Ending work
For more information, visit the Parkinson’s UK website (last updated November 2021).
You may start thinking about giving up work completely earlier than you would have done if you had not been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This may be because working with Parkinson’s is becoming too difficult or you would prefer to concentrate on other aspects of your life.
If you’re thinking about retiring, it may help to consider the following:
- Don’t rush into a decision. If you’re finding it difficult to manage your symptoms, you may just need changes to your medication regime – and to take some time to adjust to this.
- Think about how stopping work will affect you emotionally and practically.
- Look carefully at your finances, including your pension, benefits and savings. Keep in mind that any benefits you get from work will end. It may be helpful to seek advice from an independent financial adviser.
- Speak to your employer or trade union to make sure you’re leaving on the right terms, and at the best time. Some companies encourage their employees to attend training courses on preparing for retirement.
- Consider the alternatives such as working part-time or volunteering.
- Call the Parkinson’s UK helpline or speak to your local Citizens Advice or welfare benefits service for further information.
If you do decide to retire, it may take time to adjust to life without work. Talking to someone about the decision may help. This may be a family member, trusted friend, others who have gone through retirement, or a trained counsellor.
Click below to find out more about redeployment and ill-health retirement.