The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life, 4th Edition (Paperback)

~ (Author), (Author) "For two or three years Mary had known that her memory was slipping..." (more)
Key Phrases: Alzheimer's Association, United States, Department of Veterans Affairs (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

It has been estimated that five percent of older people suffer from severe intellectual impairment. So these two eloquent and readable guides will be much in demand as the number of families facing the challenge of caring for a relative with some form of dementing illness continues to grow. First published in 1981, The 36-Hour Day follows the format of the previous two editions but has been thoroughly updated to incorporate new information on the latest research, several drugs that hold promise, and genetic aspects of Alzheimer's. The heart of the guide remains unchanged, focusing on helping families cope with this progressive and irreversible disease. Besides tips on how to care for the demented during the various stages of the disease (for example, place a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door), the text discusses the different kinds of help available and how to seek it. Financial and legal issues are well covered, while sections on nursing homes and other alternative living arrangements provide advice and practical suggestions. Appendixes list recent books, videos, web sites, and U.S. and international organizations. The thrust of GentlecareR is a well-argued plea for a radical change in the way we care for Alzheimer's patients. In outlining her program, Jones states that this rethinking involves people, physical space, and individualized programs. Everyone in the physical plant, from maintenance worker to director, belongs to the care-giving team, as do family members and volunteers. Only when impaired persons can no longer perform for themselves a task like feeding themselves or dressing should it be done for them. Care should concentrate on what can be done, not what cannot. Because her emphasis is on the need for a comprehensive program of care and concentrates more on the institutional setting, Jones does not provide as many practical suggestions or the depth of advice for home care that Mace and Rabins do. Rather, her book describes how facilities can be designed and staffs trained to optimize the quality of life for patients. Both titles are highly recommended: Rabins and Mace for the practical help and advice, Jones for her eloquent presentation of a comprehensive program that treats patients with dignity.AJodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Both a guide and a legend." -- Chicago Tribune

"The best guide of its kind." -- Chicago Sun-Times

"An excellent book for families who are caring for persons with dementia... A book that physicians can confidently recommend to the families of their patients." -- Journal of the American Medical Association

"Excellent guidance and clear information of a kind that the family needs... The authors offer the realistic advice that sometimes it is better to concede the patient's frailties than to try to do something about them, and that a compassionate sense of humor often helps." -- New York Times

"An excellent, practical manual for families and professionals involved in the care of persons with progressive illnesses... The book is specific and thought-provoking, and it will be helpful to anyone even remotely involved with an 'impaired' person... Highly recommended, especially for public and nursing libraries." -- Library Journal

"Continues to be the 'bible' of recommendation for any caregiver whose family member suffers from dementia." -- Bookwatch

"Recommended to all caregivers and families of persons with dementia as an indispensable source of valuable information on a very wide range of topics." -- Kathryn Oliphant, Case Management Journals

"An excellent guide with general information for family caregivers of persons with dementia... The text is person focused and describes the complexity and depth of the care required not only for persons with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia but also for caregivers." -- M. Jean Keller, EdD, Activities, Adaptation and Aging

"An admirably realistic guide to caring for people with Alzheimer's." -- Michael Greenberg, New York Review of Books

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 4th edition (October 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801885094
• ISBN-13: 978-0801885099
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,013 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Aging > Eldercare
  #1 in	Books > Science > Medicine > Specialties > Geriatrics
  #1 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Disorders & Diseases > Alzheimer's Disease

• This item is part of The Johns Hopkins Press Health Books Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute must for caregivers, July 27, 2007

By	Donna M. Blancero (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For those of us who are caregivers, this book is a lifesaver. Before reading this book I was certain that many of the behaviors that my family member exhibits were unique to her. While I often read about Alzheimer's, I never read anything that made me stop and realize that, first, I am not alone, and second, that there are ways that I can handle situations better. This book is full of great suggestions on how to deal with the many behavioral issues that are exhibited by those with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Whenever I have an especially difficult day, I go online to the Alzheimer's page and remind myself how difficult it is for my family member. This book drove home that message, yet more importantly provided me with some tools on how to deal with these issues. I cannot stress enough how much I thought our situation and the behaviors were unique; it is liberating to realize that they are not. As well, understanding why the person exhibits such behaviors makes it much easier to respond correctly.

I wish I could thank the authors personally for this book. I hope they both know that their wisdom, concern and awareness of the Alzheimer patient has made a difference for me, and I am certain has made a difference for many others.

Caregivers -- buy this book, you will find some stress greatly diminished.

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for entire family system, especially the caregiver, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life (Paperback)

The book is informative, explicit for people who know nothing about mental health and diseases of the mind. Good for the lay person, the afflicted person, all of the family. Gives insight and helps with understanding care of the patient, and the grief involved for those around the patient. Good reference--I will be using it in a church group setting also.

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dealing family member with Alzheimers, January 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons With Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life (Paperback)

I found this book to be a life saver. I thought that I was losing my mind, until I read this book and now I know there is help out there. I have read this book a few times and each time it helps me understand a little more about Alzheimers patient. It is like a bible for people who are dealing with a family member with Alzherimers.