Reviews for Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories: A Support Group in a Book

The average rating for Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories: A Support Group in a Book based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2010-07-31 00:00:00 Matthias Dubovy This is a fantastic book. It is a collection of anecdotes by caregivers, sometimes spouses, sometimes children, of people suffering from dementia (of various causes: Alzheimer's, Lewy Body, Vascular Dementia, MID, Pick's), and was put together by two caregivers themselves. It's organised chronologically by the various stages of dementia, from early memory loss and confusion, through behavioural changes, physical and emotional support systems, in-home and nursing home care, to death and grieving. Between each of the anecdotes, which are plainly and heartbreakingly told, the editors summarise, analyse, and support. Their motto is repeated throughout - get help early and often. For example, male caregivers are less likely to seek help unless it's somehow tied to education and information gathering. They also find it harder to express themselves or break down, and both are essential components of getting through the tragedy of watching someone you love "die" while still living. Other oft repeated advice: have patience, get enough rest and exercise, keep living your own life, and most importantly, give yourself a break. One of the caregivers said she'd remind herself every time she'd drive to the nursing home to see her husband, that today was going to be the best day she would have with him. Of course, this is because dementia only gets worse, it's a diminishing disease, and the only end is worsening symptoms, and death. And for someone to understand that and take heart in the present is unbelievably strong and inspiring. By the end of the book, it was like having followed a dozen or more families through ever smaller successes and myriad failures, and the strength and empathy that grows from surviving ordeal. It's a human condition that knowing someone else has gone through something similar gives us succor, and this is a book that does exactly that. I highly recommend it to any dementia caregivers or people interested in the same.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-06-09 00:00:00 George Copple Such a wonderful, valuable book for people embarking on the journey of dementia with their loved ones. The stories are told by the family members who have taken on the role of caregiver. There was tons of information, lots of advice, ways of coping, and personal notes that leave you feeling that you are not alone. It was brutally honest with no sugarcoating. At times it was very depressing, and I had to put the book down for awhile, but I always went back to it and read some more. I feel that this is the one book, out of many that I have read on this topic, that will help me the most on this journey my family is embarking on. I see myself returning to it often for suggestions, affirmations and just plain, "yeah, been there, done that" and "this is what worked for me." I would highly recommend it for anyone with a family member going down the path of dementia.