Legal support following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s
A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease can be life-changing, not just for the person themselves, but for those around them. The diagnosis itself will inevitably bring a flurry of emotions, questions and uncertainty. While medical care and lifestyle adaptations take precedence, it's equally important to consider the legal aspects of managing life with Parkinson's.
This can include issues such as preparing for possible future incapacity, navigating healthcare rights and funding options, as well as possibly establishing a lasting power of attorney. Legal assistance in these matters can provide much-needed clarity and guidance, helping to ensure the individual's wishes and rights are protected.
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Following the diagnosis of Parkinson’s
Hilary Cragg, a Partner and Solicitor at Nash & Co Solicitors in Plymouth, is highly skilled in providing support, advice, and guidance to individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, as well as to their loved ones. She has the experience and knowledge of how to deal with matters concerning Lasting Powers of Attorney, understanding of healthcare rights, and manoeuvring through NHS funding options.
Hilary's service not only focuses on resolving immediate legal concerns, but also anticipates and prepares for the long-term implications of living with Parkinson's. Her expertise lends essential clarity and reassurance, allowing individuals and their families to concentrate on managing the disease and their well being.
Guiding Parkinson's Patients through Legal Challenges
Following the diagnosis of Parkinsons, many people find themselves facing unexpected and complex challenges. These can be medical, physical, emotional, and even legal. That's where the expert support of Hilary Cragg from Nash & Co Solicitors becomes important. With a strong understanding of the specific legal issues that arise, Hilary is experienced in providing the support and guidance needed.
She can help clients and their families understand and navigate the legal landscape, addressing concerns such as healthcare rights, capacity issues, power of attorney, and financial matters. Her understanding of Parkinsons-related medical complexities allows her to liaise effectively with healthcare professionals, ensuring that clients' legal rights and care needs are appropriately met.
call Speak to a friendly Court of Protection Solicitor on 01752 827047
Establishing Lasting Powers of Attorney
One of the crucial legal considerations following a Parkinson's diagnosis is establishing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). As Parkinson's is a progressive disease that may affect an individual's mental capacity over time, planning for the future is essential. Hilary provides her expertise in setting up LPAs, a legal document that allows clients to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.
She ensures that this process is handled with sensitivity and care, providing comprehensive advice on the different types of LPA (health and welfare, and property and financial affairs), and guiding clients through the complexities of this process. This forward-thinking approach gives peace of mind to those living with Parkinson's and their loved ones.
Securing NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding
For individuals with Parkinson's, NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding can be a vital resource to help cover the costs of ongoing care. However, the application process can be complex, stressful and daunting. Hilary expertise in this area becomes invaluable, as she navigates the intricacies of this system on behalf of her clients. She assists in gathering the necessary evidence, completing the application forms, and advocating for her clients' eligibility. Moreover, in cases where an application is denied, Hilary provides robust support in appealing the decision, leveraging her deep knowledge of the NHS system and its funding criteria. Through her persistent advocacy, Hilary ensures her clients have the best possible chance to secure the support they need for their care journey with Parkinson's.
Why Nash & Co Solicitors?
As we’ve highlighted, Hilary has a deep understanding of the legal and practical issues involved in helping clients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their families. She is able to provide expert guidance and support throughout the process.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we're committed to helping you and your loved ones manage the challenges that need to be faced after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. These can involve healthcare funding, mental capacity issues and establishing or helping to manage a Lasting Power of Attorney. Contact Hilary today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you navigate the process. We’re always here to help you.
You can call Hilary on 01752 827047 or email her at hcragg@nash.co.uk.
Frequently asked questions
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Having a will is crucial for individuals with Parkinson's disease to ensure their assets and property are distributed according to their wishes after they pass away. It allows them to designate beneficiaries, appoint an executor, and address specific concerns or arrangements related to their condition.
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A living will is a legal document that specifies the types of medical treatment a person would or would not want if they become unable to make their own healthcare decisions. This could be due to a situation where they are unconscious or have a disease that impairs their ability to communicate. It provides guidance to healthcare professionals and loved ones, and can include decisions about life-sustaining treatments.
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A living will for someone with Parkinson's may include specific instructions regarding their medical care, end-of-life decisions, or provisions for managing their condition if they become incapacitated.
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A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows a person (known as the donor) to appoint one or more individuals (known as attorneys) to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make decisions themselves due to physical or mental incapacity. If the LPA is made after a living will, the LPA will revoke the living will.
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LPAs are particularly useful for individuals with Parkinson's disease as the condition may progress over time, leading to a loss of capacity to make decisions. By appointing an attorney through an LPA, they ensure that someone they trust can handle their financial, property, and health-related matters when they are no longer able to do so.
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In many countries, there are two types of LPAs: Health and Welfare LPA and Property and Financial Affairs LPA. The Health and Welfare LPA grants the appointed attorney the authority to make decisions regarding the donor's medical care, treatment, and living arrangements. The Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows the attorney to handle financial matters such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, and selling property.
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It is advisable to create a will and LPA as early as possible after a Parkinson's diagnosis. Waiting until the disease progresses significantly or capacity is impaired may lead to legal complications and delays in making important decisions.
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If someone has already lost the capacity to make decisions, they may not be able to create a will or LPA. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek legal advice to explore alternative options, such as applying for a deputyship from the Court of Protection.
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