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Helpful Guide Book for Caretakers of ALZ and other dementia people
I went to a caretakers meeting thinking it was with other spouses in my boat. Instead, it was a meeting of paid caretakers who go out to homes to give care. I was invited to stay anyway and came away with a book title to share. The 36 Hour Day; A family guide to caring for people who have Alzheimer Disease and other Dementias written by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins; a Johns Hopkins Press Health Book. I just picked the book up from the library, but clearly, I need to buy my own copy for reference. Just a simple explanation of the best environment, cluttered or bare, for a loved one and why; hearing aids aren't always helpful because the additional sound may be more confusing than helpful; the need for the person to have money with them no matter how minimal. My husband counts the $32 in his wallet every night to make sure no one stole it. This book is written for the layperson. Not a medical tome. It is understandable..to the point..and really helps to clarify my husband's behavior with helpful hints of how to handle situations. I just started the book, but already I have felt the light bulb go off..Bingo..yes, that is what I'm dealing with. I'm not alone and here is a suggestion of how to handle it.
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The jury is still out on Constant Therapy from my viewpoint. Best part is that it is interactive and hears what he is saying so it checks his clarity and adjusts as he goes along, but he could not handle it on his own at the default level. We learned how to set the speed down to much slower and we haven’t tested that enough yet but it appears much better. You can get a free week trial but then it auto charges $29.99 monthly so watch that you use it immediately to make your own judgment. I called them to get better help and they were very responsive.
I have heard of other programs also but haven’t tried those yet.
We LOVE Luminosity.com and it has been very beneficial but does not contain a speech training game.
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2 ReactionsI just ordered this for myself and my friend thanks so much. It amazes me how much we don’t know.
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1 ReactionThis month's issue of Brain and Life has good article about when someone with dementia needs to be hospitalized. You can get a free subscription on website BrainandLife.org. You can also read current and past issues on their website. It is published by American Academy of Neurology. I started subscribing many years ago when my brother had his first neurology appointment. Even though he is gone, I still find the magazine very interesting and informative.
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2 Reactions@boppi Thanks for the feedback on Constant Therapy. I'll look into Luminosity too 🙂
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1 ReactionMy husband uses Constant Therapy. He had a speech therapist who suggested it over luminosity and another Brain game app. He likes it okay but seems to stick with what he is successful at instead of truly challenging himself. But it is good for him.
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2 ReactionsRe: "The 36-Hour Day " by Mace & Rabins 7th edition
I just checked this book out of our public library.
But today I will go to the bookstore and order my own copy. Truly a treasure chest of information , but impossible for me to read it all at once. My husband is in early stage Alzheimer’s and I can see that this book will provide me with years of guidance.
Thank you.
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5 ReactionsI think dwelling on receiving information for the future can be debilitating and Zi agree piecemeal education is more palatable.
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2 ReactionsI follow a number of these support groups so I'm not sure which one I'm looking for today. There was a wonderful conversation about Hope that I was enjoying but I can't find it now. There were great book recommendations as well as simple ways others found hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.
Perhaps a reader or mentor here can help me reconnect to that conversation?
Hopefully?
Thanks
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1 ReactionI recently attended a seminar for caregivers sponsored by Alzheimer's Foundation of America. A handout I received that is very clear, well structured and easy to read. It follows the stages of dementia as it discusses care. It is "Navigating Dementia: A Workbook for Family Caregivers". It was developed and published by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Alliance. It was funded by Idaho and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/HHS. I highly recommend it.
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