End of Life Care – When to discuss it with your loved one
It’s difficult to discuss “end of life” issues with your loved one who has Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Often, they don’t want to upset you and you don’t want to hurt them so the subject is simply avoided.
My Mom had already spoken of situations that might arise during “end of life” before she became ill with Alzheimer’s. Although I had tried to dissuade her from such conversations, Mom had given me a Health Power of Attorney (Living Will) before she had any symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Not everyone is so fortunate to know the mind-set of their loved one about end-of-life-care, especially if disease or cognitive decline progresses quickly before such things can be discussed or considered.
If you find yourself in such a position, you might find this Video interesting and informative as Norrms speaks from the heart and his own situation.
Norman McNamara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 50. Since then, he’s spent much of his time sharing his story with others. Because of his dedication to awareness he has enlightened many of us, caregivers and loved ones alike, about the feelings and emotions that can disturb someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Norm often feels a sense of being trapped. He explains, “The feeling of being “Trapped” follows me often”– Yet, his wish with this article is to allow us, as loved ones of those with this disease, to experience what he feels.
Norman McNamara – End of Life Care
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