The 36 Hour Day
Revised in 2006 for its twenty-fifth anniversary, this best-selling book is the "bible" for families caring for people with Alzheimer disease, offering comfort and support to millions worldwide. In addition to the practical and compassionate guidance that have made The 36-Hour Day invaluable to caregivers, the fourth edition is the only edition currently available that inc
...more
Published
(first published November 1st 1981)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
790)
I had read through this book last year, but didn't make notes on it then. I think the whole book could be a note. . .
The mgt of wandering. "If you are considering a day care center, we urge you to do so early in the illness. Day care center and nursing homes have found that people adjust best when (1) they do not stay long the first few visits, (2)the caregiver stays with them the first few times, and (3) someone from the program visits them at home before the transition. Leaving a confused pers...more
The mgt of wandering. "If you are considering a day care center, we urge you to do so early in the illness. Day care center and nursing homes have found that people adjust best when (1) they do not stay long the first few visits, (2)the caregiver stays with them the first few times, and (3) someone from the program visits them at home before the transition. Leaving a confused pers...more
I had heard that The 36-Hour Day is the Alzheimer's caregivers bible, and I can see why. Having read other books on the subject, I'd say The 36-Hour Day is a more complete reference guide, helpful in many different stages of caregiving. Chapter titles are Dementia, Getting Medical Help for the Person with Dementia, Characteristic Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia, Problems in Independent Living, Problems Arising in Daily Care, Medical Problems, Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia, Symptoms That Appear...more
This is a fabulous and exhaustive guide for families caring for people with Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss. It's been around and continually updated for the last 25 years and is couched in compassionate and clear language.
The book goes through all the stages of these tragic, often irreversible conditions, and how to deal with them in various ways, how to discuss and approach them, what (few) medications and (more) therapies are out there, the history and research behind the conditions a...more
The book goes through all the stages of these tragic, often irreversible conditions, and how to deal with them in various ways, how to discuss and approach them, what (few) medications and (more) therapies are out there, the history and research behind the conditions a...more
wow is all i can say.. i love this book will be buying it for references ..
One of the keys to the success of this book is their acceptance that caregivers are going to have emotions, unrealistic ideas about the prognosis, misinformation about the nature of dementia and will underestimate the diseases effects on them and their family. It's okay to feel guilty, it's okay to feel conflicted, it's okay that you eventually may be unable to care for this person you love, whose personality is changing...more
One of the keys to the success of this book is their acceptance that caregivers are going to have emotions, unrealistic ideas about the prognosis, misinformation about the nature of dementia and will underestimate the diseases effects on them and their family. It's okay to feel guilty, it's okay to feel conflicted, it's okay that you eventually may be unable to care for this person you love, whose personality is changing...more
I can't imagine a more comprehensive and compassionate book on caring for a loved one with dementia. Even if you are not a primary caregiver, this will be of interest if you know someone who is or have someone with dementia in your life. The author describes the person is trying his/her best, often making an incredible effort to get through each day and the reasons people with dementia do many of the things they do. I am dealing with this right now and it was an eye-opener that made me more forg...more
Mar 20, 2011
Deana
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone who has a family member suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Recommended to Deana by:
mother-in-law
I picked up this book because it was recommended by the doctor who is helping keep up with the progress of my husband's grandfather's disease. He recommended that all family members read it, but much of the family was avoiding it, claiming it was horrible and too depressing. So I offered to read it and pass on the information that I found useful.
It was an extremely interesting book, though very, very repetitive in its mantra - there is no way that any human being will be able to take care of a l...more
It was an extremely interesting book, though very, very repetitive in its mantra - there is no way that any human being will be able to take care of a l...more
I spent 18 years of my professional life as a social worker specializing in the problems of the aging. Thirteen of those years were in nursing homes and rehab facilities. I could always identify the families of residents with Alzheimer's: they had big black circles under their eyes from lack of sleep. The 36 Hour Day was and is still the best thing written for the loved ones and caregivers of dementia patients. This book will help you deal with the terrible burdens of anger, love, guilt and conf...more
Sep 04, 2010
Lore Eargle
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Kim
Recommended to Lore by:
Peeker
For those of us dealing with a family member who has what the authors refer to as a "dementing illness," this is an invaluable book. I am so grateful to the very good friend who recently handed me the book with the instruction to pass it on when I am done. I will most certainly do that and have, in fact, recommended it to several people in similar situations. I have learned so much about the effects of the diseases and how to cope. The book is filled with practical advice and wisdom.
Reading this book was a bit dangerous at first. It's hard to read some of these things and NOT speculate on whether you have the early signs of dementia.
