Choices. Freedom to choose. We want the freedom to make our own choices. People who take away our freedom are called dominating. Oppressive. Abusive. Dominating behavior may be hard to recognize, if it involves people with a serious illness, or disability. Or people in their later years. You don’t think it could happen to you, but how would you prevent it? Who knows your wishes for later in life? Do you have an advance directive, if you could not communicate? Abuse takes many forms. Dominating behavior can be physically or emotionally abusive. If you felt fearful, how would anyone know? Do you have a plan? Make one today. Begin with a support system. Choose people you can trust, to be emergency contacts. Keep their phone numbers with you. Put a copy in a safe place. Next, ask a friend to call you very day, even if you do not live alone. Give that person a code word that means, “I need help.” Finally, write down or record everything about your wishes for the future. Include things that mean the most to you. (Without this record, who will know?) List your likes and dislikes. Having trouble with your list? Try this. Imagine a perfect day. Describe it. Ask yourself:
Now, describe where you want to live in the future. In your current home? A maintenance-free, independent living community? A continuing care community? Someplace else? And if you want to live at home, suppose you need assistance with everyday activities? Who would you want to be your partner-in-care? A relative? A friend? A hired carer? Is your plan finished? Talk to your loved ones and a close friend about it, and give them a copy. Change anything that does not make sense to you. Review it regularly. The time to plan is now. You have a choice. © Davis 2016 Image Courtesy of: http://lindagalindo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Good-Life-Choices-Quotes14-1.jpg
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