A New Loved One

This step may be one of the hardest steps to handle initially. The changes in your loved one may bring out some unpleasant characteristics in them. They may be forgetful, angry, or even uncommunicative. Their changes may be behavioral in nature or uncharacteristic in their health. But the bottom line is things have changed for your loved one.

It will be vitally important for you to know what changes are critical for their health and well being. Are there things he /she cannot eat? Are there medications that they must not take?

With a chronic condition you must now know what things to do and what things to avoid. This is especially important during an emergency crisis.

When there is a crisis, there is no time to waste. Your ability to communicate critical do’s and don’ts to emergency personnel may mean the difference between life and death.

• Emergency Room
  Emergencies happen! In an emergency situation it is vital to have the most current information on hand. Take the time to prepare this sheet. Write down if your loved one has a signed DNR, Do Not Resuscitate, on file. Write down if you have specific protocols already set in place with your primary care doctor. You will be able to stay calm when it comes to making life altering decisions. You will be able to stay in the “moment” with your loved one.

Dealing with chronic illness and disability on a daily basis brings about a certain level of preparedness. Over time you realize the more you have things written down, decisions made, and awkward conversations started, the easier the process gets and the less stress you feel.

Although this step may be one of the hardest to deal with initially it will bring about a certain level of confidence in the decision making process during a crisis moment. That level of confidence will translate into a quiet assurance and a sense of peace. You will see your loved one in a whole new light and a willingness to serve them in a whole new way.

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