How Can We Plan for the Future?
Some care partners think of the future as a far-off, distant thing. Other care partners think of the future as more immediate: tomorrow, next month, the next stage of Parkinson’ s disease. As you read this guide, you and your loved one may be more focused on the here and now— and that’ s okay. Together, you will approach and think about the future— and whatever timeframe that may encompass— in a way that works for you. As with the rest of this guide, use the information in this section in whatever way you find most helpful: Take what you need and leave the rest.
78
Know Who Can Help
As you think about the next stages of life and life with Parkinson’ s, you may find yourself asking questions: How can I find services and support, and what is my loved one eligible to access? Who can help us manage our finances? How do I plan for later and end-of-life care? As you read the rest of this section, refer back to the following list to remind yourself who can help with what tasks. Keep in mind that this list isn’ t comprehensive: There may be others in your life— religious or spiritual leaders, personal trainers or life coaches— to whom you can turn.
Printable Page: Click here for a full-size, printable version of this page.
Doctors and Allied Health Care Providers
Your loved one’ s current care team— including their primary physician, Parkinson’ s doctor and others— is a good place to start when questions or issues arise. See How Do I Build a Parkinson’ s Care Team? for specific information about the different health care providers you can turn to.
Social Worker
A social worker can help you understand your insurance coverage and benefits and direct you to resources for financial planning and medication assistance. They can also talk through advanced care options; connect you with resources like your local Area Agency on Aging; research housing options; help you vet professional caregivers, companies or facilities; and provide tips on touring and interviewing.
Mental Health Professionals
Mental health professionals can help you work through anxiety or depression, feelings of guilt and other emotional challenges. A couples counselor can help manage communication issues that may arise as well as navigate conversations around advance care planning or other care preferences.
Health Insurer
Your health insurance provider can detail what is and isn’ t covered by your plan, clarify what services and providers are in or out of network and suggest ways to potentially lower health care costs.
Table of Contents