On the other hand, once I got past that - it was useful. It's a good reference if you're caring for a person who has Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia.
There's lots of encouragement, good checklists, and advice.
It made me feel we've made a good choice for Dad, where he is.
And it reinforced my belief that I do NOT want to be old and h...more
On the other hand, once I got past that - it was useful. It's a good reference if you're caring for a person who has Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia.
There's lots of encouragement, good checklists, and advice.
It made me feel we've made a good choice for Dad, where he is.
And it reinforced my belief that I do NOT want to be old and h...more
This book is a critical read for people who assume the caretaking role. It is a book not to read one, or twice, but again and again. There are so many relavant chapters that will stick with you until your 'gift' or mission is through and even after. Please pay close attention to the chapter that references seeking outside assistance from ANYONE for help so that you can see a movie, go for a walk around a lake, etc. Those moments are needed and you must demand them.
This is probably going to be on my "currently reading" list for as long as my dad has Alzheimer's. It's not a book you want to sit and read all at once, but it contains a great deal of useful information for people who care for and love someone with Alzheimer's, and it describes the stages and behaviors that may be encountered during the course of the disease. The book is compassionately written both toward the patient and the caregiver.
Really good resource about dementia and how it can affect not only the person inflicted with the disease but also the family and how to care for the person. A little over whelming when dsicussion the worst case problems but helpful in discussing how to work through those issues. I would recommend this to anyone dealing with someone who has dementia or Alzheimer's or even some one who just has a few memory problems that are affecting their day to day life.
This book is excellent for people who have persons in their family with dementia or alzheimer's disease. My grandmother suffered from dementia and this book really helped me understand her and know how to better care for her. The book is painful to read because it is a reminder that the disease will only get worse and that there is no cure but it is a great tool in accepting the disease and learning how to deal with it.
A helpful guide to understanding this devastating disease and what it does to the mind of the afflicted. It offers practical tips for dealing with some of the irrational behavior and insight into what causes it. All caregivers should read something like this to help remind us that our loved ones can't help their behavior. It helps preserve their dignity and reminds us to treat them with compassion.
An excellent guide for understanding and dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer's/dementia. There has been a lot of frustration in my own family with my grandmother's condition, and this book really put things into perspective for me. Instead of being angry and frustrated, and reacting on raw emotion, I've been able to deal with problems as they arise and with clarity.
helpful when a parent has Alzheimer's (my mom in my case), painful in ways to see the progressive nature of the disease and the truly degrading possibilities of what may happen to someone you love deeply. I couldn't read it earlier on in her diagnosis, but as her mind has disintegrated it has helped me process and know how to best react to her behavior
My father had Alzheimer's, and it helped me cope with how he was changing. I also realized while reading certain chapters, that he did not behave badly intentionally, and that it was I that would have to adapt. I loved him despite his sometimes hurtful outbursts...and then he became a child, a sweet "every day was a new each day" child.
This is a must read for families of dementia patients. A friend of mine recommended it after a neurologist told her about it. It helped me tremendously to deal with the problems I faced with my mother. No one tells you what you need to know about caring for someone who suffers this heartbreaking condition.
Mar 25, 2009
Susan Baranoff
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone who has a friend or loved one suffering with Alzheimer's.
Shelves:
adult-self-help
This is an essential book for anyone who has a loved one suffering with Alzheimer's. The care-taker suffers along with the victim and this book helps make sense of what makes no sense to us.
I strongly recommend it for anyone whose life is touched by this tragic disease - and the earlier in the process you read it, the better.
I strongly recommend it for anyone whose life is touched by this tragic disease - and the earlier in the process you read it, the better.
Apr 13, 2013
Aletha
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
end-of-life-counseling
Very good rundown of what to expect in the disease process and ideas for coping and managing symptoms. I would recommend this to any family or friend facing a type of dementia.
Boy, this is the book if you are dealing with a person in your life with dementia today. However, I hope this book serves as a perverse history text once we find better solutions to prevent and/or cure these diseases. I hope in addition to better medical outcomes, we can also have a more honest, less judgmental dialogue about end of life choices. The manner in which those with Alzheimer's must carry out their final days seems more cruel on all involved with their care in addition to the afflicte...more
Dec 02, 2012
Largeprintbooklover
marked it as to-read
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11568864
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11568864
We often suggested that caretakers keep this book by their bedside for immediate reference. The caretakers often suffer more than the patient with Alzheimer's.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »

Loading...
























I read what you said here about the book. I cried when I read some of the things you said. I take care of my mother who has dementia. I have been t...more
updated Apr 08, 2013 12:08am