My shoulder is killing me. Tylenol is starting to dull the ache and make it use-able, but my mind is going in 100 anxious directions. As someone with a hip and knee replacement (and the other hip probably pending) I wonder absently how many parts you can replace. Should I look into physio? What about acupuncture? My friend suggested a cortisone shot. Although this shoulder pain is new, it’s not “new, new” and I’ve been allowing worry about it to take up too much space in my head.
Doing Needs to Follow Research
Make a commitment to do everything in your power to help yourself deal with the disease.
This inspirational plaque from the Cancer Survivor’s park is key advice. The problem with research is that there is so much out there, so many voices suggesting what to do, so many opinions, you can drown in them. You want to make the right decision. Every elder is different, and discovering the right decision for you and your elder can be tricky.
It can freeze you in place, until the only action you are taking is worrying about it.
- Do your best research. This means some time online, but surround yourself with experts in the field you can trust.
- Choose a few options that seem to be a good fit.
- Of those, choose one that you will make steps toward implementing in the next week.
- Give it a few weeks.
(If your option is medication, you will need longer than that.) If it isn’t working, feel free to drop it.- Evaluate regularly. Dementia is a progressive disease, and your elder is constantly changing. What worked today may be different next week.
Janice dealt with huge anxiety issues. She used to love the family cottage, and when we took residents on a camping experience, her family thought she would enjoy it. Although she was reluctant to go, her favourite activity when we were away was to sit on the porch, her legs stretched to the sun, and chat with others. She had a great time. By the following year, her disease had progressed and this was no longer a good intervention for her. However, she could get lost in a game of Euchre, even with advanced dementia, and it took her away from her worries.
Whatever works, but take action.
Now, back to our whimsical dementia park. I’d better get some great donors, as this will be expensive!
As it will be in Canada, it will need a covered building on the grounds so it can be used year-round. Volunteers should come in once a week to run a tea party. Card games, dancing and simple physical exercise would be available at scheduled times.
A petting zoo! Residents loved when we brought exotic animals in, and some resident goats, lambs and even hens would be fun. And definitely an area for people to run their dogs.
Although lots of volunteers would be needed, some of them should be elders with dementia. As able, they need the chance to give in any way they are able.
You know what my park still needs? I have a few more ideas, but it definitely needs a great name. What do you think? Give me your ideas in comments.
(And yes, I’ll do something about the shoulder next week.)
CLICK TO TWEET
“Forever Young” would be a good name for your park! 🤗
Thank you, Cathy. Good suggestion.