[.ca] The Alzheimer's Sourcebook for Caregivers (ISBN 0737301317)

Your first choice book on Alzheimer's disease.:
Frena Gray-Davidson is the ultimate "been there, done that" person in Alzheimer's care. Her book is a support group that can always be with you, ready to speak to the issues that concern you now and prepare you for what is likely to concern you in the future. All parts of this book will help you meet the challenges of dementia care, however several chapters are of special value. Chapter 2, Before Diagnosis and chapter 4, Family Crisis Alzheimer's Style guide families in the early stages of the disease. Chapter 11, Knowing When To Let Go, answers some of the tough questions about placement in a care facility. The final chapter, Moving On, gives guidance for that time when caregiving is no longer the top priority. In keeping with her theme not to lose the person in the process of coping with the disease, Ms. Gray-Davidson leads us away from using psychiatric terms to label behaviors and thought patterns which result from diminishing cognitive ability. She explains what may look like paranoia as "a reasonable fear response, given the limitations of the disease." She makes what is often labeled delusional thinking easier to understand as "memory which has drifted into some point in the past." She writes with compassion and humor, creating therapy for the caregiver and family members. The book is interesting to read and easy to understand. As a Geriatric Care Consultant, I have often loaned my copy of The Alzheimer's Sourcebook for Caregivers to my clients. Most of them return it with the comment that they have purchased copies for themselves and for family members. This started with the 1st edition and is continuing with the 3rd. I can make no higher recommendation.

This Book Has The Answers You Are Looking For....:
This is the book that changed everything for me. Its about approaching this disease with Love, Strength and Courage. Frena shows you how to get thru a day at a time and most of all how to keep yourself intact. We get lost in this disease, it consumes whole families. She shows you how to listen, your loved one is still within this person afflicted by this disease,you just have to listen carefully and you will see the person you love is still inside and has alot to tell.She shows you how to cope. Frena is my strength, she gave me the tools from reading her book 3 years ago. This book is my foundation and Frena is an angel. No other book affected me as much as this one. If you want to truly understand this disease, this is it!

Excellent Guide to coping with Alzheimer's:
A truly comprehensive guide for caregivers, this book deals with the issue of caring for people with Alzheimer's from practical, emotional and spiritual perspectives. It will teach you how to be a healthy caregiver and companion. It provides factual information about the disease and its symptoms, and practical advice on how to cope with the daily struggles with deteriorating communication, inappropriate or hurtful or dangerous behaviors, and the boredom that affects people with Alzheimer's. It includes chapters on family dynamics and how to care for yourself, as well as a listing of support resources. Perhaps it's greatest gift is the unique perspective it offers on the power of love, and the opportunities for growth and rewarding time for both you and the one you care for.

A MUST Have!:
This book is a must have for caregivers or anyone who has a family member with Alzheimer's. You can read it through or just pick out chapters that will help you at the time, but the biggest help to me was Chapter 12 about Approaching Death. It gave me the comfort and help that I needed. I've read many books on the subject, but this has been the most helpful yet because it is based on love.