Top Recommended Reading for Individuals Supporting Those with Dementia
In the challenging journey of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease, support and guidance are essential. Here are some highly-rated books that offer practical advice, emotional understanding, and caregiving techniques to aid families and professional caregivers alike.
First on our list is "The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease" by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins. This comprehensive resource is a go-to for many experts and caregivers, providing thorough coverage of caregiving challenges, symptom management, and coping mechanisms.
Another noteworthy book is "Alzheimer's Through the Stages: A Caregiver's Guide" by Mary Moller. This guide is divided into three parts, offering an easy-to-understand introduction to Alzheimer's Disease, practical advice for caregivers during the early and mid stages, and strategies for dealing with the terrible symptoms of later stages.
"Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver's Handbook - What to Remember When They Forget," written by Sally Burbank and Sue Bell, is another valuable resource. This book focuses on practical advice and emotional understanding for caregivers coping with Alzheimer's, helping them navigate challenges in day-to-day care.
For those facing end-of-life decisions and care in dementia, "How Do I Know You? Dementia at the End of Life" is a valuable booklet. It offers insights to recognize signs of approaching death and ensure compassionate care.
The Dementia Mastery Blueprint, praised by Alzheimer's advocate Leeza Gibbons and Lisa Gwyther, director of Duke's Family Support Program, provides personalized strategies for dementia care, addressing emotional, behavioral, and practical challenges with a "Why-This, Try-This" approach to caregiving.
"Unfailing Love" by Robin Thomson is a 30-day devotional offering encouragement, hope, and strength to caregivers through gospel truths and shared stories, addressing the emotional and spiritual toll of dementia caregiving.
These resources blend practical advice, emotional support, and caregiving techniques designed to assist families and professional caregivers alike in managing dementia compassionately and effectively. They are endorsed by experts and appreciated by many in the caregiving community.
In addition to these books, caregivers are advised to read more on the disease, keep up with blogs, and follow the Twitter accounts of top Alzheimer's Disease experts. The books consist of engaging and captivating content, including pictures, charts, and depictions, making them easy to read and understand, even for those dealing with Dementia for the first time.
The books prepare caregivers for the rapid changes in behavior and habits that may occur during the mid-stages of Alzheimer's Disease, offering real-life stories and examples to help caregivers understand the mid and later stages of the disease. They also emphasize the importance of research and staying informed about Alzheimer's Disease for caregivers.
One heart-wrenching yet inspiring story comes from Sue Bell, a caregiver who took care of her husband diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2006 until his death in 2013. These books serve as an eye-opener for those dealing with Dementia for the first time, providing practical advice for caregivers to take proper care of their loved ones and themselves.
- Science plays a significant role in the health-and-wellness sector, with books such as "The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease" offering a comprehensive resource for understanding and managing dementia.
- Mental health is equally important for caregivers, and resources like "Unfailing Love" by Robin Thomson provide emotional support and spiritual encouragement to caregivers dealing with the mental strains of dementia caregiving.
- Adopting a proactive lifestyle can improve caregiving outcomes, and engaging with books, blogs, and social media accounts of Alzheimer's Disease experts is advocated as part of a holistic approach to health and wellness, alongside practical advice and emotional support for caregiving.
