Alzheimers-Caregivers Books

This book is a valuable resource to anyone who is caring for an elderly family member. While reading the often funny, always touching, occasionally horrifying memoir, I learned so much about caring for my aging mother. This is rich with advice, examples, and brilliance. Thank you, Jackie, for sharing your story with us. I will buy more copies and give them to my friends whose parents are approaching the age where they'll need some care. I am also now taking assessment of my own behaviors as I get older; I don't want any of my bad habits following me into my golden years! It is clear from your Jake Tales that these habits may become exaggerated as we get older and I don't want my kids to have to deal with me if I'm going to be difficult

This is an excellent book for those who find themselves frustrated by the behavior of elders who are suffering from just enough dementia to be wreaking havoc, but not enough to be institutionalized. I read the book in one evening because I was desperate to learn how I might deal with an elder's belligerent outbursts, illogical thinking and unwillingness to accept help. The author faced similar issues with her father and her examples rang 100% true to me. At the end of the book, the author provides specific techniques and tips for modifying the elder's behavior. I tried some of her suggestions the very next day, and it worked! The sense of calm that I gained, knowing that I now had a "toolkit" of resources and ideas from this book, was invaluable to me. Save your sanity - get this book if you are dealing with demented elders now, or think you might be in the near future!

As a professional caregiver coordinator for a local Area Agency on Aging I read a lot of books on caregiving and Alzheimer's disease. This is the best book I have read on the subject. The story is told with humor, but it is full of excellent tips and education on the subject. A must read if you are a caregiver caring for an Alzheiemr's loved one.

I got this wonderful book about a year after my mom passed. I still refer to it so much that it is dog-eared, for information, resources and to enjoy Jackie's humorous writing style. (Okay, I admit it, I stole her idea of quoting artists and thanking them!!! I thought that was brilliant and it added a whole new dimension of enjoyment of the book for me!!!)

The book really helped me understand that the many feelings I went through while my mom was ill were NOT abnormal, and that my attempts to help were not in vain, although with this resource, I could have figured out even more and better things to do - - especially calling in APS early on. I truly think my mom's frequent infections were caused by lack of cleanliness at home and I COULD NOT get my parents to accept help with cleaning. I even hired a geriatric care manager, who recommended services that my parents would not accept. I think I would have been able to get them to accept a lot more services had I read this book first - - or at least I would have had some ideas to try.

I had the additional drawback of living 1500 miles from my parents, which is why I ended up hiring a geriatric manager (who saved MY life by just BEING there so many times when I needed someone to talk to, which Jackie points out is so important - - to have people to talk to about the elder you are caring for.) But I found that even on two extended trips to be with my family, I was unable to get the concrete results I wanted. That's why I think involving professionals, such as APS and the police, would have been so helpful if I'd thought of it at that time.

In a nutshell, this book made me feel like I was hearing from a very dear and knowledgeable friend with reassurance on a most confusing and difficult situation. I continue in my quest for info on elder care, but this remains far and away the most helpful and most enjoyable book I have read on the subject. Thanks Jackie!!!

This is a good book for anyone trying to help elderly parents. I found the style of writing, relating all things to old tv shows, sometimes distracting and confusing but the information in the book was so worth the read. It gave me strength and focus on dealing with my Mom. I am still continuing to find resources through this book and it is really a valuable tool.

Nearly five million in the U.S. live with Alzheimer's, and the author is a child of an Alzheimer's sufferer - a journalist who signs on as a caregiver at an Alzheimer's facility in response to her mother's illness to better understand the condition. Her memoir provides insights into the field of dementia care and offers many poignant survival tactics and even a hopeful story. Highly recommended for both health and general interest lending libraries.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I would give this book 4 1/2 stars if it was available. This story was moving and funny all at once. I just thought it was a little long. It gives you a real inside look at Alzheimer's and you see that even in the midst of their dieses they have a life and are still people. I really enjoyed getting to know the people of Maplewood. This is a great story for anyone who is dealing with or knows someone or has an interest in Alzheimer's.

