Book Description

Although very little can be done to alter the course of dementia, much can be done to maximize the quality of life of people with the condition. Research as well as practical experience suggest that behavior management, especially through programs that provide meaningful and constructive activity, is currently the most effective treatment.

In Keeping Busy, James Dowling describes a variety of activities designed to bring meaning and enjoyment to the lives of persons with dementia. The activities are organized by general categories such as music, exercise, horticulture, pets, humor, and social events. The largest section deals with communication and includes word games that help people strengthen their remaining verbal skills. The description of each activity includes step-by-step instructions, as well as tips on how to adapt it for small or large groups, for individuals at home or in an organization, or people who are bedridden.

Customer Reviews (7)

Activities for People with Dementia
A 'must-have' for all Recreation Departments in the Geriatric Care settings.

Many Useful Ideas Discussed
Even though this book is over ten years old, many of the ideas for activities suggested are extremely helpful in engaging a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. I especially like using the trivia questions

by Susan Berg author of Adorable Photographs of Our Baby: Meaningful, Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals

age-appropriate especially for elderly, or any brain injured person
Because of the many phrases, songs, games that refer to things anyone born from 1910 to 1950 might remember, it was exceedingly fun and appropriate to go through things with my TBI husband.We laughed and said, Have to sing that for our grandchildren" and reminded each other of the answers.I could see the author's view of older people not wanting to do, say, art, then speaking of their brother who painted, and gradually having a wonderful time.I had occasion to refer this book to someone whose mother was just diagnosed, and I did so enthusiastically.Makes me wonder what the dementia patients who were born past the 70s will have that's as much fun as these old songs and cliches.The trick is to play WITH the patients and listen to their resulting stories--don't just throw the book their direction.

Comforting & Practicle Info
After checking this book from the library, I purchsed a copy as a reference. The author gives practicle activities which enable the caregiver and the patient to survive dementia with dignity.
Other writings are more scientific and testimonial; This book gets us off our duff!

Not helpful if you're looking for practical activity ideas
I'm an occupational therapist looking for specific ideas for activities that will interest dementia patients who can't participate in bingo and the other activities offered by a poorly run activities program in a typical nursing home. The dementia unit described in this book sounds wonderful, but not easily found in a long term care setting. Once again, I've found a book with great ideas that are impossible to carry out in the real world of long term care. ... Read more

Book Description

Revised in 2006 for its twenty-fifth anniversary, this best-selling book is the "bible" for families caring for people with Alzheimer disease, offering comfort and support to millions worldwide. In addition to the practical and compassionate guidance that have made The 36-Hour Day invaluable to caregivers, the fourth edition is the only edition currently available that includes new information on medical research and the delivery of care.

The new edition includes:

-new information on diagnostic evaluation-resources for families and adult children who care for people with dementia-updated legal and financial information-the latest information on nursing homes and other communal living arrangements-new information on research, medications, and the biological causes and effects of dementia

Also available in a large print edition

Praise for The 36-Hour Day:

Customer Reviews (27)

An eye opener!
Wow, this book has it all.It's been very helpful, in that I hadn't read anything other than blurbs on the net about alzheimer's disease. A cousin suggested it as the best reference book she's found. My dear aunt is suffering from it now, and as a part-time caregiver, I see that the events I see in her life are a progression of the disease, I can expect certain symptomology in the future. It's given me more insight on a cruel time of her life.

The 36-Hour Day
This book contains the most helpful information for a caretaker of someone with dementia.It tells you what you might be able to expect in the future and how to prepare for it.It helps you understand so much about dementia, especially Alzheimer's Disease.I have recommended it to many people.I highly recommend it to anyone caring for someone with dementia.

A Lifesaver
I wish I had bought this book many years ago!It makes you realize you are not alone in your struggles of taking care of someone withmemory issues.The ideas for how to deal with the problems are exceptional!Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a book!

Very Interesting
This book was very informative and helpful in understanding what is going on with a family member and what we can anticipate in the future.It gives a good overview of dementia and everything related to it.

