Customer Reviews

Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal

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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.

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

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.

Marie Fostino's book, Alzheimers, a Caretaker's Journal, is a welcome resource for anyone struggling to care for a family member with this heart wrenching disease. The most important aspect, beyond the practical day-to-day experiences shared, is the gift of knowing that you are not alone, that there are others out there who have lived, and are living, what you are going through. Thank you, Marie, for your gift!

As the title implies, Alzheimer's A Caretaker's Journal, is about dealing with a family member who has Alzheimer's. The book truly is a caretakers journal. There is little commentary from the author to cloud our opinion. Instead, we get to see into the personal lives of Jim and Marie as they take on the daunting task of caring for Jim's father, Joe. As Joe's dementia worsens, Marie rises to the call of a saint.

The passion of the author was noted throughout the book and my emotions were stirred as I read Marie's account of her time spent with Dad--a man who didn't even know her once he had progressed into the advanced stages of Alzheimer's. "Lady" is what he called his own daughter-in-law.

"Show, not tell" is what I often repeat to my authors when I am editing their books. Marie instinctively did this in Alzheimer's A Caretaker's Journal. She shows us who she is, what she is capable of, and how she managed day by day. Never once did she brag on herself. Using a chronological diary format, she showed us her human frailty and gave us a true picture of what it is like to watch a loved one's mental and physical demise.

I was especially touched that both of the author's daughters gave a short commentary about what it was like to live in the house with their grandfather in his impaired condition. The author's husband, Jim, also shared his thoughts. Therefore, we get to see how this disease affected the entire family. I hope I never have to go through something like this, but if I do, I pray I have the strength and wherewithal to endure and persevere the way Marie did.