Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories

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 paranola 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.

Author Biography

Lynda A. Markut is the clinical director at Family Alliance, Inc., a not-for-profit comprehensive social service agency in Woodstock, Illinols. She conducts several support groups and was the caregiver for her parents, who both had vascular dementia. 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.