Feel with your heart, express with kind words and give with your all.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
We got a walk in yesterday. He really enjoyed the cool fall air and the slight breeze on his face. He chose to extend the walk and go in a different direction and loved having the options. The increased time outside improved his outlook for the remainder of the day. Hoping we’ll have a few more days to do so before it gets too cold and icy that he won’t be able to navigate things safely this winter.
Have a happy tune in your heart today!
Enjoy a chuckle or two today.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Another conversation about cell phones last evening. Not sure if he just wants something in his pocket to carry around and feel connected to the world with or if it’s another passing conversation because there’s money involved and he doesn’t want to have a monthly bill to pay. He has a cell phone, but it’s a really old one and doesn’t have the features he’s been talking about wanting. I’m sure we’ll be revisiting this conversation and the driving conversation again soon.
Find and nurture one of your many “treasures” today.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Very lucid sort of day. Discussions about finances, health care and more. Decision made to get a new pair of glasses. Nixed the idea of a new smartphone since he rarely uses one and mine or T’s is almost always handy. A near “race” around the cul-de-sac between man and dog. Dog won, and the man got his cardio in for the day and was happy.
As always, be your best you.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
He is enjoying having his four-legged companion back. It’s been good and she’s fitting into the family quite nicely. She pulls too hard on the leash for him to safely hold onto the leash during our walks even with the walker…. so someone else holds onto the leash while he uses the walker to get around. The moderate temps have been ideal for afternoon walks. Grateful, he’s getting some steps in and is enjoying being outside for a little while.
Let the beauty within shine through your smile.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Breakthrough — at least it was yesterday. Asking for help is okay and the results brought about a few laughs, smiles and a likely to be forgotten promise that he’ll ask again when needed. He was really trying to be helpful, but couldn’t remember why he’d chosen to strip the bed at midnight and then remake it just a few minutes later. When he got up for the morning, he came and said, “I tried to make the bed, but I really fuddled it up. Will you fix it?” That was the first of several instances throughout the day where he asked for assistance — and wasn’t upset about having to do so. Smiles throughout the day and into the evening with a sincere thank you for listening and supporting him were shared with each member of the family in some shape or form.
Don’t shut the door to learning something new.
Fill in the blank. Today I learned that I can ____________________.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Watch for the signs, then listen. The actions/behaviors he was exhibiting indicated that something in his “world” isn’t quite right. Listening to his concerns and what he thought as next steps helped him felt seen and heard. After a brief discussion as to next steps to resolve his concern, a plan was accepted and put into place immediately. You could almost see the anxiety drain away and relief enter in.
Celebrate the joy your discover through the day. Relish the moments.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Sometimes, it’s the littlest of things that bring the greatest joy. Watching the birds and discovering that a pair of jays are now visiting the feeder. Or a new species is visiting the feeder for the first time and you need to look in the book to see what kind it is. Sometimes, it’s sneaking a piece of a fresh peach and relishing the juiciness and flavor and watching the smile broaden on the face. It’s checking each of the containers for new blooms or whether the lettuce can be cut again. Seeing plants grow and change from day to day. Grateful for all the smiles, the conversations and pure joy in the moments yesterday.
You have the power to make a difference.
Give life a reason to be good today.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Too hot (triple digit temps) to be outside for any length of time. One quick trip around the driveway was enough of a walk. Lots of stories about his property and the improvements he made. He did enjoy a few phone calls, though disappointed that he wasn’t able to get through to another. Seemed at peace by bedtime (no sundowning) and slept through the night.
Greatitudes 