Planning

Everything and I truly mean everything takes longer than I think it used to.  It requires me to be a better planner than b.s. (before stroke).We stroke survivors should be mindful of reducing annoyances our caregivers may have such as; always having to wait for us because we are slower. If we can focus on better planning I think it could really help our respective caregivers. Remember, our caregivers have a thankless job, one which they never wanted in the first place.

Think about this: Typically Bob has to get me ready, get himself ready and then get us both ready.  It can be chaotic, even comical at times. Here are a few examples of things Bob has to help me with:

·        Buttoning or zipping a blouse if it fastens in the back

·        Putting on backs of earrings

·        Styling my hair

·        Applying eyeliner

·        Tying my shoes

·        Basically any two hand function activity

I don’t want to get to the point that my poor planning means we stay home because the hassle factor supersedes the benefit of going out. 

·        I have to apply some cognitive exercises when planning outings. 

·        Maybe I don’t wear the earrings that require assistance;

·        Maybe, I wear my day-to-day tennis shoes

·        Perhaps I wear a simpler blouse.

Always assume you will need more time than you have

Here is a good example:  Last night we were going to a party and I simply didn’t start getting ready early enough.  Before Bob even showered and dressed he styled my hair, fastened my bra, tried to help me put on a shirt that was very complex, (too tight for me to pull over my head and required 50 snaps) adjusted my leg brace, tied my shoes.  By the time he got ready, I made us both late to the function.

A second example:  Yesterday Bob had a meeting at 3:00 and I asked him to drop me at a movie on the way that started at 3:30. We agreed to leave at 2:30 so at 2:21 I made my final attempts to get out the door such as bathroom, put coat on, get purse and walk to the car.  All this took longer than 9 minutes and Bob was late for his meeting.  I guess my key point is the planning is crucial to maintain our caregiver’s sanity.