Page 81 - April 2017 Life In Naplles Magazine

Make small changes,
as an example bring
in assistance for

just a few hours a
day, one day a week.
appointments.
Visit after 5 p.m. After becoming
accustomed to
when all of the
Administration staff outside help, the
has left; see what
value is usually seen
meal time looks
like and look in on and it is easier to
leisure activities.
Obtain advise from increase the hours
a professional who when indicated.
understands the
members just want to interfere. Physicians, attorneys, RNs, financial Naples community
counselors, are just a few professionals that may be able to help and has had assisted
navigate this difficult time. RNs who are accustomed to managing living and long term care experience.
various aspects of care and service can help with a strategic plan.
RN Care Managers work with other professionals, the client and
family members to accomplish specific goals.
• Be knowledgeable about State Laws and legal options. Just
because a Power of Attorney is in place does not mean that you can
take over another’s life choices. We should all have an advocate but
also the right to make our own decisions while competent.
• Important decisions take time. Some things cannot be rushed
and revamping a lifestyle is one of those. Begin the “what if”
conversations so that a seed is planted and ideas are discussed before
a crisis and without strong emotions. Consider these: What if you
were too sick to care for yourself, what if you had to move, what if
you couldn’t drive, then what?
• Make small changes, as an example bring in assistance for just
a few hours a day, one day a week. After becoming accustomed to
outside help, the value is usually seen and it is easier to increase the
hours when indicated. A respite is needed for all caregivers to enable
some “me” time.
• If possible encourage the loved one to announce the “time
is right” to make lifestyle changes. In cases of denial, impaired
judgment or a health crisis, it may be necessary to make decisions
quickly and just move forward but expect negative fallout. It will • It’s normal to think “I’m doing all of this and I am
take patience and encouragement for the changes to be accepted or not appreciated for it.” You're right, it’s frequently not
even tolerated. appreciated related to their processing problems. Know
• Set boundaries for when you are or are not available and stick that what you’re doing is right even if their perception of
to it. reality is wrong. Take care of yourself with breaks from the
• Don’t jump every time the parent or spouse perceives an caregiver role.
“emergency.” Let them know that appointments or transportation Making lifestyle changes for yourself is difficult but
need to be mutually agreed upon and enlist an outside source to step when making them for others it can be overwhelming.
in on occasion. Remember that you don’t need to do it alone, nor should
• Look at options together. Do research on what type of in home you. Rely on trusted professionals to make the transition
care is available and choose an agency with a trusted reputation. smoother, falling into the “I can do it all” mindset will not
If a move is anticipated then visit facilities with and without produce a winner, just two tired and frustrated people.

Life in Naples | April 2017 81