For the Caregiver
Here are some resources you may find helpful. Check this page from time to time for new additions.
Articles
- Glen Campbell interview about living with Alzheimer’s disease
- Gene Wilder’s wife interviewed about what it’s like to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease
- Glen Campbell’s wife interviews about being a caregiver for Alzheimer’s disease
- Alzheimer’s Meal Time: Eat Together to Eat Well (about the positive effects of socialization while dining)
- How to communicate with a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- Gifts of Giving
- Information on Aphasia
Videos
Explaining dementia in an easily understood way
The difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, easy to understand
Virtual Dementia Tour
Hilarious prayer of a caregiver about getting older!
Interview of a retired medical doctor and formal medical director who was diagnosed with dementia at age 71
Teepa Snow: Vision Changes with Dementia
Teepa Snow: Ten Early Signs of Dementia
Recommended Books
Informational
Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
by Nataly Rubinstein ©2011
Written by a licensed clinical social worker with twenty-five years of experience, this easy-to-read book will give you the resources to make informed decisions regarding the best possible care for you and your loved one.
What If It’s Not Alzheimer’s, A Guide to Dementia
by John Trojanowski ©2007
This book is the first comprehensive guide dealing with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), one of the largest groups of non-Alzheimer’s dementias. The contributors are either specialists in their fields or have exceptional hands-on experience with FTD.
Understanding Difficult Behaviors: Some Practical Suggestions for coping with Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Illnesses
by Anne Robinson, MA, Beth Spencer, MSW, Laura White, MSW
This material is intended to help caregivers understand the many possible explanations for why challenging behaviors may occur. Practical coping strategies for responding to challenging situations such as agitation, wandering, incontinence and resistance to care are also offered. These suggestions have been compiled from a number of sources including conversations with families, Alzheimer’s Association newsletters, books and journal articles.
The Validation Breakthrough
by Naomi Feil
Explains the Validation Approach to care and why it is so effective.
For the Caregiver
The Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s: Proofing Your Home
by Mark Warner
Coach Broyles Playbook
by Frank Broyles
This Playbook is a social model, not a medical model. It was written to give practical tips to help guide you in taking care of your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life
by Nancy L. Mace, Peter V. Rabins, MD, PhD
Inside the Dementia Epidemic: A Daughter’s Memoir
by Martha Stettinius
Chronicles a daughters experience as a caregiver for her mother for eight years.
A Dignified Life: The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care, A Guide for Family Caregivers
by Virginia Bell, MSW & David Troxel, MPH
Creating Environments of Support: A Handbook for Dementia Responsive Design
by Sarah Campernel & William Brummett
This guide is intended to help shape a care setting for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
by Jolene Brackey ©2000
How to make the most of the moments you have with someone with Alzheimers. This book helps educate people on the needs of a person with Alzheimer’s disease.
Living with the disease
Living Your Best With Early Stage Alzheimer’s: An Essential Guide
by Lisa Snyder ©2010
Today, when a person is diagnosed, they may have many years ahead with only mild symptoms. The result is that a growing number of people with early-stage Alzheimer’s are seeking information about how to take charge of their lives, manage symptoms, and cope effectively with the disease.
Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out
by Taylor
Written by a man diagnosed with early-onset dementia. He chronicles his life and talks about what it’s like to live with the disease.
Losing My Mind: An Intimate Look at Life with Alzheimer’s
by Thomas Bebaggio
Written by a man diagnosed with dementia at age 57. He chronicles his life and talks about what it’s like to live with the disease.
For Children
All illustrated and easy to read to help children try to understand Alzheimer’s disease
Why did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Freezer?
by Max Wallack & Carolyn Given
Where’s My Shoes?
by Max Wallack & Carolyn Given
Hugging Grandma
by Zina Kramer
What’s Happening to Grandma?
by Maria Schriver & Speidel
Fictional and easy reading
Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul
by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Paul J. Meyer
Chicken Soup for the Soul Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias
by Amy Newmark
Still Alice
by Lisa Genova
Still Alice is a fictional story about the descent of a 50-year-old university professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Age Happens
by Bruce Lansky
A book of quotes about growing old that will bring humor to your day
Boundless Grace: Devotions from a Caregiver’s Heart
by Lois Carter
Faith based devotions for caregivers of a person with dementia
“Those Parkcliffe ladies loved my Dad and cared for him as if he was their own. I miss each and every one of you!”
“My mother was at Northwood location. She very content and smiled all the time. They were fantastic.”
“My Pops was here for the last couple years of his life. The respect they bestowed upon him was absolute and purposeful!”
“My mom called this home for a little over six years. She was very happy here and I loved the support staff.”
“Highly recommend Parkcliffe!! My grandmother is thriving there!!”
“The kindest, most caring staff you could ask for! You get the highest recommendation from our family! Truly no other place like it in Toledo.”
“We appreciate ALL you do for our loved ones AND these extra fun things to do along the way. We truly appreciate each and everyone one of you!”
“This was absolutely the best place for my dad. They not only cared for him but they cared about him.”
“My mom- in- law lived at Parkcliffe for 2 years…love this place. Wonderful staff to be with and also enjoyed a variety of activities there.”
“My brother lives there. He’s happy and the staff is amazing!”
“A wonderful place to live! I wish my mom would have moved there sooner than she did. The caretakers are very special too!”
“Great place great people!!!”
“Such an outstanding place …can’t thank you enough for the care my Dad had while living there. It’s about the life of individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s….such wonderful staff that truly care about the quality of life.”