Welcome to the CaringBridge site for Rick Thorkildson. Whether you've been in contact with Rick in the past few years or not, we figured it would be easiest to create this site to keep you all updated in one place. Dad was diagnosed with Atypical Parkinson's Disease in the summer of 2016. His decline has been quite rapid over the past 3 years, but that's the one thing about Parkinson's, it affects everyone differently. The most recent visit to the neurologist on November 25th, 2019 gave us some insight on what to expect in the coming months. He's approaching the end stages of Parkinson's Disease and will only continue to decline from a health standpoint. As the muscle throughout his body struggles to maintain its function, things like swallowing and talking will become more labored. Dad is still mentally there, it just takes him more time to process things and produce an answer.
Dad has been living with my wife Seana and I in Champlin, MN for the past 2 1/2 years. He will continue to reside here in his home, per his wishes, until the time comes. Health Partners hospice care has helped with a smooth transition with regards to care needs and providing Dad with the necessary means to stay comfortable moving forward.
For those of you wanting to visit Rick, I urge you to please do so. Dad would prefer to stay home and have folks visit him here. It's quite cumbersome these days to take him out of the house. Later in the day is better for him, since he's more lucid once he's had 3-4 doses of his dopamine medication. Please reach out to me on this site, Facebook, or by cell phone if you're wanting to stop by and see him. He'd love it! (763) 639-5891
We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
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