Are You a Frog in Warm Water?

Many of you have heard the analogy about the frog and boiling water – if you try to put a frog in boiling water, he will jump right out to save his life. But, if you put a frog in cool water and gradually warm it up, he doesn't realize it until it's too late. It's a horrible story.

Every few weeks, I see the story in action. A family is dealing with dementia or some other chronic illness, and one or two of the family members are the sole caregivers. They are the frogs in the water. The water (the situation) is getting warmer and warmer. And the caregiver (the frog) “says it's okay, I'm doing alright”. But, I promise you, no other frog is going to get into that water, and stay very long. They're going to get out, and say “you are crazy for staying in there; it's too hot.”

I've been there. You don't know how hot the water is until you get out – hopefully, you get out before it's too late.

Many times the most important service we provide is saving people from themselves – to live another day. If you're a caregiver, or if you know someone who is caring for you, please reach out to us, before the water is boiling.