Had a conversation with a friend going through caregiver issues. The parent is going past moderate Alzheimer's symptoms. On this particular night the parent turned on the stove and caused a smoky condition not only in their apartment but on the floor. Smoke alarms were going off all over the place, according to him. Thank God all went well. There were no injuries. The fire department did show up but all turned out ok.
The family has been going through this for some time now and even though my friend has other family members in the vicinity for one reason or another he takes on the bulk of caring for the parent. Unfortunately this was not the first or only incident involving the parent. The parent has wandered a few times as well.
Thankfully Dad never got to that stage. He used the microwave. He only knew to touch three buttons but he was able to heat his food since he was forbidden from using the stove. Had he gotten to the point where he started turning on the stove I would have seriously considered a nursing home for his own good. I am waiting for this friend to mention that but as of now he hasn't. I told him not to try to be Superman (he has his own health concerns).
His situation forced me to consider my own mother and my future health. As of now my mother's health issues do not include deteriorating mental health. I am aware of a couple of nursing homes in her area in case it becomes necessary to place her. As for me, I am slowly changing my diet. Today I am purchasing a Jack La Lane juicer and I am going to gradually take this weight off while increasing my omega 3 intake. The point is to add the essentials to my body which should lower the risk of me getting cancer or dementia. I don't smoke or drink and my blood pressure is normal. I do have to work on my cholesterol and my weight. I have heard from a few sources that juicing is an excellent way to go. I got a couple of dollars from my refund so I will get my juicer and start working on ways to improve my diet.
Next I need to develop a plan now for what I want for my future if I unfortunately develop dementia. For anyone reading this I strongly urge you to at least think about the scenario from the minute you reach 30 years of age. Have an idea between ages 30 and 50 and something concrete afterwards. Granted it can be expensive but at least put into motion a plan for how you want to be cared for. And the younger you are gradually eliminate the highly toxic things in your life that may tarnish your golden years.
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