Author and former newspaper reporter Monica Vest Wheeler takes a thorough and candid look into the lives of Alzheimer's clients and the caregivers who face the frustrations and challenges of day-to-day living. In her book published in 2008, Alzheimer's Dementia & Memory Loss: Straight Talk for Families & Caregivers, Wheeler interviews clients, caregivers and medical professionals.
Quick Reference:
Author: Wheeler, Monica Vest
Alzheimer's Dementia & Memory Loss: Straight Talk for Families & Caregivers
Publisher: BF Press 2008
ISBN 978-0-9759875-4-4
A Self Help Book for Primary Caregivers and Families
Monica Wheeler spent nearly a year and a half listening and gathering valuable insight from members of an Alzheimer's support group. She recorded some of the best and worst moments as told by people living with loved ones stricken with a physically and mentally debilitating disease. She asked in-depth questions concerning the most sensitive details. In an effort to share the lessons learned, she has created a genuine survival guide for the home caregiver.
The second book in the Help ME Cope & Survive book series created by Joy Erlichman Miller, PhD, and Monica Vest Wheeler, Alzheimer's Dementia & Memory Loss takes a compassionate look at the needs of those dealing with disease, loss, and crisis. Wheeler's 308 page book is written in clear easy-to-understand terms and short chapters for busy home caregivers.
A source for guidance, Alzheimer's Dementia & Memory Loss gives continual emotional support and offers practical advice for anyone dealing with Alzheimer's disease and the characteristic behaviors that outsiders often refer to as bizarre or irrational. What does a caregiver do when the elderly person with Alzheimer's no longer recognizes himself (or herself) in a mirror? How are families supposed to get through the holidays when everything centers on Grandma or Grandpa? What steps can caregivers take to calm an agitated loved one with memory loss resulting from the disease?
Information and Strength for Alzheimer's Patients, Caregivers and Families
Shown in this section are the chapters and sample topics covered in the book, Alzheimer's Dementia & Memory Loss: Straight Talk for Families & Caregivers.
- "When Alzheimer's, Dementia or Memory Loss Invades" – The chapter includes facts about dementia, warning signs caregivers should look for, talking to the doctor, and much more information.
- "The Necessities & Wisdom of Planning" – Of particular interest here is the discussion on financial and legal health, and what a caregiver can do to prevent financial ruin for the loved one with Alzheimer's.
- "Coping: It's Full of Trials & Errors & Successes" – Adapting to new realities takes a lot of patience and energy. A lot of energy goes to educating friends and people that don't have a clue about how to treat someone with Alzheimer's disease.
- "Making Adjustments" – Wheeler asks caregivers surveyed, "If you were or are a primary caregiver, how did you change your lifestyle or daily schedule to care for this person?" This section focuses on clients transitioning from independent to dependent individuals, and maintaining personal dignity.
- "Discovering & Rediscovering the Beauty of Everyday Life" – Discover some priceless memories and stories never heard before as a client with Alzheimer's disease goes back in time.
- "Asking for & Accepting Assistance" – Dealing with relatives is by far one of the most important sections in the entire book. It ranks second only to the section on dealing with doctors.
- "The Tough Side of Transitions" – This section brings reality to a new level as role changes occur and caregivers try to survive and make tough decisions without feelings of guilt.
- "Saying Good-Bye" – Letting go and feeling relief. Caregivers reflect on their experiences, the final moments before a loved one died, and what each caregiver has lost or gained.
A Book for Professionals, Medical Students, and Anyone Who Plans to Grow Old
What makes the information shared in Alzheimer's Dementia & Memory Loss different from other publications on Alzheimer's disease? The wisdom is provided by the true experts – the caregivers and clients that have lived through every detail. Through the efforts of the author, professional support group leaders, physicians, and support group members, a wealth of information covers multiple viewpoints and touches on every aspect of living with the disease.
Monica Wheeler has not only bridged the silence for caregivers, patients, and loved ones, but she has also built a foundation for others to learn and gain insight into Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Monica Vest Wheeler is also the author of Cancer: Here's How YOU can Help ME Cope and Survive (BF Press, 2005).
Photos supplied by Author Marketing Experts, Inc. and used with permission.
Mary King - Mary King is a Suite101 Topic Editor for the Caregiver Support and Home Management sections. She has authored 5 teen-based novels.
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