image design credits: cathy williams …image design credits: cathy williams 2018 it’s all in your...

Primary Orthostatic Tremor ConferenceMelbourne, Australia, 8-9 April 2019

Image Design Credits: www.Vecteezy.com Cathy Williams 2018

Support Strategies for Carers

Session Leader: Ken McDonell

Primary Orthostatic Tremor ConferenceMelbourne, Australia, 8-9 April 2019

Cathy Williams 2018Image Design Credits: www.Vecteezy.com

Task Reassignment

● Reassign the impossible– hanging out the washing, vacuuming, queueing

● Split the manageable– both shop, one checks out; one cooks with a stool one washes up

● Preprogram– may need to use a “sheila” look, instread of a “bloke” look; being

psychic helps head off conflict at the pass

● Give some things up– pending the 30hr day or 8-day week

Primary Orthostatic Tremor ConferenceMelbourne, Australia, 8-9 April 2019

Cathy Williams 2018Image Design Credits: www.Vecteezy.com

It’s all in your Mind

● The condition is a debilitating, life-changing one● The common drugs are psychotropic with depression, weight

gain and reduced mental awareness as common side-effects● You need to keep a weather eye out for the mental health of

your partner and yourself

Primary Orthostatic Tremor ConferenceMelbourne, Australia, 8-9 April 2019

Cathy Williams 2018Image Design Credits: www.Vecteezy.com

Make time for Self

● You both need time to yourself– maintain self-esteem and sense of self-worth– continue to do what you enjoy doing, don’t let the condition rule your

whole life

● Time invested in self, helps improve the other time you spend together