For the Caregiver

Here are some resources you may find helpful.  Check this page from time to time for new additions.

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

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