Never Say Never!
Dear Caregivers,
Well, it finally happened: Florida got some snow. Granted it was “up north’ in Florida, and nowhere near my home. But our “Sunshine State” did indeed get some wintery flakes.
Of course, it’s not the first time that snow has fallen on our part of the planet. Just about a half century ago, in 1977, snowflakes hit the ground as far south as Miami Beach. And in 1899, snow graced the landscapes of Fort Myers and Fort Pierce.
All of which is to reinforce the idea that one should “never say never.” Sure, something may only happen once in a lifetime, but sometimes, once is enough to cause some serious circumstances to deal with.
As a caregiver for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, such a thought can amplify the stresses that you are already going through, as you are constantly battling the continual change that comes with the disease’s progression.
But with a little careful planning, you can mitigate the risks of one of those “once in a lifetime” episodes, and make the preparations you need to deal with it if it does come.
And the reduction in your stress levels, which comes with knowing you are ready for anything, is like having a sunny day on the beach.
Here’s some more guidance on being prepared:
The Basics of Advance Directives:
In situations where your loved one cannot speak for themselves, medical personnel will turn to the next of kin to get help in making important health decisions. It is important to have your loved one’s wishes of how to respond in a serious medical situation be known in advance, through several documents such as an Advanced Directive and Living Will. Here's a guide.
Keeping Your Loved One Safe: Help for Those Who Wander:
Having a loved one wander off is an experience we all try to avoid. However, it is one we must all be prepared for when caring for a loved one with dementia. These community resources can help find your loved one when they have wandered off.
How to Help Your Loved One Cope with the Loss of a Pet:
How you help your loved one cope with the death of a pet will vary depending upon their stage of memory loss and their ability to understand what has occurred. Keep in mind their illness may impact the way they express emotions or want to be comforted. Here are some tips to consider.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
— Benjamin Franklin
