Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide [Spiral-bound]

Frank Broyles (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2006

A guide for Alzheimer's carrgivers taken for coach Broyle's personal experience and the experiences of many other caregivers in Arkansas.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 94 pages
• Publisher: University of Arkansas (2006)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000NLBQ4A
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #260,949 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WELL DONE AND INFORMATIVE BIT OF WORK - PRESENTED WITH UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSION, June 10, 2009

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide (Spiral-bound)

What a wonderful little book addressing the problem of Alzheimer's Disease this is. It should be noted right from the start that this is not a medical book which delves into the causes, addresses treatment regimens, etc., it is a small handbook for the care giver; for the family of those affected by this horrendous condition. I like to look at it as a sort of step by step survival book for those families in need.

Frank Broyles, head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, a much respected and beloved individual, wife was diagnoses with this dreaded condition. This little book has been set up as a coping mechanism for families faced with the situation that Broyles' family was. As noted by Coach Broyles, he has set this work up in the format of a coach's playbook. Through his odyssey with his wife he and his family learned much and this work is their way of sharing there experiences.

Some of the subjects covered here are the early stages of AD, the Middle stages and Late or end stages. The reader is given an idea of what to expect and advice as how to face this ever changing situation. Remember, this is a disease process that can go on for years and years and knowing what to expect and given some idea of how to react is quite important. It also is very, very important to remember that this disease affects the family of the victim as much as it does the patient his or her self! Many things must be taken into consideration. Knowledge of the disease is a start but finding the right doctor, asking the right questions, various testing procedures, diet, legal documents, including a Living Will, guardianship, living conditions, behaviors, communication, memories and the various stages of memory loss, along with a plethora of other not often thought of items must be considered and dealt with. This small book gives the family a good start.

The problems and hurdles that must be overcome by caregivers, i.e. family member is absolutely mind boggling. From behavior changes, choosing clothing, bathing, mouth care, hallucinations, eating problems....and the list goes one. Truly, the family of an AD sufferer must be prepared.

I like the format of this work. Information is easy to find and recover. The coach has provided a list of the many resources which are available today for families. I feel one of the most important aspects of this work is that it will help family members decide if they are truly capable of giving the care needed. Are they emotionally and physically able? This is a major life decision and should not be made lightly.

I would recommend this work to any family who possibly may be facing this situation with a loved one. I would recommend that social organizations; churches, civic centers and the like make copies of this work available. This is an excellent booklet to have on hand in nursing homes that specialize in the care of AD patients. (By the way, having worked in the Nursing Home Industry for many, many years, I can personally tell you that not all homes are capable or designed to give the care needed. If the issue comes to the point, as it often does, as to placement of a loved on in a home, then pick carefully. Many of these facilities simply are incapable of providing the care needed...even if their advertizing literature says they do).

Recommend this one highly. It is full of sound facts and sound advice. This book may have only 93 pages, but the information goes far beyond what you would normally expect in a volume this size.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Playbvook, October 6, 2009

By 

Jenny (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide (Spiral-bound)

You can download this book for free in so many different languages or purchase it for cheaper price from [...]. Or you can call Alzheimer's Association at 1-800-272-3900 and see if they can send you a free book.
I think this is the best book on Alzheimer's disease availble. Easy to read and practical.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful Book, December 10, 2009

By 

Brian Mccullough - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide (Spiral-bound)

This book was so helpful to me and my Family! My grandma has had Alzheimer's and it has been very difficult to deal with.The book has made all the difference. Thank you for making this book for people like me!