After much deliberation, praying and consideration, my brothers and I recently moved my mother, who is in the late stages of Alzheimers, away from her home of 39 years to an Alzheimers facility. The anticipation was so much worse than the actual move. My mother has never looked back, and loves the facility because of her interaction with others. Lauren's book really opened my eyes, and I praise her for her work. My mother's facility also has a lady who carries two dolls around, and now I understand!!!

When I was told my Mother had early stage altzheimers I was at sea. I bought three books on the subject and while each had a different "slant" for those who are watching this terrible disease they were very helpful in finding out what was happening and what I could expect. This book, tho but everything into human terms. It is a companion book to "Learning to Speak Altheizmers" . I highly recommend this book to anyone who is trying to learn more about what happens to a family member as they go on this journey.

This book really touched me in many, many ways. From the personal level, the relating to Lauren's job, and in the residents that Lauren took care of. Sometimes I had to put the book down from a few minutes--to a few hours to allow me time to reflect. Thank you Lauren for sharing your experiences with us the reader. I look at Alzheimer's disease in a better, deeper way then before I read this book. :)

The author writes of her father's decent into Alzheimer's Disease (being more
and more child like in his progression of the disease and her young son growing up from a toddler to young boyhood..the opposite ends of the spectrum. A very moving book. I may reread this one.

In September 2004's Australian Reader's Digest, the story "The Unlikely Gift" had me in tears. It moved me so much that I searched out and ordered the book it was taken from - "The House on Beartown Road". I had been mourning the
death of a favourite and much loved friend who died from the ravages of a similar brain disease (vascular dementia). Although her body died recently, the soul and the entity that I loved which made her who she was, was taken from me many years ago when the diagnosis was made and the slow but inevitable slide began.

My friend Kath, whom I met in 1980, taught me joy and sharing, she took me into her family as if I was one of her own. As I am of a different background, she taught me to enjoy roast dinners and chocolate ripple cakes. She was a favourite auntie, a surrogate mother and most of all, a best friend. In the later years, I have been unable to be in her presence,
as I couldn't reconcile the angry, violent person as being the same caring friend I had known. She was diagnosed in her 60's which is much too early and didn't allow her to enjoy her twilight years with those she loved and who loved her.

Elizabeth Cohen's book is a beautiful and simply told homage to the reality of family life and in my opinion, a must read.

What a wonderful book. I have noticed that many who review this book are intimately involved in Alzheimers, be they professional or private care-givers. I don't have anyone in my immediate family with Alzheimers, but I read this as a potential gift to a friend who does. I am grateful that I was motivated to read this lovely, loving account of a disease and the way if effects those who are near it. The author and her family serve as reminders that love comes in all forms, and may be asked of you at the most inconvient moments. Don't wait until you have Alzheimers in your family to read this book. So much gentle learning to be done, so much joy to be given, so many miles we go, travellers through life.

Few books have brought me to tears. This one did. The author writes in a matter-of-fact way about the heart-wrenching disease of Alheimer's, its impact to her life, and the lives of those around her. I didn't want the book to end. It is a quick read. Great book.

I found "The House on Beartown Road" shelved in our local library (Pound Ridge, NY) under Mental Health/Alzheimer's. I don't know who decides these things, but this wonderful memoir ought to be prominently placed along with other contemporary memoirs. Elizabeth Cohen is a fine writer and she deserves recognition for this generous tribute to her 80-year-old father, Sandy, to her daughter -- one year old Ava, and to new-found neighbors on Beartown Road and to friends in the Binghamton, NY, community. Sandy and Ava of these are at opposite ends of the verbal spectrum, one forgetting language and the other learning. Elizabeth Cohen herself is there in the middle, somehow trying to work full time as a reporter, managing day care for the two people who depend on her, figuring out how to survive the winter in one of the nation's true snow-belts, and keeping her own sanity as a harrassed single mother.My own mother is 97 with Alzheimer's and I have a one-year old granddaughter, so this book is close to the bone in many ways. I tell everybody about it. I use it in the memoir course I teach. I want to keep it to survive as a classic memoir and as a year-long account by an un-self-pitying caregiver. Elinore Standard Pound Ridge, NY

Mitchell's remarkable account of her relationship with David Touff reminds us, regardless of whether dementia is involved, to be respectful and mindful in our relationships with each other. This well-told story is inspirational and informative, and is of especially great use to anyone dealing with how to relate to anyone whose faculties are fading.

