Synopses & Reviews
Caring for a Loved One with Dementia >is a unique and compassionate guide that offers an effective mindfulness-based dementia care (MBDC) program to help you meet your own needs and lower stress levels while caring for your loved one.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be extremely stressful. This essential guide provides skills for dealing with the accompanying emotional and physical stress, and offers tools to help you manage your own needs, in addition to the needs of your loved one. Dementia is a cruel disease that can leave both the sufferer—and those who care about them—reeling. But in the midst of the pain, the mindfulness practices in this book will help you find strength and meaning in each moment you spend with your loved one.
The unique program in this book addresses two of the most important needs caregivers face: stress reduction and greater ease in providing care. In addition, you will learn to approach your care with a calm, centered presence, respond to your loved one instead of reacting, and learn to connect with your loved one beyond their words. Perhaps most importantly, you will learn to effectively manage the grief, anger, depression, and other emotions that are often associated with dementia care.
Both practical and compassionate, this book will be a comfort during your loved one’s illness.
Review
“This is a clearly written and comprehensive book that addresses the common and uncommon issues that arise in caring for someone with Alzheimer disease. It is practical and never condescends. I highly recommend it ot anyone who has loved one suffering from dementia.”
—Peter V. Rabins, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and author of The 36-Hour Day
Review
“Talking to Alzheimer’s is quite remarkable: sensitive and tender in its tone, but also shrewd and useful. The whole book has this tenacious emphasis on genuine respectfulness; it all rings true and is written with so much informed respect for the loved person. I think it’s a wise and lovely little book and I’m grateful to Claudia for writing it.”
—Jonathan Kozol, Alzheimer’s family member and author of Savage Inequalities, Amazing Grace, and Ordinary Resurrections
Review
“I was so taken with this practical and warm approach to visiting and crating enjoyable and meaningful times with loved ones. Visiting is clearly recognized as an issue…and some families become so disappointed and disheartened that they stop coming. This targeted, doable book helps pe3ople come to terms with what they can really do.”
—Betty Ransom, Director of Education and Training for the National Capital Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
Review
“Talking to Alzheimer’s is a winner and I know it will strike a resounding chord with anyone who has been there. [Strauss’] fresh, resourceful approach helps us find meaning and a spiritual connection when visiting, and puts words in our mouths that change the experience of visiting and being visited.”
—Lisa P. Gwyther, M.S.W., Director, Family Support Program, Duke University Center for Aging, founding member of the Alzheimer’s Association
Review
“Talking to Alzheimer’s addresses head on both the practical and emotional difficulties experienced by loved ones and the effort it takes to respond as lovingly and constructively as possible when visiting. Strauss’ approach is appropriately person-centered and validating: the only way to constructively interact with a person in the grip of dementia. Full of examples of what to do and say and what not to do and say, this is a valuable handbook to which a person can return again and again.”
—John A. Jager, MSW, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter
Review
“Strauss’ book is all about hope. It reminds us to look at the person with Alzheimer’s disease holistically and not focus only on the dementia. She offers suggestions that will enrich people’s lives and preserve dignity.”
—Kara P. Ray, R.N., Corporate Director of The Meadows Program, the Alzheimer’s care program of Country Meadows Retirement Communitites
Review
"Ms. Strauss gives page after page of specific advice to the reader, and I repetitively found myself wondering, ‘Why hadn’t I thought of that?’ This book would be a welcome addition to any physician’s waiting room.”
—Peter A. Schwartz, M.D., Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reading Hospital and Medical Center
Review
“Talking to Alzheimer’s fills a major void in our knowledge. I found that this book significantly altered my conception of the problem and my ability an willingness to deal in a meaningful way with Alzheimer patients. I enthusiastically recommend this book to physicians of any discipline who encounter such patients in their practice, as well as to laymen who have family members or friends facing this devastating illness.”
—E. Berry Hey, Jr., M.D., Senior Physician, Reading Hospital and Medical Center
Review
“This book recognizes that families need to rethink and rework what is meant by meaningful communication when faced with loved ones who suffer from dementia. Strauss unearths myriad possibilities for effective open-ended communication, provides detailed pointers on how to navigate through this territory, and shows the potential for sharing the joy of a profound human connection. Talking to Alzheimer’s is designed to be used for hands-on help. But it is also a compassionate book that helps both friends and relatives make more meaningful connections under these new and constantly changing conditions.”
—Nancy J. Brooks, Alzheimer’s family member, and health, rehabilitation and social work professional
Synopsis
Alzheimer's can have a devastating impact on a patient's close relationships and all too often, family members and friends feel so uncomfortable that they end up dreading visits, or simply give up trying to stay in contact with the patient. This book offers a wealth of practical things you can do to stay connected with the Alzheimer's patient in your life. It offers straightforward suggestions and invaluable do's and don'ts, with advice on everything from dealing effectively with the inevitable repetition that occurs in conversations with an Alzheimer's patient to helpful strategies for saying no to unrealistic demands. It also includes thoughtful tips to remind you to take care of your own feelings and suggestions for helping children become comfortable with visiting an Alzheimer's sufferer.
Synopsis
This practical and accessible guide helps the friends and family of Alzheimer's patients communicate with their loved ones in ways that allow them to sustain meaningful and positive relationships.
Synopsis
Caring for a Loved One with Dementia is a unique and compassionate guide that offers an effective mindfulness-based dementia care (MBDC) program to help caregivers meet their own needs and lower stress levels while caring for their loved one. Dementia is a cruel disease that can leave both the suffererand those who care about themreeling. But in the midst of the pain, the mindfulness practices in this book will help readers find strength and meaning in each moment they spend with their loved one.
About the Author
Marguerite Manteau-Rao, MSW, LCSW, ATR, is a licensed clinical social worker and registered art therapist specializing in bringing new, innovative solutions to the field of dementia care. She is CEO of the Presence Care Project and Founder of the Mindfulness-Based Dementia Care Program at the University of California, San Francisco's OSHER Center for Integrative Medicine.
Table of Contents