I Was Clueless About Caregiving

Dave Iverson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2004. He is a founding member of The Michael J Fox Foundation (MJFF) Patient Council and was the first host of the MJFF Parkinson’s Podcast. We caught up at a patient council meeting in New York City to chat about his new book “Winter Stars.”  Parkinson’s runs deep in Dave’s family, but this book is not strictly about Parkinson’s. It’s about family, life choices and a bone between a mother and son.  At the age of 59, having spent nearly forty years in public broadcasting, Dave paused his career. His 95-year old mother had a rough bout with pneumonia and couldn’t care for herself anymore. So, he paused his career, moved in with her and became her caregiving.   That decision resulted in a decade of self-discovery, an odyssey that forced Dave to come face to face with his personal weaknesses and uncharacteristic anger, while strengthening the bond to his mother and learning to live with, learn from and love dementia.  Winter Stars by Dave Iverson is available wherever you buy your books.  EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: [email protected] Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow us, Larry & Rebecca Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod KEY LINKS  “Winter Stars” by Dave Iverson – Sample Chapters, Listen to an Excerpt, Read Reviews, and Purchase  My Father, My Brother and Me – Watch Dave Iverson’s FRONTLINE documentary online.  Capturing Grace – Homepage for Dave Iverson’s film about Parkinson’s and Dance. Care Partner Resources PARKINSON CANADA Care Partnering Home Page – Access the free care partner book, self-assessment guide, care partner burden calculator, home safety evaluation, activities of daily living, daily needs and routine tracker, Parkinson’s disease daily diary, and a “What-if” planning tool.  MICHAEL J FOX FOUNDATION  Care Partner Guide – “You, Your Loved One and Parkinson’s Disease” FREE DOWNLOAD from The Michael J Fox Foundation  Caregiving and Parkinson’s “Ask the MD” – The Michael J Fox Foundation’s Dr. Rachel Dolhun offers insight and advice to Care Partners in this four-minute video.  PARKINSON’S FOUNDATION Care Partner Resources – Early in the Journey to Advanced Parkinson’s, getting outside help, Hotlines, government agency contacts, medication and financial assistance, and end of life planning.  AMERICAN PARKINSON’S DISEASE ASSOCIATION (APDA) Care Partner Resources PARKINSON’S UK Care Partner Resources  European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA) Caring and Parkinson’s Resource Page WRITING WORKSHOP Tightrope Theatre - Rebecca Gifford’s online virtual writing workshop “Express Yourself” is open to everyone from anywhere. The six-week course begins in September 2022 and is open for registration through Tightrope Theatre.  Thanks to  Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Greg Schott – Sound Design Our Promotional Partners include:  Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners  The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast hosted by Larry Gifford as featured in the MJFF2021 Year in Review.  PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us.  World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to start thinking about making your plans to join us for #WPC2023 in Barcelona, Spain for the sixth triennial congress.  Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices