Caregiving doesn’t pause—and neither does the importance of having the right support. Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is here year-round to help you find trusted information, supportive communities, and practical tools that make each day a little more manageable. Whether you’re caring for a loved one today, tomorrow, or any time of year, connection and support 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.

Movement Disorder

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.