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I've enjoyed lurking, reading and learning about PD. My mother-in-law is 76, and has had "something" wrong with her for about 3 years. Six months ago she was diagnosed with PD. She doesn't have much of a tremor, but she does fit many other of the symptoms. She has dyskenisia while sleeping, sleeps practically round the clock, is severely depressed and anxious, and is currently in the hospital with pneumonia. She and my father-n-law are living in an area with no relatives or friends nearby to help. Just recently Dad arranged with a church group to have a nurse practitioner, a nurse's aide, and a physical therapist come to the house to visit, each coming three times a week. That's helped alittle, because now Mom has some contact with other people. She refuses to become involved in any type of support group or even a senior citizen's center. She just wants to stay home and have everyone leave her alone. Dad complies with that request. (Their relationship has been rocky, and he's glad to ignore her most of the day.) Her medication consists solely of 3 Permax tablets daily. I want to support them, obviously. But I also want to give them concrete suggestions on how they can help Mom live her life to the fullest. Dad isn't willing/able to be her advocate. He just coasts along with whatever seems to be happening. I'm welcome to any suggestions on any aspect of this situation. By the way, we live 10 hours away from them, so it's extremely difficult for us to drop in and visit. How can we help long-distance? It really seems as if Mom is just waiting to die. When we call, she can only talk for a few minutes, as it wears her out. She is either sleeping or lying still with eyes closed much of the day...she shuts out anyone who tries to talk with her or help. This is so heart-breaking.... thanks, all. Maggie Heeger in northern Alabama