Creating Moments Of Joy For The Person With Alzheimer's Or Dementia: A Journal For Caregivers (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
This was a wonderfully fulfilling read with so many useful and practical hands-on strategies to deal with sufferers of dementia, Alzheimer's, etc. However, I am unaware of ANY long-term facility where many of these actions/behaviors can be successfully implemented. I utilized many of them, only to realize that a lack of adequate staffing prevents needed "protection" and/or follow-through to make sure my mother had the opportunity to use the items I provided. For example, the sign I posted on her door to help her recognize her room was ripped down and stolen multiple times by other residents until it was finally destroyed. Same with the plush Snoopy dog toy she adored and connected with, I had purchased only one (before reading this book) and it was stolen by another resident (Actually discovered hidden in her room some days later!), so then I went out and bought FOUR of them! (After having read this book!) And ended up with only one left after 6 months' time; which I placed with her in the casket. :) So beware! It may sound good and it may work in practice, but it may be impossible to successfully implement, due to circumstances beyond your control. Just keep trying and let your love and compassion show through. My dad gave me this book (but naturally hasn't bothered to read it himself). It has a lot of really practical ideas for dealing with many common issues facing families dealing with dementia. Most of the ideas in the book are actually very logical and extremely obvious...if you stop to really think about it. The number one idea to take away from this book is that the person with dementia cannot change (improve) so you have to change the way YOU respond. My only real criticism of this book is interrelated. I could never figure out who this book's audience actually is. Care staff, home caregivers, other family, the person with dementia. And then it seemed to shift from audience to audience from paragraph to paragraph with no warning and no cohesion at times. But i still found it very insightful in providing practical ways to improve interracing with my grandma.
What do You think about Creating Moments Of Joy For The Person With Alzheimer's Or Dementia: A Journal For Caregivers (2008)?
Fantastic guide how to get out of your own way. I can highly recommend this book!
—sandmn
Essential read for anyone dealing with people with Alzheimers.
—AnnAd
A beautiful and very meaningful book for me.
—Hcochran
