Coping With Behavior Change in Dementia
A Family Caregiver’s Guide
This handbook is intended to help families understand possible causes of common behavior changes and learn to respond more effectively to 12 dementia behaviors that care partners find challenging, including repetitive actions, agitation and incontinence. It is our firm belief that many of the most challenging behaviors may be minimized when caregivers learn how to identify root causes and try strategies that are known to help some people with dementia much of the time. This book is based on the premise that we all have basic human needs, including to be loved, comforted, to be productive members of our community and to feel as though we belong. We all need emotional warmth and a sense of identity. These needs are no different for someone living with cognitive loss.
There are also sections about communication and problem-solving, a glossary and an extensive list of books, videos and other resources for people with dementia, family caregivers and health care professionals. Each behavior includes case examples from families we have worked with as well as suggestions for talking with your relative.
“Information on dementia can be so wide spread and confusing. This book provides an easy to read and organized approach to exactly what its title states. As an RN and caretaker to my husband diagnosed with early dementia I am able to use this book as an excellent reference in both my professional and personal approach to people with this disease. In my personal inquiry about sex and dementia, I found little information on the web other than blogs. This book answered many of my questions to better cope with my own ever changing relationship. This is a “must have” book and guide for anyone facing dementia as a caretaker.” – Patricia Lesho Thompson, wife and caregiver
“This is a remarkable resource for family caregivers and professionals working with people struggling with dementia. The authors are unafraid to tackle sensitive concerns from difficult behaviors to loss of intimacy. It provides comprehensive and practical non-pharmacologic solutions for caregivers to be successful in the home setting. A must read!” – Dr. Bruce Miller, Director, University of California, San Francisco Memory and Aging Center</blockquote/>
“Laurie White and Beth Spencer have given both professional and family caregivers an exceptionally helpful and respectful resource that transcends generic behavioral management tips by laying a foundation that behavior is first and foremost, a form of communication that must be understood. The breadth of the authors’ wisdom is reflected in their sensitive, comprehensive, and extremely practical approaches to the understanding and management of common and often confusing situations surrounding tasks of daily living, mood changes, communication, and intimacy. I highly recommend this outstanding resource and am most grateful to have this very readable guide to share with families.” – Lisa Snyder, LCSW. University of California, San Diego. Author- Living Your Best With Early-Stage Alzheimer’s: An Essential Guide
and Speaking Our Minds: Personal Reflections from Individuals with Alzheimer’s
“What I would have given to have had this handbook by my side as I cared for my beloved husband as he struggled with Lewy Body dementia! Written in a jargon-free style, the book addresses the practical issues that dementia caregivers regularly face. Possible causes and a myriad of suggestions are offered for each behavior in a helpful bulleted format. Brief vignettes accompany each topic, giving it a real-life illustration. To those caring for someone with dementia, this book will become your new best friend!” – Tamara Real, spouse and adult child caregiver
“I want to express my sincere thanks for your work on this book. During the years that EMU distributed Understanding Difficult Behaviors, it was clear that caregivers were in dire need of guidance and support. This new book is beautifully and thoughtfully organized. It is so evident that the authors have a vast amount of experience in the area of dementia and caregiving!” – Elizabeth Schuster, PhD, Professor, School of Social Work, Eastern Michigan University
For bulk order prices ( 20+ copies), please Contact the Authors.
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