When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide for Caregivers

by Joy A. Glenner, Jean M. Stehman, Judith Davagnino

Eighty percent of persons with dementia live at home, and the family members caring for them are often overwhelmed by the enormous responsibility and the complexities of care. This book is designed to support the caregivers and help them understand the needs and feelings of the person for whom they are caring. A central focus is the goal of sustaining a loving family relationship between the caregiver and the patient. Developed from a training program for professionals and family caregivers, this book teaches the basics of dementia care while emphasizing communication, understanding and acceptance, and personal growth through the caregiving experience. The result is a guide that integrates the practicalities of caregiving with the human emotions that accompany it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Medical

152 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2005

Reviews

[Kate Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loads of practical information and tips. Definitely a worthwhile book for new carers to read. Some of the information around help, support and legal/financial information is not relevant to us here in Aotearoa/New Zealand but still provides things to think about.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this short book to be very helpful. This was a good place to start learning about a very scary diagnosis. No one is ready to hear this from a doctor. In this case I feel knowledge is power. Easy to read and very well except explained.

[Marie-France Leclerc · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gives a lot of info and practical ideas to help everyone affected with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

[James Klagge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practically oriented, with lots of suggestions. Two points that are very firm: 1) Use it or lose it. The longer you can keep someone doing particular things, the more functional they will remain in general. 2) Don't try to fix the person--accommodate yourself to where the person is. There is a huge temptation to try to correct the person's misunderstandings or behavior. But this is pointless. Diverting the person's attention, and modeling what you want the person to do is always better. The book makes clear how much responsibility is on the caretaker to be upbeat and creative in addressing tasks. The book is very realistic in what can(not) be expected. Sobering but worthwhile.

[M.E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

not a bad book on the subject, though it focuses almost entirely on folks who have Alziemers and are ambulatory.

[Lisa]

Diagnosing dementia is a complex process that takes more than a single doctors visit.

[Rod Pyle]

Wish I didn't need it, but I do. Nothing can prepare you for this. Books help, but every case if so different that they can provide only the broadest of guidelines.

[David Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and straightforward guide for a dementia patient's family members. Strong section on communication.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

How about a book that tells how to tell if someone has dementia, or is on their way there?