Patrice Carroll on FPWR Podcast: Advice for Caregivers During COVID-19

Our Director of PWS Services, Patrice Carroll, was recently interviewed for a podcast created by the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR). In the podcast, Susan Hedstrom, FPWR Executive Director, talked with Patrice about advice for caregivers during Covid-19. Throughout this turbulent time, organizations like FPWR, Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA), and Latham Centers have remained a constant resource for people across the world supporting someone with PWS.

Hedstrom states, “Many of us are struggling with increased stress and anxiety during today’s time of social distancing. Most, if not all, of our lives have been turned upside down. Routines and schedules provide comfort for people with PWS, and we can expect that until new routines are in place, our loved ones will experience increased anxiety, which can be a stressor on us all. Recently, I sat down with Patrice Carroll, Director of PWS Services at Latham Centers in Cape Cod, to get her advice on how to help our loved ones through this unusual time of social distancing and isolation. In this 20-minute podcast, we talk about implementing a schedule at home, motivating our loved ones to take part, and “homeschooling.”

In Patrice’s interview, she sends the message that this time is difficult for everyone; parents, guardians, and kiddos combined. She suggests not burdening yourself with feelings that you aren’t doing enough with your child. Patrice feels that during this time, it is of the utmost importance to support one another and give each other the confidence that you’ll get through this together. Consistency and routine remain important, and rather than focus on learning all new material, it’s okay to review familiar material in which the person feels confident and is interested. She states, for example, ‘if your child loves Justin Bieber, create a project around that interest. Do research together, create math problems around album sales, etc.’

Thanks, Patrice, for giving us all some great ideas! Also, thank you to FPWR for producing this helpful podcast and continuing to work with us as partners during this unprecedented time!

Submitted by Katrina Fryklund, Director of National Outreach

Latham Centers’ PWS Services Director Patrice Carroll, LCSW, is world-renowned for her expertise in Prader-Willi syndrome. She works with Latham’s residents with PWS, their families, and consultants –continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices. Patrice welcomes PWS-related questions via email at TipTopics@LathamCenters.org.

Patrice Carroll