Calls for more respite care for Parkinson's sufferers

1. 20 April 2016

A woman who cares full-time for her husband who suffers with Parkinson's disease says there needs to be better respite facilities.

Anne and Winston in the hydrotherapy pool

Anne Cabot says she has asked the States unsuccessfully, through her Doctor, for respite care since June.

She has cared for Winston since he was diagnosed 17 years ago.

17 years is a long time, nobody's going to work 24/7 for 17 years, you just don't get a break. I don't begrudge it at all but it is hard work. You just need a day, or a week to, as you say, recharge your batteries and sort of, set yourself up again for the next time.

– ANNE CABOT

Winston is now being offered a day a week at Jersey Cheshire Home, provided by the Jersey branch of the Parkinson's UK Association. She says it will mean a lot to her.

Just to be able to perhaps just go out with a friend for a cup of coffee or something like that. You can't plan with Parkinson's, you can wake up in the morning thinking you'll be going here, there, wherever, and within the next hour Winston could be quite bad and you can't. That's what people don't understand.

– ANNE CABOT

Jersey's Health Minister was asked for a comment but didn't respond.

http://www.itv.com/news/channel/update/2016-04-20/calls-for-more-respite-care-for-parkinsons-sufferers/