A Caregiver S Story

"From a gifted writer who spent two years in a support group for people caring for elderly and ill spouses, parents, and friends, The Caregivers chronicles the daily experiences--heart-breaking, poignant, and redemptive--of ordinary Americans as they face their final life passages"--

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.

Become a caregiver and take care of your family is not such an easy mission for every parent. This book is about the journey in becoming a caregiver that began with my mother-in-law. It was a uniquely different role from anything else the author has experienced in her life thus far. It became a journey of self-discovery at times.

BY READING THE CAREGIVER'S STORY YOU WILL...* Learn about the three stages of AD *Learn how to know each stage and how to be a better caregiver * Understand that trials can make you stronger *Learn how to face challenges *Know when you can't change the circumstance...you can change your attitude.Facing many difficult challenges throughout my life, I grew stronger with each experience. Each one prepared me for my biggest challengebeing a caregiver for my Dementia Mother.This story is about a familys struggle of caring for an aging parent suffering from Dementia. My desire is that in the reading of my caregivers story you will understand my survival of personal struggles. Perhaps by reading this book you will understand my world, and it will give you encouragement to survive your own.

Calling All Caregivers... This book will help you! You are not alone! BE ALERT, BE HOPEFUL, BE READY! YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE OUTCOME! This is a love story of Jane & Bernie. Two hearts united by God. The man he was and the woman, who loved him, cared for him 'til the end. It gives insight to understanding Lewy Body Dementia & Alzheimer's, through stories of challenges & triumphs. It tells many funny stories that will warm your heart! This was a beautifully written story, both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Truly an inspirational guide to all caregivers...teaching them they are "Never Alone" and to "Always choose love and happiness over fear." This book is for all those who do not know where to turn when your loved one is starting to be a little more than forgetful. It is scary to think something may truly be wrong. Where do you start? What is to come? Everyone's experience caring for a loved one with dementia will be different, but this book offers the reader hope that love can persevere through even the most trying of circumstances, "that an individual can find within themselves a light in the darkness." Facing dementia will change you and everything around you! Facing dementia is a call to love and care more deeply! "Love it!!! Find it refreshing and not so negative, but sweet and caring. I think that you have done a wonderful thing with the book and I am so pleased that you did it...can't wait to see it in print!!!" You are not alone!

Filled with practical advice and innovative approaches to problem-solving, this essential guidebook presents the powerful words of people who have had to care for a parent or spouse with dementia. The interviewees talk about the challenges faced during every step in the caregiving process, from recognizing early symptoms of dementia to dealing with its advanced stages.

What caregiving role will you play? How will you avoid the caregiving cost drain? Are you prepared for the end? How will you overcome stress, burn-out, depression, guilt? How will you find happiness and support? How do you start the caregiving conversation with a loved one? Are you caring for yourself while caregiving? More than 65 million Americans are caring for a loved one yet most don’t know what they are facing or where to get help. Caregiving expert Sherri Snelling shines a spotlight on the world of caregiving and interviews celebrities who have taken the caregiving journey and shared their lessons learned. This how-to guide also covers caregiving topics A to Z, self-care advice and more. Inside you will find numerous expert interviews and tips on how to have the C-A-R-E Conversation℠ and how to find your Me Time Monday℠. Written to inspire and empower you, this is your screenplay for health and happiness while caregiving. As Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz, “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Welcome to the Cast of Caregivers.

On a sunny spring day, in an ordinary suburban kitchen, the phone rings. There’s been an accident. In one heartbeat, a family’s life is changed forever. After her husband, Hugh, is hit by a car while riding his bicycle, Rosemary Rawlins is plunged into twelve months of marathon caregiving, without the promise of a positive outcome. She works herself to the point of exhaustion to bring her grievously injured husband—who suffered a traumatic brain injury, necessitating the removal of half his skull—back home and back to himself. Then, as he slowly begins to reclaim his life, Rosemary falls apart. She can't sleep. Her heart pounds. Her joy and trust in the world dissolve into endless anxiety. She lays awake at night wondering how her marriage will survive. Will she ever be able to relate to Hugh again? What will become of their relationship? Their children? Do they recognize each other—literally—as the people they fell in love with and married decades ago? How can she let go of her fears? And what can she learn from them? Learning by Accident is a caregiver's story of ambiguous loss, family love, and emotional healing. This compelling personal account demonstrates with heart and humor that what we fear can be more debilitating than any physical injury. And that sometimes starting over is exactly what we need.