Dementia
The Journey Ahead: A Practical Guide for In-Home Caregivers
by Susan Scarff, Ann Zultner
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Pub Date Jan 06 2017 | Archive Date Mar 15 2020
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Description
Within a year of receiving her husband's diagnosis, Susan Kiser Scarff had a classic case of caregiver burnout. She couldn't concentrate at work. Friends drifted away. Overwhelmed, she struggled to make the transition from Red's wife to his protector, nurse, and mother. Susan's experience as a first-time caregiver, recorded in these pages with grace, wisdom, and humor, prove just how much there is to learn: finances have to be handled a different way in case the patient decides to make a lone trip to the bank; aggressive behavior is a constant threat; safety becomes a concern in every aspect of daily living.
Filled with practical advice for every stage of the disease's progression, including information on support groups to help you prevent burnout, questionnaires designed to keep your loved one safe, and checklists to give you control in this time of unknowns. Dementia: The Journey Ahead will help you help your loved one--every step of the way.
Advance Praise
If you are a caregiver - this is a must read! This book,unlike others I have read, does not go into the "poor me's". Rather,not only does it tell of the author's journey with her husband's dementia, it also describes the ever-changing dynamics of their relationship, with patience,clarity, and highly descriptive dialogue. The most impressive part of the story, however, are the vast resources the author imparts to the reader. Wow!Not only does she have a list in the back of the book, unlike most books on the subject, she gives descriptions of what exactly these resources are. From Hospice Care to Elder Care and the like, every resource has a small to medium size description, and how it might be useful to the reader. She deals with subjects that aren't "pretty" (unlike other authors), such as incontinence, and what products she found the most useful to her and her husband Red.
There are "points to remember" in almost every chapter, such as questions to ask when it may become time to place your loved one in assisted living, and what to ask a home health care agency as well. Safety features, as well as numerous other circumstances one might encounter are included as well.This is one book that is not going to be stuffed away in the corner of my library - it shall remain on the shelf in my office for easy reference and for sharing with others. Ms. Scarff, I am sorry for your loss, but it should give you some peace knowing that in writing this stellar little book, you have helped so many. Caregivers - get this book!
Featured Reviews
Lorie S, Reviewer
This book is filled with practical, straight forward, no-nonsense advice that would be very helpful to any caregiver. There are so many ideas here that I wish we had known of when my grandfather was in earlier stages of dementia, such as filling his wallet with dollar bills. (He had $400 in his that he insisted on carrying around and pulling out.) The resources in the back of the book are a great addition as well. Everyone's experience with dementia is different and I love that Mrs. Scarff shared personal photos and anecdotes of her husband. I think it helps to see what others are going through and know you are not alone in the things that you have to deal with. Some of the situations you just have to laugh (like when they put their clothes on silly ways) or you would just cry all the time. The included poems and quotes at the end from the support group were also nice. I plan to share some of them with my grandmother as I'm sure she can relate to them as a full time caregiver.
Mrs. Scarff, my heart breaks for you that more than half your marriage was spent battling this disease, but I'd bet that your love was so much stronger given the labor of love that you went through caring for Red. It is the ultimate sacrifice to be that person. I wish so much happiness for you in the future, you deserve that. Thank you for sharing your experience and your knowledge with others.
Cristie U, Bookseller
Unless you have been there, it is impossible to understand the emotional roller coaster that caregivers experience. The author's brutal honesty about the highs and lows of caring for a husband with dementia was heartbreaking to read, as you could see her losing her husband more each day. Her strength and determination to write this book are admirable and this book will help many other people that are in the same situation.
Reviewer 588818
I found this book fascinating I did a bit of work for a very short period with people with dementia which I found hard but after reading this it has helped me to see more what it is like for the person who has it and not just the person caring so thank you
Natalie H, Reviewer
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This is a very informative and helpful book for anyone who is caring for a person with dementia and I urge them to give it a read.
So much helpful and insightful information and advice on many different areas of dementia care.
My grandfather has dementia and we all try to help where we can and support his carer. This book will be very insightful for the whole family.
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