Warning Sign
Dear Caregivers,
You know the feeling when a warning light appears on your car dashboard? It’s rarely convenient. You might hope it goes away. If you’re like me, you might keep driving because the car still seems to be working just fine—and you have somewhere to be.
It turns out, I’m not alone. Studies show that nearly half of drivers continue to drive with a dashboard warning light illuminated, and more than 40% admit they ignore those alerts entirely, sometimes for days or even weeks. Not because they don’t care, but because stopping to deal with it feels inconvenient, scary, or overwhelming. And when there’s no immediate problem in front of us, human beings are remarkably good at looking the other way.
Over the years, caregivers have shared with me how often this shows up when they think about planning for the future or taking steps to prevent a problem that might develop. And who could blame them? When every day takes so much effort, the present can feel like all you’re able to manage.
Your NAN team wants to help you respond to these warning lights in practical, manageable ways. The resources below focus on some of the most common “dashboard lights” caregivers encounter. Your NAN Navigator can help you apply this information to your specific situation and review areas of higher risk identified through your assessments.
Finding your Caregiving Village:
There is a lot we can all learn from each other as we endure our individual journeys as caregivers. There are some needs and feelings that are universal, and learning how others manage and navigate can often be hugely comforting. Here's how to find your village.
Difficult Conversations: Completing Advance Directives with Five Wishes:
A “Living Will” is a written document that describes a person’s wishes for medical care in the event that they have a terminal illness with little chance of returning to a quality life. Five Wishes is a unique publication that serves as a guide to completing a Living Will, making the process easier.
Caregiver’s Plan B:
No family caregiver wants to think they wouldn't be able to help their loved one. But the chance that something could happen to you that would make it impossible for you to provide the care support you do now, makes it critical you identify an individual who is the best “Plan B” caregiver, who will be able to quickly take over as advocate and guardian for your Loved One in the event that is needed. Here's how to do it.
I’m a Caregiver, Now What?
No matter what illness you and your loved one are facing, planning ahead can increase your knowledge and understanding, and will often allow for a wider range of care options and provide an overall peace of mind for everyone. Here's a guide.
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
“The first step toward change is awareness.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
