I was reading about dementia and came across this quote:
“In slow motion, our loved ones are disappearing! To confuse matters more, there are sometimes brief returns to normal, so that we become hopeful again, or feel guilty that we had given up hope. I often live these moments of reconnection, but precious times also add to my anxiety and stress.” – Pauline Boss, PhD
The slow-motion changes, the ups and downs, the inability of my loved one to see their own inadequacies or do anything about them, make helping them so difficult. I need to make sure I have all the legal planning in place so I can manage their financial affairs, and I need to have a plan for the time when I can’t take care of them myself.
When there are still times of connection, I can put together the legal documents needed to take over for my loved one. Then I need to come up with a plan for their care. Sadly, the journey ends with the person needing help with everything – eating, toileting, bathing, even sitting up. Changing adult diapers is hard, especially when they can’t or won’t help. I must have a plan for this stage. I help families with both the legal planning and navigating their care options. If you want to have a plan, give me a call.
