Caring for a Loved One Living with a Movement Disorder

Caregiving doesn’t pause after November — and neither does the importance of staying connected to the right support. Plug-in to Care helps caregivers find trusted information, supportive communities, and practical tools that make each day a little more manageable. Whether you’re caring for a loved one this holiday season or any time of year, connection can make all the difference.

The Caregiver’s Role

Caregivers provide critical support for people living with movement disorders, where motor and cognitive symptoms can make daily tasks challenging. They often assist with mobility, medication management, transportation, and scheduling medical appointments. In addition, caregivers offer emotional support as their loved ones experience changes in independence. Their involvement is critical to maintaining quality of life for individuals with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, and others.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Anticipating Cognitive and Behavioral Changes

It is important for caregivers to understand that emotional and cognitive changes are often part of movement disorders, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and sometimes cognitive decline. This can place a heavy burden on caregivers as well, making it essential that they seek professional support when needed.

Keeping Your Loved One Safe

Patients with movement disorders are at higher risk for falls, choking, involuntary movements, and injuries related to tremors, so caregivers should be mindful of safety and mobility challenges.

Managing Medications

In addition, many conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, rely on specific timing of medications to control symptoms, so caregivers involved in managing prescriptions must pay close attention to schedules and potential side effects.

Caregiving Resources

Partner Resources

For Care Partners: Parkinson’s Foundation — For a loved one’s specific movement disorder, it is helpful to connect with nonprofit organizations that offer support groups and other disease-specific resources. For example, the Parkinson’s Foundation provides a free helpline, caregiver guides, and local support groups for patients and caregivers.
Huntington’s Disease Society of America: Caregiver Services and Resources — Similarly, Huntington’s Disease Society of America provides caregiver toolkits, guidance on how to manage symptoms, and support networks.
Managing FA: Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance — Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) is a complex disease that affects each person differently. Managing health care for the various aspects of FA can be overwhelming, but this page can help you think through different elements of your care.

Caregiver Action Network

This resource was developed with support from Movement Disorder Policy Coalition.

Plug-in to Care: Stay Connected

Caregiving can be complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. Plug-in to Care by connecting with trusted resources, supportive communities, and tools that help you care for your loved one — and yourself — throughout the holiday season and beyond.