Description
Book SynopsisWhen you’re living with a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease you must be able to survive one emotional upheaval after another. What is most important during this difficult time is that you not only survive the physical demands placed on you as the primary caregiver, but that you learn to cope effectively with the emotional turmoil and preserve the quality of your own life in the process. Caregivers have been known to put their own lives on hold and become entirely devoted to caregiving—making this difficult role even harder, and often compromising their own health. This needn’t happen. The caregivers you will meet in this book, with whom you have much in common, have learned how to deal with the frustration, anger, and grief that come naturally to any person in this role. Through their poignant stories and personal experiences you will find the strength that you need to care for your loved one while remaining emotionally committed as the mutuality of your partnership fades. Loving and nurturing while letting go is the paradox of Alzheimer’s caregiving. You can learn from the caregivers in this book what you need to do to create a satisfying life that meshes with your role as caregiver. You will ultimately be able to make the right decisions and minimize the chaos that can overwhelm you. Within are the tools you need to manage the stressors of your changing and challenging world.
Trade ReviewThis book is written with obvious knowledge and much love. These stories and the insights that accompany them will be invaluable to current and future caregivers. Great job! -- Trey Sunderland M.D, National Institutes of Health, Washington, D.C.
I think this is the best book written on the subject. The authors have done a terrific job in identifying the emotional problems experienced by caregivers. -- Aaron T. Beck M.D., professor of psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
The authors artfully break down the whole of emotional coping into manageable pieces, leaving the reader hopeful and inspired. The book is an eloquent, compassionate guide for the family caregiver facing key transitions in the care and coping process. This book is an antidote to the overwhelming nature of the caregiver's paradox. -- Lisa P. Gwyther, MSW, LCSW, Bryan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Duke University Medical Center
Almost every caregiver will be able to see him / herself in one of these stories and relate to them because they are so genuine. This outstanding book provides virtual group therapy. -- Dilip V. Jeste M.D, MD, distinguished professor of psychiatry and neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, and former president of the American Psychiatric Association
This extraordinary book helps caregivers navigate the turbulent waters of being an Alzheimer's caregiver. Few books pay attention to the caregiver's emotions as their Alzheimer's patient progresses through this devastating disease. -- Kenneth Davis M.D., President and C.E.O, Mount Sinai Medical Center
Table of ContentsForeword Preface Acknowledgments Part I: The Beginning Stage 1. First Encounters 2. If Only I Could Be Wrong: Tentative Diagnosis 3. What Now? Reactions to the Diagnosis 4. Reaching In and Reaching Out: Adaptation 5. Rallying the Troops: Family Reactions 6. The Shell Without the Pearl: Transcending Loss Part II: The Middle Stage 7. Coming to Terms 8. Confronting the Demons: Your Emotional Reactions to the Middle Stage 9. Tears of Laughter: The Importance of Humor 10. The Mars and Venus of Adapting to Change: Gender Difference 11. The Lonely Bed: Adapting to Profound Loss of Intimacy 12. Harvesting Your Communal Garden: Preventing Burnout 13. I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Know I Can: Resiliency Part III: The Late Middle Stage 14. The Long Good-bye 15. I'm Beat and I'm Scared: Caregiving Intensifies—Resource Options 16. When Alone Equals Lonely: Loneliness and Companionship Part IV: The Final Stage and Beyond 17. Nearing the Journey's End: Final Stages of Alzheimer's 18. The Relief of Planning Ahead: Advance Directives 19. Another Paradox: Anticipatory Grief and Mourning 20. At Peace, My Love: Death of a Spouse 21. Cleaning Out the Closets: The Process of the Closure 22. Honoring Your Tomorrows: Reentry Post Caregiving Bibliography Index
