Review
"McCurry points out that no two people with dementia are alike, and that caregivers must learn to rely on their own creativity and innate resources to help their loved ones. She clearly and honestly describes a number of situations in which caregivers may find themselves and their loved ones, and also shows how caregivers choose to react can affect not only the quality of life for the loved one but also for the caregiver. She gives caregivers tools can use to develop resilience as their loved ones' behaviors change and advises them to practice five core principles: do not argue, accept the disease, nurture yourself, create novel situations, and enjoy the moment. She also provides a list of resources and a bibliography." -
SciTech Book News
Product Description
Caring for a person with dementia is a difficult and often overwhelming task. In addition to the inevitable decline in memory and physical function, most persons with dementia develop one or more troublesome behavior problems, such as depression, fearfulness, sleep disturbances, paranoia, or physical aggression at some point in their disease. Behavioral challenges in dementia are highly idiosyncratic; no two patients are alike, and interventions that work well with one person are often ineffective with another. Caregivers often become stuck: either unable to figure out how best to help a loved one, or unable to consistently implement positive practices that they know would improve their situation. This book offers caregivers a set of practical and flexible tools to enable them become more resilient in the face of difficulty and change. McCurry teaches caregivers how to take advantage of their own creativity and inner resources to develop strategies that will work in their unique situations. She presents her set of five core principles and then brings them to life through vignettes. Anyone who lives, works, or comes in contact with a person who has dementia will benefit from this volume.