Finding Joy in Alzheimer's

Posted by billiekip @billiekip, Oct 20 10:19am

Finding Joy in Alzheimer's; New Hope for Caregivers was written by Marie Marley and Daniel C. Potts. Like you, I rolled my eyes at the title. Yeah, sure..joy. Fat chance of that. This is hard sledding." It's necessary to fall in love again with the person as he/she is in the present and let go of the person one used to love. That person is never coming back. " A reality check for sure.
Chapter 8 has 55 tips on how to interact and what to do with people who have ALZ. So helpful. We caretakers are all students here learning how to deal with our new norm. I highly recommend this book; an easy, joyful read which did give me new hope as promised on the cover.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 20 12:09pm

@billiekip Sounds like a great book! Do you think it would help caretakers of those with dementia( not ALZ)?
When did you start reading the book? Have you changed anything in your behavior?

billiekip | @billiekip | Oct 20 1:04pm

I started reading the book last night. I hope it will change my attitude and my interaction with my husband. I have to get over being angry that I've become a stranger; albeit a welcome one. I think the book would help anyone who is dealing with a diminished loved one where the dynamics of a relationship have changed. It is more hopeful than just throwing up your hands because there is no magic pill to fix the person;. no way to put those broken puzzle pieces back together again. You can only change yourself and your attitude, so I will work on my attitude. Instead of trying to drag the person to what you want them to be, the book helps to show you how to bring yourself to where they are and to find joy in the present instead of bemoaning the past that is gone.