"Beth and Laurie, two of the authors of the classic work Understanding Difficult Behaviors have written this outstanding new book, updating information, adding new behaviors and material and providing excellent suggestions and case examples. Coping with Behavior Change in Dementia should be in every resource library and will be helpful to dementia professionals and families as they navigate the sometimes tough road that comes with the caregiving journey." – David Troxel, MPH, Co-author, The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care
We have been working in the field of dementia care since the early 1980s. We have worked in private practice, in adult day programs, assisted living communities, and in medical clinics. During these 30 years or so, we have had the privilege of speaking to and working with thousands of family members who are caring for someone with memory loss. Most of the ideas in this book have come from families. We stand in awe of the energy, the courage, and the wisdom that families have shown us.
In addition to these two books, we are two of the three co-authors of Understanding Difficult Behaviors, first published in 1989, but now out of print.
Beth Spencer
Beth has worked with older adults since the early 1970s, specializing in dementia care and caregiving issues since the early 1980s. In addition to sharing a private practice with Laurie White for a number of years, Beth has taught aging-related courses at several universities. In recent years she has been director of the University of Michigan (UM) Silver Club memory loss adult day programs, has served as social worker in the UM Cognitive Disorders clinic and, most recently, as program manager for the Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatric Social Work at the UM School of Social Work. Beth lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Laurie White
Laurie began her career as a dementia specialist in the 1980’s, working in a number of clinical, educational and residential care settings. She has served as Regional Director for the Alzheimer’s Association in both Michigan and California. Laurie currently has her own private practice, Dementia Care Consulting, based in Santa Rosa, CA, advising family caregivers and consulting with dementia residential communities to develop a philosophy of care that focuses on residents, families and staff. Laurie is a frequently requested speaker at regional and national conferences.