36 hours
greatly written and tells a lot.Has been a lot of help in understanding these health problems ... Read more

Book Description
Replete with the powerful words of experienced caregivers, It Wasn't Supposed to Be Like This 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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Wonderful resource for family members
This book is absolutely wonderful. Other books on caregiving were too clinical. This book is like having a wonderful conversation with friends who have been through what you are experiencing.The book offers the perspectives of many different caregivers which was very helpful becausethe nature of the dementia differs for many people.There were helpful tips and suggestions and words of advice from caregivers and this was presented in short easy to digest segments.

Great Book on Care Giving and Dementia
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.

A great relief to find this book
I am a caregiver to my 90yr old blind mother who suffers from vascular dementia as well.This book was written by other caregivers with information , questions and answers that can only be appreciated by those who care with someone with this type of illness.The book covers many types of dementia, whether it be Alzheimers, vascular or others.What is really important is that the book encourages the caregiver to take care of themselves if they are to be able to take care of their patient.

Extremely thoughtful and valuable resource
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.

Very Helpful
This book was nice to have around when I needed to talk to someone about how I felt, but felt guilty complaining when the people I was taking care of were going through such a difficult time. It was a very helpful companion and good to see what others have gone through and tried. I recommend it if you find yourself in the same unfortunate situation as I did. ... Read more

Book Description
The Art of Dementia Care is a practical guide intended for all who provide support, encouragement and care for people with dementia. Using a relationship model of care, you will learn how you can make a positive difference in the lives of those with dementia.Discussion and examples will challenge you to reflect on your attitude and behavior towards people with dementia and teach you to provide thoughtful care to each person in your care. The authors draw upon examples from common clinical situations to highlight how to practice the art of dementia care through the recognition of the limits of people with dementia and the promotion of their strengths and abilities. Ultimately, the quality of the care you provide can greatly affect the quality of life the person with dementia will experience.The Art of Dementia Care will set you on the path to thoughtful and meaningful care. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Practical dementia care advice
Adorable Photographs of Our Baby: Meaningful, Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals
This book gives the caregiver practical advice and hope. This book shows you that sitations can be very different, but treating your loved one or friend with dementia as a person will go a long way to making things tolerable and even enjoyable. There is good in every situation. This book shows you how to find it.
by Susan Berg author of Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals, a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Caregiving Advice That Works
This book is written in a manner that provides both informative reading and compasionate insight into the world of caring for a loved one with dementia. It gives hope to those who walk this lonely road that there is help available and strength to be found.

It inspires and empowers...
The Art of Dementia Care speaks not only to the mind, but to the heart and soul of its readers. It inspires and empowers caregivers by illuminating the limitless possibilities that truly exist when we choose the relationship model of care. Kuhn and Verity clearly illustrate how everyday challenges in caregiving can evolve into opportunities that celebrate residual abilities, and honor and uphold the dignity of persons with dementia. Through simple, practical and thoughtful examples, the Art of Dementia Care awakens its readers to the powerful realization "that you hold the key to the quality of someone else's life". Imagine a world where we all shared this conviction.

... Read more

Book Description
Why do so many retired NFL players lose their hard-earned millions and end up destitute?Why are football players three to five times more likely to develop major depression than their fans?The answer is gridiron dementia, permanent brain damage caused by blows to the head during games or practice.In this book the author launches a national effort to alert players, parents, coaches, trainers, and school administrators to the dangers of repeated concussions. ... Read more

Book Description
Designed both as a text for classes on adult language disorders, namelythe cognitive-communicative disorders associated with age-relateddementia-associated disease, and as a useful handbook for professionalswho work with these clients, this new book comprehensively details thedefinition, diagnosis, and treatment of such disorders. The authors, withover 27 years of experience working with individuals with dementia, haveconducted three NIH longitudinal studies of individuals with dementia andhave authored two widely-used standardized tests for evaluating dementiapatients. They bring here the culmination of their lifelong studies andresearch and provide an in-depth and thorough text for students andclinicians alike. ... Read more

Book Description

Eighty percent of persons with dementia live at home, and the family members caring for them are often overwhelmed by the enormous responsibility and the complexities of care. This book is designed to support the caregivers and help them understand the needs and feelings of the person for whom they are caring. A central focus is the goal of sustaining a loving family relationship between the caregiver and the patient.

