and experiencing life differently. The daily reflections and journal exercises afforded me an opportunity to think about my own reactions to a PWP since loss of who the person once was, is different, with still the hope of living the best life possible.
— Kathie P.
"Your responses to letters are very helpful in my journey as a caregiver for my husband. You have a gift for bringing some peace to my troubled waters."
— Sue W.
"The Caregiver Compass sessions changed my life! I was hesitant to sign up, but desperate for help. I felt myself becoming more resentful, sad and frustrated dealing with the physical and cognitive changes that came with my husband's progressing Parkinson's. I didn't want to go through my life that way. Talking with Terri, someone who had been in my shoes, provided me with strategies, tools and a new way to approach the disease, support my husband and protect my sanity and happiness. I have a refreshed outlook, feel calmer and more confident as a caregiver."
— Lynne S.
"I'm much calmer at home. I'm much less angry. I have patience. Since my bar of expectation has been significantly lowered and taken off a ton of pressure… So it's really made a difference… I'm becoming much more open with people about the cognitive changes."
— Gina
I must say this course is just what I needed and just the right time. And I have found your wisdom, your voice, your course a balm in the storm that has been so helpful to me. Whether it be the sweet letters and Q&A that come to my email; the thoughtfulness of this PP&P course; or the real time Facebook community of caregivers, I feel I’m in caring hands. And I feel I’m learning so much.
So thank you for your time, and talent, and care.
-Cindy S.
Today, my life is devoted to helping other Parkinson’s caregivers get the support, perspective, and practical tools to meet each day with more clarity, more peace, and less guilt.
Ph.D. in Human Development — Cornell University
Author of Love, Dignity, and Parkinson’s
Founder of Seabury House Press
Nearly 7,000 caregivers served
Speaker for Parkinson’s organizations nationwide