What the !!!!

After my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s it was like a slow wave that came over me. Although I was relieved at now knowing that it wasn’t my imagination I was SCARED OUR OF MY MIND at what her disease meant FOR ME! In the coming weeks I imagined all that I would have to give up…my hobbies, my career, my independence in essence MY LIFE. Truth be told when she was still living on her own in San Antonio Texas many of my relatives told me that it was “time for me to come home and take care of her.” Now at the time no knew of her disease it was just everyone’s consensus that her living on her own at age 80 wasn’t good. No one seemed to care about me and what I wanted. What did I want….I didn’t want to deal with the possibility of me being chained to my mother having to give up any aspect of ME.

All of a sudden I was responsible for her and EVERYTHING that that entailed. To my mother’s credit she was very deliberate with her thinking and planning. So I was already on her checking and savings accounts, she had done everything she was required to do for MEDICARE, year’s earlier we had gotten her will done, me as power of attorney and me as her healthcare executive documents. So all the hard work, so to speak was completed.

I would add IF you have not had a discussion with your loved one’s, no matter their age or if they are in good health, please sit down and discuss what they wish done in the event they are no longer able to make decisions for them selves! It will make it so much easier to absorb the weight of an unforeseen illness with all the legal documentation being completed prior. TRUST ME!!! Now later as I provide insights to how I manage caregiving for my mother I will share with you everything that I know when it comes to types of caregiving agencies, the difference between MEDICARE and MEDICAID etc. And if you wish to share your own experiences please do so! This blog is for sharing knowledge and tips to help you thru your time of caregiving!

Remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!