Developed from a training program for professionals and family caregivers, this book teaches the basics of dementia care while emphasizing communication, understanding and acceptance, and personal growth through the caregiving experience. The result is a guide that integrates the practicalities of caregiving with the human emotions that accompany it.

Customer Reviews (4)

Basics for caring for Dementia patient
When caring for a loved one with dementia at home, there is little time for reading; this book was a quick read offering good insights to basic care.

Good resources were also offered.

Great tool for the novice or experiencedcaregiver
Even though this book may seem simple at first glance, it is loaded with advice that any caregiver can use. It covers the necessary basics that any caregiver must know about such as:communication, safety, and meaningful activities you can do together.
by Susan Berg author of Adorable Photographs of Our Baby: Meaningful, Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals

An excellent starting point for those with questions
Any who care for Alzheimer sufferers or those with other dementias know the challenges involved: eighty percent of people with dementia live at home, and family members often find themselves challenged by unfamiliar demands and new routines. When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide For Caregivers reviews all kinds of challenges, from safety in handling and caring for sufferers and communication challenges to understanding levels of impairment, daily life, and more. An excellent starting point for those with questions.

An excellent starting point for those with questions
Any who care for Alzheimer sufferers or those with other dementias know the challenges involved: eighty percent of people with dementia live at home, and family members often find themselves challenged by unfamiliar demands and new routines. When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide For Caregivers reviews all kinds of challenges, from safety in handling and caring for sufferers and communication challenges to understanding levels of impairment, daily life, and more. An excellent starting point for those with questions.
... Read more

Book Description
Here is all of the very latest scientific and clinical information for every type for dementing diseasepresented in a handy, easy-to-readformat.Noted specialists in the field equip readers with the guidance they need to understand, diagnose, and manage these conditions using all of the best approaches available today. They emphasize a neurologic investigative approach to differentiate the curable from the noncurable dementias. Disorders are organized into cortical and subcortical dementias to emphasize the different clinical features that facilitate diagnosis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Comprehensive!
I simply love this book! As a practicing geriatic psychiatrist, it has provided me relevant clinical information and the latest research on the subject. With more than 600 pages, this book offers comprehensive discussion on assessment, diagnosis, medical and neurologic conditions (manifesting as dementia), and treatment intervention. ... Read more

Book Description
Dementia is a progressive, terminal disease that currently affects more than 4 million adults in the United States. This number is expected to increase to 13 million people in the near future as the Baby Boom generation reaches retirement age.

Suppporting people with dementia and their families in managing the disease and maximizing their quality of life is complex, requiring a multidisciplinary team approach among health and human services professionals. Although new understanding of the etiology of dementia is emerging with hope for treatment on the horizon, we remain in need of approaches for helping people with dementia and their families in caregiving.

This book presents one approach--the Home Environmental Skill-Building Program, which has been rigorously tested over the past 15 years--and is designed principally for occupational therapists and, in particular, practitioners at the intermediate and advanced levels. In addition, graduate students in occupational therapy as well as other health and human services professionals will find this guide useful for understanding the role and impact of the physical and social environment in dementia care, the strategies that can minimize environmental stressors in the home, and the unique role of occupational therapists in management of the disease and caregiver concerns. ... Read more

