Foreword by Barry Gordon, M.D., Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
"An excellent reference for families of patients with Alzheimer's disease."
ALLAN A. ANDERSON, M.D.
Medical Director and Director of Geriatric Psychiatry
Shore Behavioral Health Services, Maryland
"For anyone who struggles to accept the life-changing challenges of Alzheimer's, this groundbreaking book will guide the way." CASS NAUGLE
Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association, Greater Maryland Chapter
"For fifteen years, I experienced my beautiful mother losing her personhood to Alzheimer's disease. The indescribable anguish and helplessness I felt could have been assuaged had this book been available to me." JEAN TUCKER MANN, ACSW, Retired Administrator
University of Maryland Medical Center
"McLay and Young give readers thoughtful suggestions on how to adjust their attitudes toward Alzheimer's, accept their situations and learn to appreciate the time they still have with those they love. Sage advice for those dealing with a relative with Alzheimer's.”KIRKUS REPORTS (Health & Fitness)
- “Mom’s OK, she just forgets.”
- “Dad only drives to the grocery store.”
- “A support group? I don’t need one.”
- “My husband is not ready for day care.”
- “Nursing home placement? Never!”
These and similar expressions of denial are often heard in families struggling with the difficult challenges of Alzheimer’s or dementia in a loved one. Denial may seem to be an acceptable coping mechanism when faced with a disease that has no cure. But in fact the failure to accept reality can work against the welfare of the person suffering from a disease that causes dementia, making a bad situation worse for the whole family.
In this reassuring and very helpful handbook for families, experienced caregivers Evelyn McLay and Ellen P. Young suggest various behaviors, tools, and techniques for moving beyond denial. Real people who have faced the many problems brought about by Alzheimer’s speak out, with hope, from these pages. They share their journeys from denial to loving action and an improved attitude that helps them deal with their personal plights.
Separate chapters address the issues of caregiver burnout, developing communication skills, challenging behaviors that “push your buttons,” when to remove driving privileges, day care for the elderly, deciding on long-term care, and the need for acceptance.
Without minimizing the daunting challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia, the authors stress the importance of remaining positive and appreciating the moment while acting in the best interests of loved ones.
Book Binding: Paperback
Pages: 182
ISBN: 1-59102-469-2
Shipping Weight: 1lbs
Author Bio:
Evelyn McLay (Baltimore, MD), a teacher in Baltimore County elementary schools, cared for her husband and sister-in-law, both of whom died from Alzheimer’s. She also works as a volunteer for the helpline of the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Keswick Multi-Care Center.
Ellen P. Young (Baltimore, MD) is the author of Between Two Worlds: Special Moments of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, based on her experience of caring for both her mother and her aunt. She is a retired medical social worker.
