A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia

Title: A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia
Authors: Laura N. Gitlin, Ph.D. and Catherine Verrier Piersol. Ph.D., OTR/L
Publisher: Camino Books
ISBN: 978-1-933822-90-7

“One on the greatest challenges in caring for a person with dementia is preventing and managing behaviors. Behavioral symptoms are almost universal – they can occur at any stage of the disease and with any type of dementia,” Laura N. Gitlin, Ph.D. and Catherine Verrier Piersol, Ph.D., OTR/L write in their book, A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia.

At one hundred and twelve pages, this over-sized paperback targets caregivers and families of loved ones who are dealing with individuals with any form of dementia. With eight sections included, no suggested references and topical index are added.

The first section addresses the challenging behaviors of the disease with symptoms that can be discussed with a doctor or professional. The second section approaches the benefits and tips of having the person do daily activities to maintain a sense of worth.

Communication is mentioned in the third part, being conscious of words and non-verbal actions by observing cues given. The fourth considers keeping the home environment safe with room-by-room recommendations and the fifth discusses medications, dehydration, bowel management, and incontinence.

Most importantly are chapters six and seven, the first focusing on the caregiver in relationship to stress. The following detailed chapter deals with specific behaviors such as agitation, repetitive questioning, inappropriate sounds, constant arguing, wandering, restlessness, hoarding, and resisting care. Also explained are harmful actions to self, including sexual, social, and combative disorders along with anxiety, depression, distressing beliefs, and sleep disturbances.

The final chapter contains worksheets for the caregiver regarding a stress diary, challenging behaviors, general considerations for using activities, participation in activities, making life easier, and notes.

Chapters have bold titles with bullet-point directions and easy-to-understand suggestions. With gray-highlighted boxes explaining particular points and common triggers to each symptom, readers can peruse quickly to prevent, reduce, and manage behavioral problems.

Mentioning little regarding the very elderly (ninety-years old and above) who are extremely limited in doing physical activities, other conditions factor into handling the different stages of dementia.

By knowing the four triggers of where, when, how often, and who is present during an unwanted behavior, caregivers can help those in need. By providing daily stimulation, offering no more than two choices, and being observant of ongoing issues, caregivers can give accomplishment and purpose in the lives of those with the disease.

With this debilitating disease becoming more prevalent today, this book of strategies promotes maintaining quality of life. As a useful resource to be given to caregivers both in at-home settings or care facilities, this manual assists in understanding dementia and its issues.

Thanks to KSB Promotions for furnishing a complimentary book in exchange for the reader’s honest opinion.

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GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.