Staying Connected While Letting Go The Paradox of Alzheimer's Caregiving

by Braff, Sandy; Olenik, Mary Rose

• ISBN13: 9781590770689
• ISBN10: 1590770684
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-02-07
• Publisher: M. Evans & Company

Summary

This timely book, laced with poignant stories, focuses on the emotional impact of this disease on the caregivers and offers specific coping strategies they can use to keep them emotionally sane in this chaotic time.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xi
Preface	xv
Acknowledgments	xvi
Introduction	1	(6)
Part One: The Beginning Stage
First Encounters	7	(4)
If Only I Could Be Wrong: Tentative Diagnosis	11	(10)
Beginning Stage Behaviors
The Importance of Seeking a Diagnosis
What Now? Reactions to the Diagnosis	21	(10)
Disclosing the Diagnosis to the Patient
Disclosing the Diagnosis to Others
Legal and Financial Preparation
Reaching In and Reaching Out: Adaptation	31	(8)
Adaptation to Role Changes
Coping and Resilience
Rallying the Troops: Family Reactions	39	(6)
The Shell Without the Pearl: Transcending Loss	45	(26)
Loss of Mutuality
Loss of Personality
Loss of Communication
Loss of Physical Intimacy
Loss of Partnership
Loss of Sense of Belonging: Isolation
Discovering the Paradox of Caregiving
Part Two: The Middle Stage
Coming to Terms	71	(8)
The Importance of Acquiring Coping Skills
Managing Your Attitudes and Thoughts
Middle-Stage Behaviors
Your Role in the Accomodating to the Middle Stage
Confronting the Demons: Your Emotional Reactions to the Middle Stage	79	(32)
Denial
Resentment
Guilt
Fear
Frustration
Tears of Laughter: The Importance of Humor	111	(4)
The Power of Laughter
The Mars and Venus of Adapting to Change: Gender Differences	115	(10)
The Lonely Bed: Adapting to Profound Loss of Intimacy	125	(10)
Understanding Sexual Behavior in Alzheimer's
Extramarital Companionship
Harvesting Your Communal Garden: Preventing Burnout	135	(14)
Taking Time out for Yourself
Day Care
In-home Care
Going It Alone
I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Know I Can: Resiliency	149	(8)
Coming to Terms with the Challenges of Alzheimer's
Part Three: The Late Middle Stage
The Long Good-bye	157	(6)
Late-Middle-Stage Behaviors
Loss of Recognition by Spouse
I'm Beat and I'm Scared: Caregiving Intensifies---Resource Options	163	(26)
Family Involvement
Alternatives to Placement
When Placement Becomes Necessary
The Angst of Placement
Transitioning to Life Alone
When Alone Equals Lonely: Loneliness and Companionship	189	(10)
Part Four: The Final Stage and Beyond
Nearing the Journey's End: Final Stages of Alzheimer's	199	(8)
Final Stage Behaviors
The Relief of Planning Ahead: Advanced Directives	207	(6)
Allowing for a Natural Death
Another Paradox: Anticipatory Grief and Mourning	213	(4)
At Peace, My Love: Death of a Spouse	217	(10)
Cleaning out the Closets: The Process of Closure	227	(4)
Honoring Your Tomorrows: Reentry Post Caregiving	231	(14)
Getting Started
Successfully Coming Full Circle
And You Shall Triumph
Bibliography	245	(2)
About the Authors	247	(2)
Index	249