Getting Prepared

I can't say enough about staying organized and remaining prepared. 

While you are getting comfortable with your transitioning role, and as the dynamics change in your relationship with your sick loved one, start preparing for the inevitable.

I keep a journal about every conversation I have concerning my mother. It might be about those whom contact me to discuss their concerns; or information I come across such as accounts she has or things she loses.  It's just my way of making sure I don't miss anything. I expect at some point in time, these notes will help others to understand why she needs the help she does.

They also help me. They remind me why I need to be diligent in my pursuit to help my mother even though she does not see the need for it. I find my journal especially helpful on the days my mother lashes out at me and accuses me of stealing from her. I understand why she is the way she is; but it does not keep it from hurting.

Things I wish I had done: I wish I had copies of her Medicare Card or Driver’s license, or bills or bank statements, because it will take a while to pull all this information together. I say it will take a while because with my mother’s decline she has started hiding things and loosing things.

She cannot find her driver’s license, her Medicare card, her check book.  These things I worry may have been stolen or simply misplaced, but I have no idea if someone has access to her information. She has accused us of stealing her auto insurance card, her keys, her cell phone, TV.

So I journal to remind me how bad things are with her.  I journal to document current dilemmas. I journal so if someone questions what is going on with my mother I can show them.

I journal because there are days it is my only outlet...