Don't Take For Granted

LizG55

No matter who the person is in your life who has dementia, no matter how bad it gets for you as a caregiver, remember this especially at the hardest of times: 

Don't take for granted you can take a shower by yourself.

You know what soap is

You can prepare a meal

You can assist your patient even if it's limited.

You can care for others besides yourself.

You can get to that pile of paperwork on your desk and eventually take care of it. 

You can write a check

You can still count.

You can take a screwdriver and fix things. 

You can watch a TV show of your choice or read

You can still socialize with people in some fashion

You can make decisions, it's the fact that you are able not the outcome of the decision.

You don't need someone to make up your medications /supplements

 You can dress yourself and have privacy when needed.  

The list is endless... feel free to add.....

Our lives may be lacking rest, suffering severe exhaustion and frustration, feeling hopeless more times than not.. but it's at these times especially, we need to remember what we can do not what we can't do. Be glad we are not where they are. 

SusanB-dil

profound.  so true.

still use a phone (ok, maybe part of socializing, but maybe count as using some technology.) - do handcrafts...  can still recognize loved ones... or can still recognize scam calls

Unknown By Man

You can still recognize yourself in the mirror. Thankfully my mother is not at that point yet, but I have heard some stories and I think that is what would scare me the most.

Mint

Yes Liz these are things we need to remember

abc123

Dear Liz, Thank you for this post! It will help me to stay thankful of my blessings! I have so many, they are countless. 

I am thankful I can use the toilet and clean myself.

I am thankful for each and every person here who is on the same journey.

mommyandme (m&m)

Knowing this about my mom is the reason I became her caregiver, I’m reminded every moment of what I can do and she can’t.  I’m thankful I’m able, of course, and work very hard not feeling guilty about that.  

Sure don’t need any reminders in the meantime.  Rejecting my feelings or pushing them down is not helpful. I’d rather vent to people I can trust about any despair I might feel.  

Should I feel guilty?  Who should I trust? 

Thanks for the reminder… 

BethMimi

I think of this often.  Thanks for sharing LizG55

merrycaregiver

Thanks for the inspiration along with the reality

LizG55

Hi Sayra... yes this is so true. I hope you are doing alright, nice to see you.

LizG55

Unknown right io hadn't thought of that since he still can.

LizG55

abc123... right I was thinking about that too....

LizG55

Merry caregiver, thank you for your reply and everyone else

Stuck in the middle

That is why every adult needs to give POAs to someone they trust.  One slip on the ice, one knock on the head, and that can be you.