With my dad, I've found it's important to have these conversations
Written by Mary Beth Skylis | May 21, 2026
There’s a moment that many Parkinson’s families encounter at some point. Maybe they’re on the road with a loved one with Parkinson’s who is driving, and they notice slight swerving over the center lane, as I did a few years ago with my dad. Or maybe the moment happens during a particularly challenging freezing episode, leaving them navigating the discomfort of silence while mulling over a simple question: Do I help or do I wait?
The part of me that wants my dad, who has Parkinson’s, to maintain autonomy for as long as possible has a tendency to stay quiet, even when I notice subtle changes in the way he drives. But there’s another part of me that expresses resistance at the idea that he might put himself or others at risk by pushing his own limits. It’s a reality that I find myself facing more frequently as the disease progresses, and navigating the nuanced layers of loving my dad while finding the best ways to support him is challenging.
In my experience, it’s hard to find a satisfiable resolution of the tension between safety and dignity in these examples. I think that every challenge is unique. But the research I’ve done about other people’s strategies has helped me to better understand some of the best approaches to use with him.
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