We have long range plans for what happens after we die, we don’t really have a plan for what happens if we are debilitated but don’t die. It happens. I know of two separate incidences where a seemingly healthy PD patient took a fall and had to be hospitalized. In one case, they are now looking into long term care because he suffered a brain injury and his CarePartner isn’t able to provide the level of care he needs at home. Things happen and we need to be ready just in case.

What would a plan for now look like? My husband has all of his medical information in a binder and I am working on mine so if someone has to come in and take over, it would be available. We make sure to always have adequate supplies of anything we might need. Our children all know some about what is going on with us and have keys to our house. Our monthly bills are set up with auto pay to ensure that the basics are covered and we always keep a cushion in our checking account so there are no surprises.

In addition, we are talking about what might happen. We are looking at our house with realistic eyes to decide how long we can actually expect to stay here. We are thinking about alternatives and discussing scenarios where we might need to bring in additional help. We are trying to be prepared in a world where nothing is certain except the fact that we love each other and want to be ready to make the best choices when those difficult times come.