Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories: A Support Group in a Book [Paperback]

Lynda A. Markut (Author), Anatole Crane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 10, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0826514804 | ISBN-13: 978-0826514806 | Edition: 1

Replete with the powerful words of experienced caregivers, Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories is an essential guidebook for anyone who must attend to the needs of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. In these pages, members of caregivers' support groups - representing twenty-six families and a variety of professions and income levels - speak candidly about the challenges they have faced at every step in the caregiving process, from recognizing early symptoms of dementia to dealing with its advanced stages.

Highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of caregivers, the book brims with inspirational stories, practical advice, and creative approaches to problem-solving. Among the issues addressed are:

Becoming a caregiver, whether for a spouse or parent
Dealing with the personality changes caused by dementia, from anxiety and paranoia to hallucinations and impulsive behavior
Keeping dementia sufferers meaningfully involved in life
Handling the emotions and stresses of caregiving
Seeking help through support groups and other sources, including medical professionals, clergy, and other family members The authors, who have both been caregivers themselves, augment their interviewees' stories with connective commentary and their own personal stories. A useful resource section is included to refer readers to associations and help-lines.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...an excellent addition to the resources available for students, professionals and family members...
--Kathryn Betts Adams, PhD, LISW, Families in Society

By drawing upon the words of caregivers who have walked the journey of dementia, the authors cast much needed light upon this long and winding road. Through the experience of caring for loved ones, these unsung heroes have made the path less difficult for others who will follow in their footsteps.
--Daniel Kuhn, MSW, Director of Education, Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging

Markut and Crane have brought to light the stories of family members and friends who have cared for their loved ones suffering from dementia. These stories teach what is possible, and remind us that we are not alone - a wonderful and vital contribution to an aging society.
--Jim May

This book is needed by every family member that has a relative suffering from any of the dementia causing diseases.
--Diana Pederson, Metapsychology Online Reviews

From the Publisher

"By drawing upon the words of caregivers who have walked the journey of dementia, the authors cast much needed light upon this long and winding road. Through the experience of caring for loved ones, these unsung heroes have made the path less difficult for others who will follow in their footsteps." - Daniel Kuhn, MSW, Director of Education, Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging

"Markut and Crane have brought to light the stories of family members and friends who have cared for their loved ones suffering from dementia. These stories teach what is possible, and remind us that we are not alone - a wonderful and vital contribution to an aging society." Jim May --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Vanderbilt University Press; 1 edition (June 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826514804
• ISBN-13: 978-0826514806
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #923,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strength For Caregivers, Understanding for CareProfessionals, June 16, 2005

By 

L. Copper (Evanston, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories: A Support Group in a Book (Paperback)

This book offers solace and empathy to the caregivers of dementia patients. It presents the hard truths of this frightening disease from the caregiver's view, empathetically and humanely. From the voices of other caregivers who struggled through the course of this disease come very down-to-earth ideas and comfort for the caregivers who follow.
This book also provides a visceral, powerful understanding of caregiving for all doctors, nurses, assisted-living personnel, etc.,who are involved in the treatment of the elderly. For families of the primary caregiver, it can help them understand the feelings and the enormity of what the caregiver is sacrificing. And for caregivers, it can help them find the strength to do what needs to be done.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Care Giving and Dementia, March 24, 2007

By 

Steven Clair Barker "LearnLearnLearn" (San Diego, CA. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories: A Support Group in a Book (Paperback)

This book is one of the best books on caregiving and dementia. It gives real life stories and situations that one can really relate to. The authors have done a great job. Each chapter is about a different issue in the life and path of the person with dementia as well as ones about the caregivers. You will see so much of yourself and the person you caregive for in these pages. I gained further insight into what to do in many situations I have encountered as a caregiver. Good stuff and highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely thoughtful and valuable resource, January 3, 2006

By 

J. Zuelke (fox river grove, illinois United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories: A Support Group in a Book (Hardcover)

I find this book to be a very loving and thoughtful account of the stories of caregivers of loved-ones with Dimentia. It has practical advise on how to cope, where to go for support and even a some comical moments told with the utmost of respect! I would recommend this book to anyone who is a caregiver or knows someone who is. It seems we all know someone with this disease.