I have dreams that I used to put off for when I retire, when I get older. Now I look at how soon can I get them in.  —John-Richard Pagan, Manual Guide

With another holiday and travel season upon us—Memorial Day, July 4, and those summer vacations—plans will be made for commemoration and celebration. But plans made for us, and not with us, can create added stress and agitation.

As we move into warmer months filled with gatherings, guests, and going out and about, share the following with your care partners:

• Involve me in event/travel planning and decision-making.
• Be aware, and respectful, of my schedule when making plans, and be sure all plans are added to my calendar.
• Keep me up to date about changes and additions to our plans and be sure to put a schedule of reminders in place that works best for me.
• Allow me to prepare for gatherings and outings at my own pace, with “plenty of time” being the right amount of time.

Enjoy the sunshine and the possibilities ahead—in planful partnership with those who encourage and support you on your dementia journey. As Anne Basting, founder of TimeSlips advises: …dive in, keep connected, keep growing…

For more about supporting your well-being

–visit Pathways Section 2 (https://daanow.org/pathways/) and the By Us For Us Guides (https://the-ria.ca/resources/by-us-for-us-guides/)