So who are we?
This is Tony
Tony was formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010. But Tony knew he had the condition for quite a long time before that, because he was a retired mental and general health nurse manager. Tony began his career working in Shenley Hospital. When the hospital closed down, Tony went into nursing home management up until his retirement. Tony became a verifier for NVQs. He trained staff in the NHS and private sector to ensure that elderly people received the highest standards of care.
Tony was an extremely kind and generous man, and it is very hard for me to write about my wonderful father in the past tense.
My name is Joanna, I am Tony’s daughter.
I began caring for my brilliant dad Tony when living with Parkinson’s coupled with growing older and lots of other health problems meant that he needed help with daily life. Previous hobbies and activities that he loved like DIY, gardening and cooking became challenging for Tony. He found it increasingly difficult to socialise or exercise. He experienced anxiety and depression that really exacerbated his symptoms. We searched for some home care and struggled to find any that was not really expensive. As a lone unpaid carer, there were points that I too felt extremely isolated.
Subsequent to my amazing dad’s death, I launched TonyCare. The aim is to support others in St.Albans caring for their loved ones living with Parkinson’s. I want to be a person that an unpaid carer can trust. I understand how Parkinson’s symptoms can change suddenly and how its medication and its side-effects can be very challenging. I want to help people living with Parkinson’s in St.Albans feel better. I want to be a person that someone living with Parkinson’s feels safe with, so they don’t feel anxious.
TonyCare wants to help people living with Parkinson’s and their unpaid carers in St. Albans; because I loved caring for my dad so much.
In my spare time I like watching sports, films and TV and gardening. I also love craft, especially making greeting cards.
Although my wonderful dad used his teaching knowledge and experience to help me learn about elderly care and Parkinson’s from the very beginning of his diagnosis, I now hold an enhanced DBS, I am QCAS registered and I have undertaken formal training in:
- Manual Handling – People Handling
- First Aid – Basic Life Support
- Medication
- Safeguarding Adults
- Safeguarding Children
- Reporting and Recording
- Positive Behaviour Support & Non-restrictive Practice
- Mental Capacity Act (MCA)
- Deprivation of Liberties Safeguarding (DoLS/LPS)
- Person Centred Care
- Equality and Diversity
- Communication
- Dignity
- Oral Health
- Food Safety
- Hydration and Nutrition
- Infection Prevention and Control (COVID-19)
- Health and Safety
- Fire Safety
As a member of the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network I have also taken courses to tailor care specifically for people living with the condition.
The caring community in St.Albans and its surroundings are lucky to have Carers in Herts, a charity that provides information, advice, respite, events, resources and advocacy for carers and the people they care for.
I enjoy volunteering with Carers in Herts. Here are some photos of a festive card-marking session I led at one of the Carer Support Hubs, including the impressive display of craftsmanship that everyone created!
Also make sure to become a member of Team Parkinson’s at Parkinson’s UK because there is loads of free content available and you can also find links to local support and activity or exercise groups.
I would like to say a massive thank you to my lovely family, friends and neighbours who have supported me during my journey. Some even modelled for the photos on my website! You are all magnificent and Tony would be very grateful to you x x