Aging With Parkinson’s: Independence and Dignity, pt. 3

For those with Parkinson’s disease, living with independence becomes more challenging. Having legal and medical directives in place becomes essential.

Anyone living with Parkinson’s should put these plans and documents on their priority list:

— Health care power of attorney names a trusted individual (the “proxy”) to make medical decisions when the person with Parkinson’s is no longer able to do so.

— A living will can articulate one’s wishes regarding medical treatment in various scenarios, including preferences about the use of life support.

— A financial power of attorney names a trusted person who is allowed to manage financial affairs. This can become crucial if handling money and daily financial decisions becomes too difficult.

— An elder law attorney can help prepare these documents and others, such as estate plans and wills.

Organizing and securely storing all important documents, plus insurance policies, personal IDs, etc., is a great help for both the person living with Parkinson’s and their designated proxies. The power of attorney documents should be shared with the proxies and, in the case of health care powers of attorney, with the primary health care providers.

Now is also a good time to start thinking about when in-home help may be needed, or when living alone may no longer be viable. Trained in-home care experts can help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The expertise of a financial planner can help with long-term planning.

With preparation, living alone with Parkinson’s can remain a viable option.

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