‘If it ain’t broke, break it’: Lessons for Parkinson’s caregivers
It's important to keep learning and evolving so we can provide better care
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You’re probably familiar with the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This usually refers to leaving things alone if they are working smoothly or going well. Essentially, don’t rock the boat. (Anyone remember that song?)
I recently heard a conference speaker say something that sounded similar but turned out to be quite different. Their version was: “If it ain’t broke, break it.”
How do you interpret this quote? I have many thoughts about what this means. But how does it relate to caregiving? Or Parkinson’s disease?
In my experience as a caregiver to my husband, Arman, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, this quote is significant. It reminds me that there are many ways to tackle my job, since caring for a person with Parkinson’s is predictably unpredictable.
Every day — even every moment — with Parkinson’s is unique, so my responses need to be unique, too. The key is not to get stuck repeating the same patterns. Even though things may seem to be working, it’s always possible that there’s a better way, and I must continue to improve and evolve.
What does it mean to be a successful caregiver?
The keynote speaker at the conference was Ohio’s current lieutenant governor, Jim Tressel. Before becoming a politician, Tressel was a successful college football coach and university president. He spoke about his life and career, and I learned a great deal about his time coaching several winning college football teams.
In addition to the quote I mentioned earlier, Tressel highlighted five characteristics he looks for in people when recruiting for his teams and in life. As I listened, it dawned on me that he was also describing the qualities of a successful caregiver.
1. Work ethic
My interpretation: A caregiver must have a strong work ethic and be inherently goal-oriented, self-disciplined, dependable, reliable, focused, and collaborative.
2. Talent
My interpretation: Talent is a combination of natural ability and hard work. To be a successful caregiver, one must take the initiative to work hard and build on one’s abilities.
3. Curiosity
My interpretation: The basics of caregiving involve learning everything there is to know about the disease to optimize care. Continuing to learn and investigate treatment options, including medications and other therapies, is a vital part of the job.
4. Grit
My interpretation: Mental toughness — need I say more to you caregivers out there? Caregivers need to be mentally and physically strong enough to overcome failures, setbacks, and obstacles without giving up.
5. Selflessness
My interpretation: Doing for others without personal gain or expecting anything in return? That is caregiving.
Although caregivers aren’t running plays on a field or scoring touchdowns or home runs, there are plenty of similarities between the characteristics needed for success as a caregiver and as a team player. Who knew they’d have so much in common?
Even though it can be challenging to push yourself to do things differently from time to time, try to break out of the mold you have created for yourself. Just because it works today doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to make it work even better tomorrow.
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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