Book Description
Dementia Care Inservice Training Modules for Long-Term Care is a complete collection of research material for specialized dementia care training in the long-term care setting.Each of the eight modules is created to decrease preparation time for the presenter by including everything necessary for an effective presentation. The curriculum covers all aspects of specialized dementia care, including anatomy and physiology, basic principles of care, daily care, eating challenges, recreation and activities, common medical problems, and more.The easy to understand format and all-inclusive packet can be incorporated into any non-nursing forum such as support groups or informal caregivers and can be adapted for large or small audiences.Each module is concluded with summaries, scenarios and group activities to further the learning process.Dementia Care Inservice Training Modules for Long-Term Care will help prepare any member of the healthcare team for the daily ups and downs of dementia caregiving. ... Read more

Product Description
Written especially for family members and friends caring for people with dementia, this practical guidebook offers a solution to commonly faced communication and relationship difficulties. The Validation approach s caring, empathetic techniques have been used and valued by professionals and families around the world to support meaningful communication and interaction with people with memory impairments.

Adapted from the best-selling book for professionals, The Validation Breakthrough, this hands-on resource gives family caregivers all the information and guidance they need to successfully implement proven Validation techniques and enjoy resulting benefits like

* reduced challenging behavior

* improved communication

* lower levels of stress and anxiety in both caregivers and older adults

* more satisfying relationships

In addition to background information about dementia and the principles behind Validation, the book includes detailed, illustrated explanations of specific verbal and nonverbal communication techniques. Realistic case studies demonstrate the approach in action in many different relationships, including husband/wife, parent/child, and grandparent/grandchild.

Caregivers who adopt Validation will learn how to break through the silence and pain of withdrawal and interact with their loved one with greater respect and compassion. Start re-establishing connections and improving relationships today with Validation Techniques for Dementia Care. ... Read more

Book Description
Quality of life issues are particularly important for those who have the least control over their environment. Since quality of life consists of both affective and cognitive components, individuals with significant cognitive deficits, such as dementia patients, in turn experience decreased levels of well-being. Since these individuals are unable to verbalize their psychological discomfort, their frustrations are often displayed as agitation and other problem behaviors. Historically, the treatment approaches such as the use of chemical and physical restraints to decrease problem behaviors have been proven unsuccessful, at times counter-therapeutic, and even dangerous to the patient.

This book suggests therapeutic approaches to quality of life issues which are creative and innovative, while at the same time patient-focused and cost effective. The ten approaches described are divided into two groups: general strategies and specific approaches. The general strategies include overall techniques such as Habilitation, Lifestyle Approach, Sheltered Workshop and Functional Techniques. The specialized approaches focus on various activities specifically designed for this population, such as validation therapy, simulated presence therapy, music therapy, Snoezelen, and light therapy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

For those committed to quality care of Advanced Dementia
Volicer offers insight into exciting non-restraint therapeutic modalities that enhance to quality of life in Advanced Dementia. Each modality or therapeutic technique is clearly explained with minimal technical jargon allowing carers or health professionals alike to put the interventions into practice with positive outcomes. This book delivers the tools to achieve the goal stated in its title. This book is recommended to anyone committed to enhancing the quality of life in Advanced Dementia through quality care practices.

Understanding and Treating Advanced Dementia
This is an unsuually helpful reference on Alzheimer's for both professionals and family members of Alzheimer's patients. The authors describe the symptoms of these patients and help us enter their world of confusion, distortion, and often fear. I have referred this book to several of my psychotherapy patients whose parents are suffering from dementia. It has helped them not only to understand better the subjective world of their parents, but also to realize what quality care for their loved ones would be. ... Read more

Book Description
This is a comprehensive yet practical guide to the care and management of patients with dementia from the time of diagnosis to the end of life.It is intended for the increasing number of physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, and long-term care givers responsible for the care of individuals with dementia.For the Second Edition, the authors have added a chapter on mild cognitive impairment.The sections that received the most extensive revision or expansion include those on drug therapy; the pathophysiology of several causes of dementia; psychiatric symptoms of dementia and their treatment (especially drug treatment); and dementia in special environments (especially assisted living and nursing homes). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Informative, insightful, and well written.
This book is not only a superb source of practical information for professionals working with patients afflicted with dementia, memory loss, and/or Alzheimer's, but it is also a great source of hope and inspirationto the patients' relatives and caregivers. The blend of expert advice withcompassionate care motivates me to highly recommend this book. I think allpeople involved with caring for those with dementia will benefit fromreading this excellent book. ... Read more

