Failing to Plan

I read in a magazine that more than half of caregivers say they had no plan in place when they took on the job of dealing with dementia. I’m not sure that many, if any, caregivers have a plan when they take on the role of caregiver.

I’ve been a nurse for over 4 decades. I’ve worked in the areas of geriatrics, oncology, hospice, and have worked with many caregivers, but when I became a caregiver I had no plan in place for a role that turned my life upside down.

I’m not sure how you plan for such a thing, whether it’s dementia or another health issue. One day it’s life as usual, the next it’s hospitals, doctors, medical tests, rehab units, infusions, more tests, more doctors, medication changes, meetings with social workers, physical therapists, and the list goes on.

I’m laughing as I’m writing this thinking that there are prenatal classes, Lamaze classes, but no pre-caregiver classes. Hmmmmm, now there’s a thought! I wonder if that would sell? I doubt it. We don’t know that we need it until we are in the thick of it and, unfortunately, drowning.

Have you made any plans, short-term or long-term for this journey?

You might want to sit down with other family members and/or friends to come up with a plan, even if that plan changes numerous times. Sometimes putting things down on paper help lower stress and may put your mind at ease for a time.