Taking an active part in Taking an active part in decisions affecting my later decisions affecting my later life…life…

A Personal Journey

by

Lynn Jackson

“Life is either a daring

adventure…

Or nothing.”

Helen Keller

The Aricept GenerationI am one of those being helped

by new drugs

Diagnosed with fronto-temporal dementia

An emergency room nurse for 14 years and then…things began to happen

Making Decisions Now…(not waiting until later)

Come to terms with my illness

Eagerness to learn

Discovered others like me

“Knowledge is power”

““DASNI Effect”DASNI Effect”

DDementia ementia AAdvocacy and dvocacy and

SSupport upport NNetwork etwork IInternationalnternational

We are autonomous and competent peopleWe are autonomous and competent people

We believe that shared knowledge is We believe that shared knowledge is empowermentempowerment

We believe our strengths provide a We believe our strengths provide a supportive networksupportive network

We are a voice and a helping hand We are a voice and a helping hand

www.dasninternational.org

Set up a supportnetwork

Family my biggest supporter

Friends

www.dasninternational.org

My Doctor

Teaching others“Knowledge is power” – a

sloganthat has helped me communicate with family and friends

I passed on information to them…

Now they are knowledgeable

My biggest fear

I will not be able to tell people what I want as my disease progresses

Imaging the options

I learnt the lingo…

And found out more than I ever wanted to know

Representation Agreement

• I choose personal representative

• More than power of attorney

• Can override my wishes if I become irrational

My representatives know:

What kind of nursing homeLikes & dislikesAware of religious beliefs

And they have power of attorney

One size does not fit all

Everything written downNo ‘heroic’ efforts

It comes down to this:

“If I have developed into a state where I am not able to indicate to you what I do or do not want, then please follow the written instructions.”

Stop and smell the roses

Focus on Strengths

FriendshipsTravelingConnectingSupporting

Maintaining Relationships

In summary…

Come to terms with illnessSet up a support systemClarify your optionsMake the necessary decisionsPrepare any legal documentsFocus on your strengthsSet realistic goalsMaintain relationships!Think Positive!!!!

“I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter”

Sir Winston Churchill