Marilyn Mitchell has done an extrodinary job depicting the life and heartwarming stories of David Touff. Marilyn focused on herself just enough; not too much, but enough to let the reader understand her as the loving caregiver that she is. As the reader becomes acquainted with David throughout the book, they feel wrapped up in every emotion he experiences. My father has Alzheimer's and there is never "one size fits all" formula when it comes to caregiving. From the time I finished this book, I am still carrying David in my heart!

Marilyn is an extrodinary person and writer. She gave of herself far beyond what the average caregiver or family member could even imagine doing. David was blessed indeed to have had the years with her as his close friend.

Mitchell's remarkable account of her relationship with David Touff reminds us, regardless of whether dementia is involved, to be respectful and mindful in our relationships with each other. This well-told story is inspirational and informative, and is of especially great use to anyone dealing with how to relate to anyone whose faculties are fading.

I came to this delightful book from the perspective of a daughter helping to care for my dear mother in the last 5 years of her life with Alzheimer's. Oh, how I wish I had read the book 7-9 years ago for its insights about relating to someone with dementia. Yet I think readership of this book should not be limited to people interested in this growing health problem. The book is a guidebook to enjoying life more fully, especially in the city/area where you live, as the author and David did with the many field trip pleasures of Denver. If you feel that a key ingredient of a good story is how people transform one another through their relationships, you will find yourself instantly captivated by Marilyn's and David's encounters and ensuing bond. They each possess charm, wit, and intelligence. Marilyn has an endearing ability to put herself in David's shoes, trying to understand his shrinking world and helping him uncover his genius. Marilyn's gift for language and her perceptiveness gives this book an energy that carries you to the end and leaves you regretting you're on the last page. You counter the regret by sharing this gem with others.

Dancing on Quicksand was an incredibly inspirational book. Reading it has made me want to be a better person, listen more carefully, to love others unconditionally, to work harder at loving others where they are. In a culture where we want to get rid of anything difficult, it was refreshing to see what Marilyn Mitchell gained by sticking with David and loving him through his illness. Although this is a book about a person who has helped someone with dementia, it is far more than that. It is a book about what real love looks like. I am just about to open up my copy one more time and read it again. Thanks Marilyn for sharing this rich experience with us!

My only regret is that I did not know the helpful insights and ideas from this book while my mother was living. My mother from Ames, Iowa, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 66 and died at age 76 in 1999. We could have loved her better if we had understood her. I have shared the book with others whom I know are struggling with the gamut of questions and frustrations of caring for loved ones. Creating Moments of Joy gives practical answers to situations all of us have encountered or surely will. I have personal stories from the years we watched my mother slowly lose herself to the disease. Some stories are funny and some are tragic. All are precious. If I should ever develop dementia, I pray my family and my caregivers will read Jolene's marvelous book. If I should have occasion to assist another on this journey, I now will be beter able to support the person with the digmity and compassion he or she so deserves.

Thank you, Jolene,
Marcia Snook
Parker, Colorado

This book is amazing! Jolene Brackey really understands the disease and how to handle it. I work in an Memory Care Community and would love to give a copy to every member of our staff as well as those on my waiting list. Incredibly informative and such a pleasure to read.

This book is absolutely wonderful. Jolene has so much insight into this health issue and how caregivers and family need to relate to these patients. It is an extremely helpful book.

I can't say enough about this book! After reading it the first time, I bought additional copies for all my family members. It's practical, attitude adjusting, touching, inspirational and is something I read over and over again. My parents moved in with my husband and I share the caregiving for my mother who has Alzheimers with my Dad. It completely changed how I handle each situation, how I structure our days and enhanced my love for my parents, because it is all abut creating moments of joy. I encourage anyone who is beginning the Alzheimers journey with a family member or friend to read this book - often! It is a must read to encourage you and make you look at this journey in a different light. It's an easy read, broken into short chapters that you can thumb through easily as a future reference. If you have any questions, email me at carlateagarden@charter.net.

