Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal [Paperback]

Marie Fostino (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2007

An inspirational tale of one family's love, devotion and faith When I arrived, I approached the figure in the wheelchair. I asked him who I was but my father-in-law did not recognize me. When I tried to help him, he became angry and violent. He tried to get out of his wheelchair and away from me. He yelled, "No! You are not taking me back to Germany! You are all Nazis! You are all trying to kill me." Dad won a Bronze Star Medal for his service during WWII. It took three of us to get him outside to the car. Dad had his fists to me, a growl on his face and threatened to kick me. Then the swearing began . This is a book about the daily trials and tribulations of taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease. In this Journal I share the feelings of confusion, frustration, and blessings I experienced during my ordeal. I wrote this Journal both for myself and with the hope that it might help others deal with similar situations. It's important for caretakers to know that they're not alone, that others have experienced the same frustrations. Sometimes a caretaker feels very isolated-the world, after all, doesn't stop, despite the sense that your world is frozen in time. I'm hoping that this book will offer comfort to those who find themselves in that world. In this Journal I record the little things I did, daily, to preserve my sanity and provide my father-in-law with as nearly a normal life as possible. It is a tale of thoughts, stories, anecdotes, as well as feelings of helplessness, guilt, happiness, and sorrow. If you feel as though you can and want to see your loved one through this awful disease, then this book will offer a helping hand. The Journal will also be of value to anyone who wants some idea of what to expect from a person suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Finally, please remember that Alzheimer's affects different people in many different ways. This is my account of living with Alzheimer's. This publication includes testimonials from Maria's husband (Joe's son) and two of his grandchildren who shared Maria's home-care duties. Also features numerous photographs of family events, both in years past as well as during Joe's illness. This is a very touching, human story about families and how they deal with crises, emerging stronger and closer as a result of their misfortune. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marie Fostino, married now for 33 years, is a mother of five and a grandmother of four. She believes that life is full of many challenges and lessons to be learned. She's held a variety of jobs over the years: fast foods employee, beautician, professional photographer, nursing home aide and paramedic. She's dealt with all kinds of people, young and old, but nothing prepared her for the loss of a loved one to Alzheimer's. Marie enjoys spending time with her family.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Seaboard Press; 1 edition (November 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596635622
• ISBN-13: 978-1596635623
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,079,360 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marie (Losacco) Fostino born August 12, 1954 in Hindsdale, Ill. Grew up in Burbank, Ill and in Oak Lawn, Ill. Married to Jim Fostino, has five children and at this moment in time seven grandchildren. When finishing high school she became a beautician. Living in Oklahoma at the time, it was the bombing in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, that led Marie to a different path in life, and she went to school to become a paramedic. When it came to pass that Joe Fostino was confused both Jim and Marie quit their jobs and moved into his home to take care of him. They learned a lot about Alzheimer's Disease as they took care of Joe at home until his battle with Alzheimer's led to his death June 13, 2004. Marie put her journals into a book to help others with this disease. This gave Marie the bug to start writing about other events in her life but changed them to be fiction and more interesting. She is now writing YA romance novels. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as she enjoys writing them. Check out her website on www.mariefostino.com & http://mariefostino.weebly.com/ and her blog www.mariefostino.blogspot.com // also check out her youtube video // http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA&layer_token=3c1917039222373

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When nothing but unconditional love will work, September 1, 2009

By 

Jamie L. Saloff "author of Transformational H... (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal (Paperback)

The thing I felt about the book was that it seemed to offer a positive outlook on something - a disease, the downfall of a loved one, the loss of an important connection between father and child - that seemingly had nothing positive to offer. Some of the situations were gut wrenching, and yet, Marie not only came through them, but has now become an inspiration to others who are going through it now. Thats an honorable and difficult task in the face of something so difficult. Reading of some of the situations faced by Marie and her family shows clearly that their journey was wrought with hardship, yet this guide will inspire even the most tireless caregiver to keep giving, keep striving, keep going forward in this thankless journey of giving back to the loved ones who once cared for you and others.

If you are looking for a gift to help an Alzheimer's caregiver, I recommend this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal by a Living Saint!, September 12, 2008

By 

Brenda Avadian "TheCaregiversVoice.com" (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal (Paperback)

Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal by Marie Fostino and published by Seabord Press in late 2007 is one of those rare family caregiver books written in real time. Unlike many caregiving books written as recollections of caregiving experiences from years ago, Fostino's book is fresh, compelling, vivid, and poignant. It accomplishes its aim in helping the caregiver know what to expect.

What a gift! Joe Fostino had a saint for a daughter-in-law! How else can one describe the heroic deeds simply told? The highs, the lows; the joys, the tears; the frustrations, even the anger; and the commitment--yes, the unwavering commitment of a loving mother of five who devotedly cared for her father-in-law in a manner unparalled during the past decade.

Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal begins with a brief history of war hero Joe Fostino and features letters from Joe's son (the author's husband) and two of her five children. Fostino then opens her private journal for the benefit of caregivers, family members, and all who want to learn more about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.

If you're a caregiver or plan to be one, do yourself a favor, buy this book! If you know of a caregiver who could use a helping hand, give this book as a gift. If you are a professional, share copies of this book with your clients.

You will be warmly touched and heavenly inspired by the story of St. Marie Fostino, who juggled long work hours while lovingly tending to her father-in-law's day-to-day needs for two years until his final breath.

Reviewed at TheCaregiversVoice.com/blog on April 9, 2008

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VERY INSPIRATIONAL, December 10, 2007

By 

Walman, J. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal (Paperback)

This book doesn't hold back. It lets you know a real women's struggle while taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's. This is a TRUE JOURNAL. This book proves it's OK to be human, we all make mistakes. It informs you of the difficulties and struggles that lie ahead. Again, this book doesn't hold back. It shows how one family overcame an unfortunate situation and fought to take care of their loved one. It builds one's spirit up and shows them it can be done.