Care Partners

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s Disease

Caring for a person living with Parkinson’s is a journey that can begin gradually or unexpectedly. You may find yourself helping with appointments, medication management, mobility, personal care, emotional support, or day-to-day tasks. As Parkinson’s progresses, your caring role may change over time. 

Many people do not see themselves as “carers” or “care partners” because they are supporting a spouse, parent, sibling, family member, or friend. However, if you regularly provide support to someone living with Parkinson’s, you are a care partner. 

Recognising your role is an important first step in accessing the information, services, and supports available to you. While caring can be rewarding, it can also be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. It is important to look after your own wellbeing and seek support before you feel overwhelmed. 

As a care partner, you are not alone. Support may be available through family, friends, community services, and other charities such as Family Carers Ireland. There are many services available such as education, counselling, respite, peer support, and practical advice can help you feel more confident and supported in your caring role. Support is also available through Parkinson’s Ireland. 

You shouldn’t view looking after yourself as a luxury, it is an essential part of caring for someone else. 

For care partner supports and information, contact:  

• Parkinson’s Ireland Freephone Helpline: 1800 359 359  

• Family Carers Ireland Careline: 1800 240 724 

More information can be found at www.familycarers.ie 

Financial Supports & Entitlements

People with Parkinson’s and their Care Partners may be able to avail of certain financial supports and entitlements to assist them in their day-to-day life. To find an up-to-date list of financial benefits available to care partners, visit parkinsons.ie/care-partners-financial-supports.

Always confirm current figures via the official provider, such as Gov.ie, Citizens Information, or Revenue. This page is for general information and signposting, not financial or legal advice.

Personal Assistance Hours for Care Partners 

Personal Assistance (PA) Hours are funded by the Government through the HSE and delivered in partnership with a range of disability service providers across Ireland. These services are designed to help people living with disabilities, including Parkinson’s, to live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities. 

Personal Assistants can provide practical, flexible, person-centred support tailored to an individual’s needs. This may include assistance with personal care, household tasks, attending appointments, accessing education or employment, participating in social activities, and maintaining independence at home. The service is directed by the person receiving the support and can range from a few hours each week to more intensive assistance where required. 

For care partners, Personal Assistance Hours can provide valuable respite and support, helping to reduce caring demands while enabling the person with Parkinson’s to remain active, engaged, and independent.

How to Access Personal Assistance Supports 

If you believe you or your family member may benefit from Personal Assistance Hours, speak with: 

• Your GP or Healthcare Team 

• Your HSE Disability Services Office 

• Your Local Disability Service Provider 

For advice on disability and community supports, you can also contact Citizens Information on 0818 07 4000 or visit citizensinformation.ie. 

Parkinson’s Ireland has compiled an online directory of Personal Assistance providers across Ireland, organised by county, to help individuals and families identify services in their area. 

Visit: parkinsons.ie/personal-assistance-hours 

Services Available to Care Partners 

As a care partner, it is important to build relationships with your GP, Public Health Nurse, and members of the multidisciplinary team such as Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech & Language Therapists, and Dietician. Their advice and support can be invaluable in helping you plan for the future and access appropriate services. 

Eligibility criteria and assessment processes apply, and not everyone will qualify for every support. Seeking information early can help you understand what options may be available to you. 

For more information visit: 

• www.parkinsons.ie 

• www.familycarers.ie 

• www.citizensinformation.ie 
• www.carealliance.ie 
• www.nhi.ie 

Family Carers Ireland

Family Carers Ireland (FCI) is the national charity supporting the 500,000+ family carers across the country who care for loved ones with additional needs including family members or friends living with Parkinson’s Disease. Its tagline is no one should have to care alone.

Through its national network of carer support centres, FCI offers services including information and advocacy regarding family carers’ rights and entitlements; training and workshops; support in accessing respite; group meetings and social events to help combat isolation; advice on care planning and crisis support.

FCI also operates a National Freephone Careline 1800 240724, where experienced and trained staff and volunteers offer a listening ear and practical information, guidance and referrals on a range of issues, and is a HSE-approved provider of home care services. As a not-for-profit organisation, any profits earned from the delivery of home care goes directly back into supporting family carers.

Please visit www.familycarers.ie to find out more about the supports and services offered by FCI in your community and contact details for your local Carer Supports Manager.

Useful Links

• About Family Carers Ireland
• Family Carers Ireland Emergency Plan
• Family Carers Ireland Working Care Out 
• Family Carers Ireland Counselling Information Leaflet
• Family Carers Ireland Mental Health Booklet
• Decision Support Presentation Service

Care Partner Webinar

Please click here to watch the recording of our care partner webinar.

If you would prefer a physical copy, Parkinson’s Ireland can post one directly to your home. To request your copy, email jamie@parkinsons.ie or call our National Helpline on 1800 359 359.