I have read so many books about this terrible disease and know first hand how much it impacts the entire group of family and friends around those who have dementia. I wanted to find a way to not only understand what my Mother was going through, but also to be able to bring a smile once again to her beautiful face. I wanted to care for the body as well as the spirit. Jolene Brackey has given me the tools to create that smile. The easy to read format allows me to carry the book in my purse and read (and reread) a chapter whenever I have a few minutes. Rather than presenting all "doom and gloom" about this disease, Jolene offers tips and stories that bring a smile to my face and allows me to give my Mother the same joy. Any caregiver will tell you that having a chance to smile is truly a gift and being able to bring happiness (even if for only a moment) to your loved one is "priceless." I plan to order several copies of this book as gifts for the holidays.

When dementia creeps into a diagnosis, and age is a factor, AD seems to always be the 'next step' in the thought process. As I read more, I doubted the 'next step'. The symptoms just didn't fit. This book opened a whole new way of thinking about dementia and in our case, described our situation to a tee. It even surprised our PCP. It's a real find for the lay person looking for answers in the maze of stereotypes re: dementia.

This book is a very good resource if you have a loved one diagnosed with FTD (Frontal Temporal Dementia). There is very thorough information about this disease. It is a shock when a loved one receives this diagnosis but this book is a very thorough resource.

Very helpful book with many "tips" and list of resources for dealing with a devastating illness that has a devastating impact on family members and friends. Helps to know what to expect and how to cope. Highly recommend for anyone (friend or family) dealing with a loved one with dementia.

After I read the book that I purchased for myself, I purchased copies for every other effected family member. It helps so much with understanding what is going on with this bizarre disease.

My sister is 39 had was diagnosed with FTD, probable Pick's Disease. My mother is her full-time caregiver and I gave this to her for Christmas. She said it's the most helpful, interesting book she could imagine on the subject. It's great to know you're not alone when there's such little information available!

Anyone in the process of providing the most appropriate and loving caregiving for their beloved elderly knows just how rewarding the experience is. There are miraculous moments of shared tenderness and indescribable opportunities of healing. And yet there is another side to caregiving - it is often an emotionally exhausting and physically demanding journey. Caring for someone's declining health and wellbeing can feel like being in the middle of an out of control emotional whirlwind. Feelings of uncertainty, guilt, resentment, stress, burnout, and overwhelm are normal occurrences.

If you are a caregiver of your elderly parents, this book offers inspiration for all those times you feel overwhelmed with the issues of taking care of elderly parents. "Minding our Elders" is a collection of heart-warming stories written by author Bursack and caregivers who share their authentically honest and exquisitely human experiences. It is practical and overflowing with empathetic truth from those who have gone through the experience themselves.

The stories contained in this transformative book provide a "portable support group," allowing the reader to feel understood, comforted, and less alone. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is caring for an aging person. Is a great resource to help you care for your elderly without losing yourself. If you feel like you are alone and dealing with unique issues concerning your parents, please pick up a copy of this book. It will give you an invaluable resource of support and understanding to comfort you through the toughest of times.

Dr. Annette Colby: Author of "Your Highest Potential"

This book is far more than a delightfully well-written collection of inspiring stories.... The book really seems to prepare one for something one can't prepare for!!...It's quite brilliant...through a collection of vividly told stories, the reader has actually been there, ...with differing elders, personalities, needs, wishes, emotions, settings, timetables, etc.. ..all are unique, yet all are similar in that they are all trial and error on the caregivers part...uncharted waters you will just get into ...but the hope of the book (to me) is that the caregiver finds out there is no "right" way....far to many forces are at play... beyond the caregivers control...so you suck it up, do the best you can.. ..and don't fight natural events and ones desire to have done a better job. Readers are really lifted with more confidence, less guilt, and the definite feeling of not being alone. You will learn that you are not going to be perfect, but you can get the job done by doing the best you can. We can't be Carol, but we can learn from her going before us. What a friend to all caregivers. What a gift she has given us.

