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- From a single tremor to a long journey with Parkinson’s
- How family life has shifted to meet care needs
- Practical routines and support strategies for caregivers
- Speaking up to break stigma around Parkinson’s disease
- Why public stories matter for families and care
- The role of community and professional help in long-term care
Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town has shared the quiet, demanding work of caring for her mother after a Parkinson’s diagnosis that began more than a decade ago. The singer describes a life rearranged around appointments, caregivers and family support. Her story is one of juggling a high-profile career, motherhood and a full-time caregiving role.
From a single tremor to a long journey with Parkinson’s
Schlapman recalls the moment the family first suspected Parkinson’s. A tremor in her mother Barbara’s hand led to tests and, eventually, a diagnosis. What started as a baffling symptom became a diagnosis that would reshape daily life.
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Parkinson’s is a progressive movement disorder that affects the nervous system, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms can begin subtly and grow over time. For the Schlapman family, the early signs arrived in the mid-2000s, and the care responsibilities have steadily intensified since.
How family life has shifted to meet care needs
Balancing life on the road and home duties forced choices. Kimberly moved closer to her mother to be more hands-on. That decision reflects a deeper shift in priorities.
- One family member attends every medical appointment.
- They combine family caretaking with hired professional help.
- Daily tasks like meals and medication schedules are coordinated.
Schlapman says she wouldn’t choose otherwise. She finds meaning in returning the care her mother once gave. Yet she also admits the strain of needing to be in many places at once.
Practical routines and support strategies for caregivers
Over two decades of care, the Schlapmans developed routines that help keep things manageable. These steps may help others facing similar situations.
- Establish a consistent medical team and keep detailed records.
- Hire trusted aides for 24-hour support when needed.
- Create a rotating schedule among family members.
- Designate one person to coordinate appointments and medications.
- Maintain small moments of normalcy, like shared meals and hobbies.
Kimberly, known for her cooking, uses meal preparation as a way to connect and care. Food becomes both comfort and a practical tool for family well-being.
Managing career, parenting and caregiving
Schlapman balances Little Big Town duties with parenting two daughters. She and her husband Stephen make decisions with the family’s needs in mind. The experience has meant hard choices about time and presence.
She describes the tug between being a performer and being a caregiver. Still, she insists being an involved daughter and mother is central to her identity.
Speaking up to break stigma around Parkinson’s disease
Beyond the daily work, Schlapman uses her platform to encourage openness. She stresses that silence around the disease does more harm than good.
“No shame in Parkinson’s” is the spirit she urges others to adopt. She believes that public conversation improves care and empathy.
By normalizing discussion, families can access better support. Awareness also helps clinicians and communities improve the quality of life for those affected.
Why public stories matter for families and care
Schlapman wants people to understand the real demands of long-term care. Sharing personal experiences can lead to practical change.
- Greater awareness helps families find resources sooner.
- Open dialogue reduces isolation for patients and caregivers.
- Public figures talking candidly can push for better support systems.
Her message is both personal and practical: talk, plan and share the load whenever possible.
The role of community and professional help in long-term care
For families facing progressive illness, a mixed approach works best. Schlapman’s experience highlights the need to combine loved ones’ involvement with professional services.
That approach eases pressure on any single family member. It also creates redundancy. If one caregiver can’t be present, another can step in.
Schlapman emphasizes that being present at appointments and staying informed about treatments makes a tangible difference in outcomes.
