Today is the second day in a row that our schedule is being disrupted. Yesterday it was a meeting I needed to attend in the morning and an evening meeting for my husband. Today it is an appointment for both of us. Our lives are pretty structured, any changes can impact either our meals or his meds and can result in consequences for us both. What was a good day can turn quickly into a bad day and neither of us want to see that happen.

So, when I have advance warning of changes we might face in our day, I try to talk them over with my husband and create a plan. Our appointment today is at noon, his usual nap time, and it could make the rest of the day difficult. He is thinking that he will nap later but I know he will be tired and not working at his best until he gets that rest time. It also means that I will need to be extra diligent because his symptoms become more pronounced when he is tired and he may be susceptible to falls.

Staying positive can be difficult when I am faced with unexpected challenges. I tend to fill my days with known tasks, and it is easy for me to become frazzled when I suddenly need to find room for something more. It is important in those moments that I step back, take a breath, and remember why I do what I do. If I can objectively look at any new or different new challenge, I can usually find a way to support both the new and the old without additional upset or drama. Staying calm helps me stay positive and they both are essential components in being a successful CarePartner.