Skip Jones, Human Service Professional and family caregiver.

"As the frazzled son of an aging mother with dementia, I found validation and comfort in Carol Bradley Bursack's exceptional book, "Minding Our Elders." Eldercare is often a lonely business and one that places a profound mental and physical burden on the caregiver. Healing begins with the discovery that one is not alone. "Minding Our Elders" provides ample evidence that eldercaregivers have plenty of company these days.

Bursack uses a professional journalist's interview technique to compile the trials and challenges of over twenty-five caregivers who have poured out their hearts to her. There is a relaxed intimacy to her writing style that immediately engages the reader. It feels as though each of her subjects has become your own personal friend who is quietly sharing with you the private pain associated with care of their loved one.

Bursack introduces each person with a description of surroundings, clothing, gestures and expression that reveals a sharp eye for detail--the kind of detail that imbues the people and their stories with humanity. Her faithful and insightful reporting of these stories, told in each caregiver's own words, has created a sensitive and well written book that is must reading for anyone facing the decline of a parent.

I recommend it highly."

Bob Tell
Author, Publisher, Speaker
http://www.dementia-diary.com
A memoir about caregiving

I am a professional who has studied caregiving of elders. Carol's book was very well written, and reflected the same type of stories I found in the research I did on elder caregiving.
This heartwarming book will help you understand the caregiving process.
Dr. Mary Ellen Erickson, Author of "Common Sense Caregiving."

I am a legal aid attorney and also own an online health and medical supply business. In both capacities I deal with many seniors as well as family members who care for them. This is a wonderful, inspiring book for anyone who is involved in cargiving role. When you are having a challenging day, pick up this book for support and inspiration.

This is a wonderful testimony to the love and caregiving that the author experienced while administering to his wife.A book that all caregivers can relate to--probably should be a read by the caregiver and not the afflicted. Unfortunately the quality of the binding is not at the same level as it's contents.Both volumes I purchased came apart at the seams and I had to reglue many of the pages.

My death and dying stage - the cover compelled me! And in this case, you CAN judge this book by its cover (center: an image of a woman smiling from under a large brimmed straw hat, circa 1940s, with a shadowy image of a solitary man walking away in the lower left corner)

Robertson McQuilkin was a college professor at a renowned seminary when his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease. She had always been the love of his life, and he struggled with the choices that come at the end -

This book is strengthening, uplifting, and encouraging - love is a commitment. This man gives up everything to help his bride, and gains it all back tenfold, through blessings from God. it details the anguish he feels and the deep sad love that carries him through every day.

I saw my grandfather in this all over the place, married 57+ years to my grandmother, and visiting her every day at the nursing home. He loves her. He wishes he could do and be more, but feels helpless.

Such a love! It's FAR BETTER THAN THE TITANIC!!

Wonderful Wedding Gift Material!!

A beautiful story of marital faithfulness and love in an age where there is precious little of the same. Only in Jesus can be found this quality of unconditional love. I also recommend McQuilkin's Life in the Spirit book and workbook. He truly knows how to live a life filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit -- and can teach us how, too!

For a young single it's easy to fantasize about the joys of having a lifelong love - often at the neglect of counting the true cost of actually having one. This small but powerful book shows that cost, and how one man remained faithful to his wife despite it.

Robertson, a distinguished man high in Christian academic circles, is shocked when his vivacious wife Muriel is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Gradually, she begins to succumb to its ravages and is forced to abandon her popular radio show and speaking engagements. As the disease takes its toll on Muriel, Robertson devotes more and more time to watching over her. He leaves his work and other pursuits to care for her because without his presence, she becomes fearful and agitated. Only with him near is she happy and content. Eventually she becomes totally dependent upon him, unable to perform rudimentary tasks or even converse.

