My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease thirty years ago, and for the majority of that time, my role was clear: daughter, emotional support, and Scrabble opponent.

About two years ago, I was “promoted” to primary caregiver. My Dad always jokes that I’m good at getting promotions in my volunteer work. And while laughter is my best medicine, I won’t lie, this journey has had some seriously tough, sometimes even heartbreaking, moments. Simultaneously, taking care has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Having experienced two different roles has offered me unique perspective:

1. Primary caretakers really can’t take a break, mentally and sometimes physically
2. Secondary caretakers and family want to do more, but are unsure how to
3. There is nowhere for the small things to live
4. One change in medical anything takes 2-6 hours of updates between pharmacies, doctors, family, etc
5. Logistics fatigue is quite real, and it can change the dynamic of how we interact with the people we love most
6. The primary caretaker often communicates with doctors the most, leaving major medical decisions on one person’s shoulders, or making it hard to collaborate with others requiring varied methods of communication - especially in quick decision situations

With no good system in sight, I attempted to create my own: countless group texts, Google Docs, and Apple Notes…and it felt…well, not very organized or collaborative. I wholeheartedly believe that all caregivers and patients deserve a better, more supported journey, and maybe the permission to take a break and laugh at your situation every once in a while.

The original designs for Adley began with my personal experience, but it has been enhanced and shaped by hundreds of conversations with patients, parents, spouses, children, friends, aides, nurses, and doctors. Adley was built collaboratively, with a shared belief that care deserves stronger support. For my own family, it means better care for my Dad and ourselves—and I hope it can bring the same impact to you and yours.

In it together,

Morgan, Co-Founder and Chief Caretaker