I wake up and check that I know the day, date and year. Every day is a new day. I am a caregiver. That requires paying attention to details and charting a clear path from one moment to the next. Important qualities are flexibility and ability to pivot. And patience. Did I mention patience?

All the things that you planned for? You need a new plan for the new things. Past, present, future are all now. Did I mention patience?

On a very logistical basis: passwords, accounts, cards. Tracking down all the places that a person clicks and signs up for X or Y or Z. Awareness of online presence. Financial, medications, driving. Those are the Big 3 that need paying attention to. Details, always details. Did I mention patience?

If possible, outsource as much as possible. Remember those vows “...in sickness and in health...”? The debts are being called in. Somehow, I assumed that “sickness” meant a cold or at worst, the flu. Alzheimer’s was not on the list. Oops, well, it is now.

Good news: there is support if you look for it and ask for it. Medically and socially. Did I mention patience?