The 36 Hour Day

The 36 Hour Day

4.08 of 5 stars 4.08  ·  rating details  ·  400 ratings  ·  117 reviews

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

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Published (first published November 1st 1981)
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Anne
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
Jane Hoppe
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
Abeer Hoque
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
Crystal
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
Bea
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
Deana
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
Libby
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
Lore Eargle
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.
Kyrie
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
Cory Glisson-munier
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.
Patty
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.
Sara
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.
Erica
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.
J
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.
Julie
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.
Shawn
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
Lesliepk
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.

Marian Brown
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.
Susan Baranoff
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.
Darla Oliver
This is one of my ALL time favorite books! I buy it anytime I see it at the Goodwill or at rummage sales and keep it at my home. If I hear of friends or family members who are in need I pass this book on. GREAT book! GREAT! Just gave one to a co-worker this year.
Deborah
WOW, what a book . . . read this when taking care of my grandmother in 2006. I recently reread it since I'm now taking care of an Alzheimer patient that is not a relative . . . much easier task but still difficult . . . awesome book!
King
Excellent. It is not just crammed with case studies and is filled with practical advice on how to handle or, in some cases, simply deal with the challenges of caring for someone with this life changing condition.
1976rhall
This book is a very valuable tool for anyone who is a caretaker/family member of someone with Dementia or Alzheimer's disease. I have gone back through several times to reread different techniques to deal with mental confusion, lifestyle simplification and stress triggers. excellent resource!
Heather
I've read this in the past... GREAT BOOK! Highly recommend for anyone that experiences Alzheimer's or other dementias; Excellent resource with ideas of how to continue working with people & how to change your environment when needed!
Aletha
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.
Kathy

The facts and anecdotes in this support book have been very helpful as I walk alongside my sisters in the care of our mother (who has early signs of dementia). Very helpful!
Matthew Gauvain
Like the bible but for caring for those with dementia. Don't know how many times I've returned to this book for advice or how many people I've recommended it to
Teri Lowder
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
Largeprintbooklover
Dec 02, 2012 Largeprintbooklover marked it as to-read
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11568864
Jan
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.
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The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life (Paperback)
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life (Paperback)
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