The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

The Bible's Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse allegedly symbolize Conquest, War, Famine and Death. (Now for those of you who think that I've found religion, don't bet on it. I'm still a "Jew for Jeter.") Parkinson's has it's own four horseman, Stress, Panic, Depression and Anxiety.

My stress could have been eased had I grown up. I was immortal. I didn't need to save. I didn't need long term insurance. Well wake up folks, there may not be a tomorrow.

My Panic is partially a result of the stress. Partially a result of what I describe as a loss of instincts. What was once instinctive is no longer. I have to think out every move.

Depression comes from the change of life. One day I'm Superman, the next day Jimmy Olsen.

The final result of the above is irritability.

I'm a Lawyer, I'm an elder care Lawyer. I advise people to get Long Term Care Insurance. I advise people to get life insurance. I didn't take my own advise. Luckily I did get disability insurance. If only I were playing baseball, I'd have a good average.

If you're in your forties or older, if you're a caretaker, don't wait. Look into Long Term Care Insurance. Before it's too late.

January 3, 2010. Regrets, I've had a Few

There are some rough times. Today until the Medications kicked in, I was struggling. Whenever something like that happens, I feel more mortal.

I'm not in as much of a state of denial as I've claim to be. I've read a good deal about the disease, and I know what it can do.

There are certain things that scare the living daylights out of me. 1) The possibility of ending in an Adult Care facility; 2) Any loss of mental capacity; 3) The Yankees signing Carl Pavano.

There is little that I can do about numbers 1 and 2 except exercise my brain and body. There is nothing I can do about number 3.

When I get these feelings of mortality, I start thinking of regrets that I may have had.

1) I regret most of all not having children. I won't get into that any further at this time.
2) I regret not having purchased Long Term Health Care Insurance. If you are over 40, look into this. A nursing home can cost up to $500.00 a day. Medicaid is available for some, but it is a poverty program. Therefore planning should be done how to best qualify and not deplete all of your assets.
3) I regret not getting Life Insurance. I always figured that I had time and without kids, I didn't really need it. Now it's too late.

There is still some planning that can be done. But for now, what I can do is advise my friends not to make the same mistakes. Go see an Elder Law Attorney. Get your affairs in line. It may not be able to wait for tomorrow.