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Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories
A Support Group in a Book
by Lynda A. Markut and Anatole Crane
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.
Anatole Crane, a retired microbiologist, co-facilitates a spouse dementia support group and is president of the board of directors of Family Alliance. For fifteen years, he was the caregiver for his wife, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Lynda A. Markut is the clinical director at Family Alliance, Inc., a not-for-profit comprehensive social service agency in Woodstock, Illinois. She conducts several support groups and was the caregiver for her parents, who both had vascular dementia.
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
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
...an excellent addition to the resources available for students, professionals and family members...
--Kathryn Betts Adams, PhD, LISW, Families in Society