"The only control you have is over the changes you choose to make."
The quote by Nancy Kriseman is a simple reminder to make decisions on your own terms. Being proactive in handling a difficult situation, such as moving a loved one into a facility, often yields the best solutions. Why? A proactive vs. reactive decision means you’ll have the ability to review your options, rather than having to make a rushed decision at an inopportune time.
Maybe it’s just me, but it seemed like every time I went away on vacation my father had a significant medical event. Learning from my own mistakes, I chose to be proactive by making inevitable decision ahead of schedule. When all was calm and he was comfortably residing in Bayberry at Emerald Court, I had taken time to visit local skilled-care facilities to negotiate pricing and determine who could provide the best care for his needs. Understanding my options and developing a relationship with the chosen facility ahead of time was invaluable when my father fell 3 times in a row prompting a immediate transition from assisted living to skilled care.
If you feel overwhelmed by making decisions for a loved one and all the what-if’s involved, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s enlisting family or an elder care advocate, find support that empowers you to take control and move forward.
