January is the time to think about all those things we’ve put off doing year after year, like making a plan to get out of debt, or thinking about how we’ll respond to an emergency. Perhaps now is the time to put some thought into making our New Year’s resolutions.
Why plan? Well, for one thing, it helps you focus on what needs to be done. Having a plan, especially a written plan, means you’re serious about tackling those issues. After all, you’ve invested time and thought in them. A written plan can also make a big job feel smaller. Instead of trying to do everything at once, you can list one step at a time. That makes it easier to start and easier to keep going.
So, where do you start? You might first want to look at creating an advanced directive for health care if you don’t already have one. If you already have one, then it’s a good idea to review it to make sure it’s up to date. If you don’t have one, there are many different samples online that you can use to decide what you want as far as decision-making. Who do you trust enough to make decisions about your health care? Who would be willing to make those decisions for you? Ask if they are willing to be your patient advocate.
It can help to write down your answers and keep them in one place. You may want to include your doctor’s name, your medicines, allergies, and any care you want or do not want. If you have a trusted family member or friend, talk with them before you need help. That way, they know what you want and can speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself. You do not have to do this alone. If you need help thinking through your options, DNL can help. Our services are free. Call us at (616) 396-5326.
Once that one’s out of the way, how about creating an emergency preparedness plan? Think about what you might need in a disaster in regard to your disability and then how you might go about meeting those needs. For example, you might need backup medicine, a charger for a power chair or phone, extra batteries, supplies for breathing equipment, or a list of people to call if the power goes out. If you use a service animal, think about what that animal would need too.
It may help to put together a small emergency kit and keep it in a place you can reach. You might also make a list of important phone numbers and store it in more than one place. If you have to leave home quickly, it is good to know what you would take first. Think about where you would go, how you would get there, and who could help you if needed. A plan does not stop an emergency from happening, but it can help you feel more ready.
This might also be a good time to complete your Smart911 profile online or update it if it already exists. Do you have new information to put in, or old information that needs to be updated? Now is the time! If your address has changed, if there is a new phone number, or if your emergency contacts have changed, update it. If there is helpful information about your disability, medical needs, or the best way to reach you, make sure it is correct. In an emergency, small details can matter.
You might also want to spend some time thinking about what goals you’d like to achieve this year. Do you need to catch up on your bills (most of us do), or learn something new? Why not sign up for that class or take a look at your budget to see if you can pay a little more on your largest bill to start paying it off.
Goals work best when they are clear and realistic. Instead of saying, “I want to get my life together,” try breaking it down. You could decide to open your bills once a week, save a small amount each month, or learn one new skill that could help you at work or at home. Small steps can build real progress. If money is tight, even a little extra toward a bill can help you feel more in control. If you want to learn something new, look for a class that fits your time, your energy, and your needs.
While none of us want to put a lot of thought into these things, they are usually lurking in our subconscious minds anyway, so maybe it’s time to address them once and for all and get working on them. After all, they aren’t likely to improve on their own!
It is easy to put off hard tasks. They can feel stressful, and they may bring up worry. But avoiding them does not make them go away. Often, the stress stays with us in the background. Taking one step now can bring a sense of relief. Even if you only finish part of your plan in January, you will still be moving in the right direction.
January is a time for new beginnings. Let this be your time to make your life better, safer, and less stressful. Go ahead…make a plan!
If you need assistance, please call DNL at 616-396-5326. We’d be glad to help you! We are a nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities in Ottawa and Allegan counties, Michigan. Our services are free, and we are here to help you find support and make plans that work for your life.
Our World still has barriers for people with disabilities.
Whether you're an individual or a company, searching for disability resources is discouraging and frustrating. And when you don't have the right tools, individuals and communities suffer. Wouldn't you like to live in an inclusive community where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong?
The right resources are hard to find. We get it.
We understand how it feels to struggle to fully participate in an inaccessible community, which is why we help people find and use disability resources.
Donate Today To Make a Difference!
Helping others live lives less complicated by disabilities takes people and resources. Support like yours helps us continue helping others struggling to navigate disability resources. 90% of your donation goes directly into services to individuals, their families, and our community.
Make A Donation Today!
442 Century Lane
Holland, MI 49423
Services
- Advocacy
- Assistance Animals
- Information & Referral
- Peer Support
- Emergency Readiness
- Social Security Disability
- Social Participation
- Veterans
- Skills Development
- Employment
- Transition
- Nursing Home Transition
- Youth Services
Events
About
Contact Us
The Ability Award
Blog
DNL Live
Impact Report
Satisfaction Survey
Volunteer
Privacy Policy
UCP of Michigan
Info@dnlakeshore.org
Phone: (616) 396-5326
Fax: (616) 396-3220
Office Hours:
8am–4:30pm M-F
442 Century Lane
Holland, MI 49423
Services
Advocacy
Assistance Animals
Information & Referral
Peer Support
Emergency Readiness
Social Security Disability
Social Participation
Veterans
Skills Development
Employment
Transition
Nursing Home Transition
Youth Services
About
Contact Us
The Ability Award
Blog
DNL Live
Satisfaction Survey
Volunteer
Office Hours: 8am–4:30pm M-F
Privacy Policy
UCP of Michigan
Info@dnlakeshore.org
Phone: (616) 396-5326
Fax: (616) 396-3220