But the heart of the story is that he remains with her gratefully, and with a loving attitude. He is not an angry or resentful caretaker. Of course, he is not thrilled to watch his lovely, intelligent wife slide into helpless dementia. But he sees his caretaking as a holy task, one entrusted to him by God. Indeed, she "took care" of him for decades, so he finds it a priviledge to return the favor. However, he is careful to state that his is not the "ideal" way to care for a severely ailing loved one. But I would say that his attitude and actions are examples for anyone, regardless of whatever caretaking path is chosen.

Elisabeth Elliot once wrote that marriage is the abandonment of self. Robertson lovingly exemplifies that principle in the midst of a heart-breaking situation - all for the glory of God. Highly recommended.

Good book for care givers of the ill. Encouragement to keep on loving in the midst of pain.

A very good, nuts and bolts book that helps greatly with the caring of a patient with a fading mind. Thank You

I think this book is an excellent book in givig ideas as to the different problems that can occur when caring for one that has AD. It gives examples of the do's and don't's during various problems that can arise in caregiving

I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Bell at the Helping Hands center almost 10 years ago. It is an amazing program and she is the most amazing person I have ever met. This book teaches you the fundamentals of how the Day Care operates and how to communicate with those afflicted with Dementia. After all these years I still rely on this book and its teachings in my work as a therapist.

This book was very easy to read and understand and for someone just starting caregiving the book gives some good ideas. I do think though that for more indepth information there are better books out there.

As a professional in the Alzheimer's field, as well as a family caregiver, I have read dozens of books on caring for people with Alzheimer's disease. Though there are many excellent ones (Claudia J. Strauss's "Talking to Alzheimer's" and Bell & Troxel's "The Best Friends' Book of Alzheimer's Activities" are other favorites), this is the first book I most recommend to anyone on the challenging journey of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease. It is simply superb.

The author presents a framework for practical and creative solutions to the various possible situations one will, or perhaps might, encounter in caring for a someone with dementia. McCurry offers a dementia D.A.N.C.E. encouraging respect and gratitude, plus concrete exercises to strengthen one's ability to cope. Beautifully and clearly written, this book is as much a "bible" for dementia caregivers as the 36-Hour-Day.

WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER HAS DEMENTIA: STEPS TO BECOMING A RESILIENT CAREGIVER teaches caregivers how to take advantage of their own unique inner resources to overcome the special challenges of dementia in a loved one. But it does more than encourage inner resilience: chapters provide specific tips and tools for developing inner resources and strategies, and offer five core principles which link these strategies to life. Vignettes blend with practical tip applications.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book exudes sensitivity to the particular challenges caregivers of persons with dementia face. The examples of true life situations, step by step samples of building resiliency and exercises at the end of each chapter make this a must have book for every caregiver. I have shared the story of the caregiver dancing his loved one into the shower with our local Alzheimer's and Related Dementia's Support Group where it was very well received. Some members were eager to try this suggestion and others in the book with their loved ones

Susan McCurry chronicles with humor and compassion the pitfalls and rewards of caring for a loved one with dementia. Beautifully written in a style accessible by lay person or professional, this book offers hope and practical advice for the many of us living as caregivers of family members. Dr. McCurry's observations, interviews, and sage suggestions give one hope for maintaining personal balance in an everchanging, emotional, and oft times perplexing relationship. In reading this book not only did I find validation and support in caring for my father, many of the ideas are applicable to improving any relationship.

This publication of this book could not have been more timely. Medical advancements and the aging baby boomers will result in families assuming greater responsibilities in caring for their relatives who are inflicted with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. McCurry extensive clinical experience is evident throughout the book. She provides very comprehensive advice in meeting the challenges that arise during the care giving process. Her first chapter explains why resilience matters, noting that it can improve quality of life for both the demented individual and his/her caregiver. Achieving resilience is then described through the D.A.N.C.E. program (D-don't argue; A-accept the disease; N-nurture yourself; C-create novel solutions; E-enjoy the moment). Each step is further illustrated by many clinical examples of individuals and families overcoming difficult situations. She encourages caregivers to give forth their best effort and be flexible in their approach. Her empathetic writing style offers encouragement to the reader and a sense of hope.

Dr. McCurry provides a complete list of resources that are available to caregivers. Professionals will find many ideas and techniques to help families stay involved with their loved one.