Did I Remember to Tell You?: A Real-Life Guidebook for Dementia Family Caregivers

by Pam Kovacs Johnson

While there is an abundance of information about dementia for family caregivers to learn symptoms, skills, do’s and don’ts, there is little to help them comprehend why it is so important to do everything differently than before this disease. And to fully understand the consequences when they don’t. From the book Did I Remember To Tell You? caregivers gain insight into the difficulty of doing and saying the right things for the right reasons, in accordance with best care practices and are guided towards being the “perfect” caregiver. It is based on Pam Johnson’s professional experience, spanning over forty years working with older adults in a variety of health care settings, coupled with the invaluable personal knowledge she gained while caring for her father. Learning about the disease and daily challenges from real-life stories effectively shows rather than tells caregivers what they need to know to make it from one day to the next. The stories create a powerful understanding of the tremendous impact this disease has on a loved one and remind us that Alzheimer’s and other dementias are about much more than mere forgetfulness. With a casual conversational tone, Johnson teaches caregivers to speak compassionately, cope more effectively, and expect the unexpected.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2020

Reviews

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to help all caregivers of Dementia and/or Alzheimer's patients.

I found out about this book when I went to a caregiver class. My husband has dementia.

There is so much information and practical advice in this book! The author used real-life cases and included them. Pam Kovacs Johnson has so much experience in this field. You will be so glad to read this book, and you will be encouraged to give your loved one the best and compassionate care.

[Michelle Hannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of practical information about the range of symptoms that occur with the various types of dementia and Alzheimer’s. It offers strategies and habits to facilitate interactions with dementia sufferers, suggests coping mechanisms for the stress of dealing with a loved one with dementia, and offers an empathetic glimpse into their altered reality. I’m not the caregiver for a loved one with dementia, but I still found this a valuable book. Now I better understand what being a caregiver entails. Not only do I have incredible respect and admiration for those who find themselves faced with the task, but I also have a real, concrete suggestion for friends and acquaintances who are in that position. Read this book. You won’t regret it.

[Sue Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for Caregivers

This book helps make sense out of a very complicated and confusing situation. The author really understands the problems you face as a caregiver. I will most like read this several times as I travel this incredibly difficult journey.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though my father's dementia journey was short, we found this book to be a true blessing in helping us navigate the rough waters that his illness brought into our lives.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to guide caregivers in problem solving and also feeling less alone. It wasn't my favorite of caregiver books, but still has merit for those living with a loved one with dementia or Alzzheimers.