This holiday season presents unique challenges for many families, particularly those facing health crises. As COVID-19 cases surge, countless individuals are making the tough decision to refrain from visiting loved ones. However, for me, this was not an option. My father is battling Alzheimer’s, and time is a luxury we simply do not have.
Facing Difficult Decisions
My father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis came last fall. Given that my parents are divorced, my siblings and I faced the challenging choice of whether to place him in a long-term care facility. Fortunately, he was still managing daily activities, so we opted against it, with my sister stepping up as his primary caretaker.
She enrolled him in a memory care day program, established routines, and arranged for additional support during her work hours. However, when the pandemic struck, everything changed. My father’s essential routines were disrupted, and my sister bore the full burden of his care.
Understanding Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that gradually destroys brain cells, leading to significant cognitive decline. Initially, symptoms manifest as difficulty in remembering new information, but as the disease progresses, it severely impacts daily life. The eventual neurological deterioration can lead to an inability to perform even basic tasks. This situation is exhausting not just for the individual but also for their caregivers.
Reconsidering Holiday Plans
As summer ended and COVID-19 numbers began to rise, we had to reconsider our plans for the holidays. We had hoped to bring my father to California to spend time together as a family and give my sister a much-needed break. Yet, as concerns grew about traveling, we debated whether it was the right choice.
In a phone call just before Thanksgiving, we collectively decided it was best to keep him at home. However, after hanging up, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion. Having previously missed opportunities to visit loved ones before their passing, I felt desperate not to repeat that mistake with my dad.
Making the Decision
I contacted my sister, who was also feeling the weight of the decision. Thankfully, my brother agreed to our revised plan. We took every precaution to ensure safety, consulted a healthcare professional, and adjusted our travel plans to minimize risk.
Upon their arrival, we quarantined until we received negative COVID tests before reuniting. Our Thanksgiving was a small gathering, limited to immediate family. Since then, we’ve restricted outings and interactions to maintain safety.
Choosing Family Over Fear
Taking this risk was daunting, but the fear of losing precious moments with my dad outweighed our concerns. I know we are fortunate to make these choices, and I deeply appreciate every moment we spend together. Watching my young child play with him reaffirmed that we made the right decision.
Support for Caregivers
For those navigating similar situations, it can be incredibly challenging to witness the changes in aging parents, especially when Alzheimer’s is involved. While some may view our choices as reckless, the joy of seeing my child connect with my father was a powerful reminder of why family matters.
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Probable Search Queries
- How to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s during holidays
- Tips for safe family gatherings during COVID-19
- Emotional challenges of caring for aging parents
- Traveling with elderly parents with health issues
- Family support for Alzheimer’s caregivers
Conclusion
In summary, this holiday season has highlighted the importance of family, especially when faced with the realities of Alzheimer’s. With time not on our side, we made the choice to be together, cherishing every moment we have.
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