A Long-Term Caregiving Journey
Kimberly Schlapman, the 56-year-old vocalist of Little Big Town, recently shared personal insights into the realities of caring for her 78-year-old mother, Barbara, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease for approximately 20 years. In a recent interview, Schlapman described the commitment as a 24-hour responsibility.
Reflecting on the early stages of the diagnosis in 2005, which began when Barbara noticed a persistent hand tremor, Schlapman admitted that the family was initially unprepared for the road ahead. “When she was diagnosed, we didn’t understand what her care would mean. We didn’t know enough about the disease to know where we were headed,” she explained.
Balancing Family and Professional Obligations
Schlapman, who balances her career with raising two daughters, Daisy and Dolly, alongside her husband, Stephen, relies on a combination of family support and professional assistance to manage her mother's needs. Despite the demands of her schedule, she views this role as a significant life priority.
“I love being a mama. I also know what my mama has meant to me in my life. Now I get an opportunity to care for her. That’s incredibly important to me,” Schlapman stated.
Commitment to Quality Care
To ensure her mother receives the best possible attention, Schlapman recently relocated to live closer to her. She emphasized the importance of being a hands-on advocate in the medical process, noting that at least one family member attends every single medical appointment for her mother.
Beyond her personal situation, Schlapman expressed a desire for broader societal conversations regarding the realities of living with Parkinson’s disease. By sharing her experience, she hopes to shed light on the challenges and the emotional dedication required to support loved ones navigating this progressive movement disorder.