The financial implications of Parkinson’s Disease are often all too obvious. Treatments, doctor visits, and medications can be expensive. PD can also lower household income by forcing wage earners to leave their job due to a PD diagnosis, or because they must serve as a care provider for a family member or friend.
One bright spot: organizations like CAPS can provide financial assistance to those suffering hardships due to PD.
While managing finances can understandably take center stage in discussions about PD, it is equally important to dedicate time and thought to estate management in light of a PD diagnosis. Put simply, estate planning is the process of ensuring that an individual’s wishes and needs are met throughout their life and after their passing.
A handful of documents paired with a few honest conversations form the cornerstone of an effective estate plan. Along with a last will and testament—which will determine how most assets will pass on to heirs—an estate plan for someone with PD, or someone caring for an individual with PD, should include:
Texas has adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) provisions meaning a POA document drawn up in Texas will be accepted in many other states without issue. The same may not be true for other estate documents; keep this in mind if you’re considering relocating to another state.
Documents like a power of attorney and living will should be drawn up by a qualified estate attorney. But you don’t have to be a legal expert to lead a valuable conversation with your loved ones about providing care, medical treatment, or other forms of assistance
For more information, check out our videos on advanced care planning, featuring Garrick Colwell with Kitchen table Conversations. You can view part one here and part two here.
John McGlothlin, III, CFP
Financial Planner, Southwest Retirement Planners
Treasurer, CAPS
Thursday, August 18th 12 PM- 1:30 PM
Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital
700 W. 45th
Austin, TX 78751
RSVP to (512) 371-3373 or email us at
Our mission is to provide free fitness, dance, and singing classes for people with Parkinson's Disease and their care partners in the Austin, Texas area and around the world. We aim to engage people with Parkinson’s in regular exercise to slow or even reverse the effects of PD, improve overall sense of well-being, provide opportunities for socialization, and help prevent depression and isolation that often accompanies the disease.
Click Here to find out more
A balanced diet is important for people with Parkinson's disease. Learn about foods that may help ease symptoms and support brain health in addition to understanding how some foods can affect the way Parkinson's medications work. This program will also address the latest information on the gut and brain connection with PD.
Guest speakers will be Eric Krause, DO, Ascension Medical Group and Michael Kortschak, MCN, RDN, LD
Food Connection and Nutrition.
Find out more and register here for this FREE event.
CAPS will have a table at this event, please stop by for more information and meet some of the board members.
It is important for Caregivers/Care Partners to take time for themselves. There are many things that are need for them to allow time to get the "away time" to rejuvenate. Even a trip to the grocery store can be just what is needed.
Finding time for Self Care
Women & Men’s Care Partner Group
Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 11:00am
Hosted by PNP
People with Parkinson’s Group
Meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 3:00pm
Hosted by PNP
512-371-3373
[email protected]
P.O. Box 27565 Austin, TX 78755
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