By Susan M. Graham, Certified Elder Law Attorney, Senior Edge Legal, Boise, Idaho
I talked to a wife this week who has been a caregiver for her demented husband for years. Recently he has taken to getting up in the night and using firewood stored by the fireplace to start fires on the hearth and in the firebox! Fortunately, his wife noticed both times and put the fires out. She is grateful for these miracles but sees no need to change how they live.
Her desire is to continue to care for and keep him at home with no help. This is a dangerous plan for both of them.
Fortunately, their children and doctor have taken notice and are working to make changes that will result in a safer environment for each of them with plenty of help.
Hope is not a plan. That approach is living in a fantasyland unrelated to real world events associated with ageing.