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Ballardite Asked March 2021

Could the forum writers please not use abbreviations?

I am so grateful for this forum! The topics, understanding, and advice have been invaluable! My concern is all the abbreviations used. I usually can figure out the meaning, but that takes brain power and time—both of which are minuscule as a caregiver. I am in a fog, exhausted and “taking it moment by moment,” please, Please, PLEASE, make it clear and easy for my comprehension!

NYDaughterInLaw Mar 2021
There are some abbreviations that are commonplace and consistent with abbreviations that have been used for years e.g. POA for power of attorney, ALF for assisted living facility, UTI for urinary tract infection. But there are also some abbreviations that have been invented such as DH for "dear husband" and I also found them confusing until I learned which posters use them. Abbreviations like MIL, FIL, BIL, and SIL are mother-father-brother-sister inlaw, respectively. For newbies, that's hard to know. I agree more posters should first spell out abbreviations and provide the abbreviation so that there is clarity.

JoAnn29 Mar 2021
I do understand the frustration but for me personally I am on a tablet. Typing out with a stylus. Abbreviations are so much easier. I do try though, when its a new member, to write it out and from then on use an abbreviation.

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MJ1929 Mar 2021
Ballardite, I've been here a long time, and I agree with you. You shouldn't have to refer to another thread to figure out what people are saying.

I would ask that people write out the term once in their post, then they can use the abbreviations from that point on.

Example:

"Have the doctor check to see if your loved one (LO) in memory care (MC) has a urinary tract infection (UTI). If your LO needs more medical care than the MC can provide, then long-term care (LTC) might be a better choice. Just make sure you have power of attorney (POA), so you can make medical decisions for her."

That's just clear and concise writing and more considerate of others.

elaine1962 Mar 2021
Holy cow!!! There are a lot of abbreviations. Thank you cwillie for providing the site for them. I learned a lot of new ones.

earlybird Mar 2021
Leave it to our cwillie. Thank you!

earlybird Mar 2021
I sometimes have to look up some of the abbreviations too. Good point you make.


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