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Legal
So you or a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
The first thing, of course, is to do your best to get the
right medical help.
- While there is some basic information about the diagnosis
and treatment that is important to know, what will become
clear is that every case of Parkinson’s is different.
- The diagnosis will lead to treatment recommendations tied
to the individual’s symptoms and needs, and will vary over
time as the disease process unfolds and/or treatment options
change.
- Patients and caregivers alike do their best when gathering
a baseline of medical knowledge and then focusing their
attention on the needs at hand.
The model of approaching the medical considerations of a
diagnosis also applies to the legal, financial, insurance and
other practical aspects of managing life with a chronic,
progressive condition.
- Just as there is no one-size-fits-all medical solution,
there is no single answer as to how to best approach these and
other very real world concerns.
- This often causes people to stay in denial until pushed
into action, at which point they may make unwise, rash
decisions, or simply miss opportunities to best structure
approaches that will maximize their resources and attend to
their needs.
- Even worse, denial adds stress, which can exacerbate
symptoms and complicate the disease management process.
The good news is that there is some basic information about
all of these concerns, coupled with resources to help better
define your situation and can take much of the mystery away.
- Becoming familiar with the basics, and your options, can
help you feel more secure.
- It can also help you to know when you need to reach out
for expert help, and how to find the right resources to make
your management of these matters as smooth as possible.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS
At the core of most legal questions that people with
Parkinson’s (PWPs) or their caregivers ask is the fundamental
inquiry “What are my Rights?” There are, indeed, a number of
legal rights that both individuals and their caregivers may
have. As you might expect, however, the sources and extent of
those rights may vary for a number of reasons.
This Legal section will give you a greater understanding of:
Content for this section provided by
Mark Rubin, J.D., Chair of NPF’s 5th Annual YOPN
Conference, who has had PD since 1997. Thanks to Claudia
Center, J.D., The Legal Aid Society--Employment Law Center and
Allsup, Inc. for contributions in their area of expertise.
Please read the site disclaimer.
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