When you live in the south the word snow bring excitement. The word ice bring panic. We are hearing both words and live on the dividing line. Ice means downed power lines and trees are abundant on the farm and the roads leading to our farm. We are heeding the warnings and preparing for the developing storm.
Laundry is being processed, soups are being cooked and bread is being baked in case of a power outage. Thankfully, we have gas logs and solar backup batteries ready. Outside we are building a sheep shelter, moving the grill to a sheltered area, placing hay near the sheep and making sure the dogs have a safe shelter. These ice storms are rare but dangerous.
When you find out a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, this is a storm warning. You should begin preparing yourself and your home before the storm hits. This may sound absurd considering absurd mean wildly unreasonable, and illogical. Your heart will not allow you to face the harsh reality that life as you have known it is about to be shaken and rocked in ways you can not imagine.
It would be unkind and uncaring for me to not make you aware of what the future may hold. Just as I am preparing for the snow and ice storm heading my direction, I planned for changes as my mom began living with Alzheimer’s disease. My dad was her primary caregiver, but should he have passed away first, I was next in line. This meant researching in home caregivers, assisted living facilities and physicians should I have to relocate mom to me. I lived with plans a, b and c in place. A suitcase was always packed and ready to go if dad called for help.
I traveled back and forth from my home to theirs for several years. These trips allowed me to be there for physician appointments and to evaluate how the disease was progressing. They also gave my dad a break. Each trip waas heartbreaking on the drive home. I would be making mental notes on what I had experienced.
Eventually, we had to hire in home help. Then move to a memory care assisted living. Dad began to lose cognitive judgment and executive order skills. We moved mom to a skilled care facilty. In the last few months both parents moved to nearby facilities near me. Dad could walk from his assisted living to mom’s skilled care through a covered and enclosed walkway. I could be there as often as possible, which was usually about 5 times a week.
All of the decisions about moves and care plans had been in place before we needed them. We were on waiting lists knowing we could say no if we weren’t ready yet.
To be able to make these decisions, you have to research, observe changes, ask questions. Seek out an elder care lawyer for wills, power of attorney, trust, etc. Have hippa forms signed, make decisions on DNR orders, decide how to handle feeding tube decisions. Then gather family and friends to be backup support when needed. Trust me on this one. You will need support!
We started this blog discussing our stormy weather ahead. My husband and our neighbor are working together to prep for this storm. Life has taught us to accept and offer help. Caregiving has taught us that the load is lighter when we share it.
The word Alzheimer’s is one you will hear someday in your family or friend group.
Over 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is
projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050.
Now is the time to prepare for hearing those words. Instead of living in fear, live prepared. Find a seminar or support group and educate yourself.
Word for Today
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Life is full of storms that we must face. I trust in you to guide my steps as I prepare to face the storms. Give me your peace as th storm rages. Give me hope that you are in the storm with me.
Amen
Walking Them Home 