Book Description
Persons with dementia need cognitive stimulation, along with opportunities to successfully and meaningfully interact with their physical and social environments on a regular basis.These persons have needs similar to those without cognitive impairment:the need to feel self-worth, the need to express one's thoughts and feelings, the need to have a sense of belonging, the need to have a sense of accomplishment, and the need to have a sense of order.Many of the problems associated with dementia can be traced to the inability to meet these needs.This manual provides stimulating, interesting, and challenging activities that can be performed successfully as a means of helping persons with dementia.This manual was edited by Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D., psychologist and senior reserch scientist at Myers Research Institute, Beachwood, Ohio.He and his staff have been successfully implementing these activities in individual and small group activities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good Service
Hi, I was surprised but pleased to have recv'd. this book in ample time and the book was in very good shape for a 2nd hand book.Besides the wait, everything was good.Thanks!

Dementia
This very necessary book fills a large gap in dementia activities care.The activities are very helpful to stimulating demented adults and build their self-esteem.

A Wonderful , Useful and Powerful Resource!
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, you MUST read this book ASAP! It is such a learning process to be able to care, communicate and incorporate activities for dementia patients, but Dr. Camp guides you and shows you the way. And once you understand his brilliant methods, you'll be amazed that they make so much sense and they are really so simple. His methods will save you sanity!

Dr. Camp has been a welcomed guest on my Internet radio program, Coping with Caregiving, and I always enjoy learning his creative techniques and tips. Take advantage of his many years of research and experience and don't miss this book!

Jacqueline Marcell, Author, Elder Rage.

It makes sense!
Of course! It makes complete sense. These activities have woken up the minds of the people I work with who can no longer keep up with "regular" programing. It is success every time. I love it, a great book for anyone who work with dementia of any type! ... Read more

Book Description
Within the last decade music therapists have developed their work with the elderly and people with dementia.Drawing on the diverse research and considerable personal experience of contributors from around the world, Music Therapy in Dementia Care takes a comprehensive look at the use of music therapy with the elderly and dementia sufferers.It looks as some of the issues which may arise working with this group, such as coping with war time memories, and shows how beneficial music therapy can be for these people.This is a fresh, original book which will be an interesting and informative read for anyone working with dementia sufferers in a therapeutic context, and an essential resource for music therapists working with this population. ... Read more

Book Description
Today's health care systems demand demonstrable results. Finally, here isa method to tackle the challenging task of assessing the true quality oflife of people with dementia. Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) is acutting-edge assessment tool that lets you directly observe and measure aresident's or client's quality of life. Now, get invaluable feedback onwhat works and what doesn't in your dementia care program! In this book,you'll learn about the principles of person-centered care that underlieDCM and how these universal principles have influenced the use of DCM indiverse care cultures around the world. International experts in DCMdiscuss how the method can invigorate staff caregiving practices, reducing older adults' excess dependency and actively promoting their everydaycompetence. See how Dementia Care Mapping can dramatically transform theculture of care in your facility as it reveals how you can: developresident/client care plans that visibly improve the quality of life ofpeople with dementia improve staff development and training by learning to recognize opportunities for intervention overcome staff members'resistance to change influence organizational policy for effectiveimplementation of DCM use DCM to justify and secure financial support forprogramming from managed care and insurance providers, Medicare, and other private and government funding streams or agencies introduce itsperson-centered care approaches to the traditional medical model of careNursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, gerontology, and socialwork students and future facility managers and dementia researchers whoare committed to improving dementia care should not be without thisgroundbreaking book. Anthea Innes is a research fellow at the Centre forSocial Research on Dementia, University of Stirling, Scotland, and wasformerly part of the core research group at the Bradford Dementia Group,which developed DCM. ... Read more