Look, I Shrank Grandma

A Psychiatrist’s Guide to Nursing Homes, Dementia, and End of Life

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Pub Date 06 Feb 2018 | Archive Date 05 Feb 2018

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Description

Karen Severson, M.D., has spent the last twenty years as a Geriatric Psychiatrist wandering the halls of those dreaded destinations called nursing homes. She became mentally exhausted from watching people with Alzheimer's disease decline and suffer. She wrote about the unnecessary suffering caused by doctors, nurses, and families who are on totally different pages regarding end-of-life issues. She realized doctors tend to avoid these conversations and families can remain in extended denial of dementia. This book is intended to help families understand dementia and its associated behaviors in a down to earth manner. Dr. Severson uses a great deal of humor as not to scare people from the subject. She also discusses several other important issues, but mainly how we can better allow families to learn to let go of those with end-stage illness. Dr. Severson hopes to prevent unnecessary and potentially harmful medical interventions as well as allow more geriatric patients to die in peace.

Contents:

Chapter 1. Let the Shrinking Begin

Chapter 2. My Personal Journey: Exposure to Dying

Chapter 3. What Is Dementia?

Chapter 4. Nursing Home Dilemmas 

Chapter 5. Pills, Pills, Pills

Chapter 6. A Typical Day

Chapter 7. Letting Go 

Chapter 8. Letting Go, Part 2

Chapter 9. How to Choose a Nursing Home

Chapter 10. Advice for the Baby Boomer

Chapter 11. Happy Endings

About the Author 


Karen Severson, M.D., has spent the last twenty years as a Geriatric Psychiatrist wandering the halls of those dreaded destinations called nursing homes. She became mentally exhausted from watching...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781620067529
PRICE $14.95 (USD)

Average rating from 4 members


Featured Reviews

I know, I know, a 5 star rating looks fake. I can assure you I really recommend this book. I wish it had been available to me when I was the primary caregiver for my mother. It's like Karen Severson has read my mind or diary, she touches on so many of the concerns and questions I encountered during my tenure. She writes from years of clinical and professional experience, but it's conversational rather than lecture. I could see this book as a reference right alongside The 36-Hour Day. If your Alzheimer's Organization has a book discussion group, or a reading list, I would definitely include Look, I shrank Grandma as a selection. This reference is practical, relateable, hopeful and empowering. I will definitely advocate for this book as I appreciate the care and clarity with which it is delivered. I think that what I appreciated most was that she didn't sugarcoat the expectations and the progression of the disease. Her section on end-of-life decisions is sooooo necessary to so many families.

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I really like this book. Even more, I value it so highly I'm going to buy copies for other family members who are currently going through these issues. I wish I 'd had it as a resource when my mother was going through her last few months with dementia/Alzheimer's. The author brings her professional knowledge and experience to the subject and combines both with compassion and common sense. Well-written and informative. Highly recommended.

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