When Someone You Love Has Alzheimer's What You Must Know, What You Can Do, and What You Should Expect A Dell Caregiving Guide

by Larkin, Marilyn; Sonberg, Lynn

• ISBN13: 9780440216605
• ISBN10: 0440216605
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1995-10-01
• Publisher: Dell

Summary

Provides caregivers with compassionate strategies for dealing with the challenges related to Alzheimer's, from memory loss and behavior problems to maintaining quality of life and taking important legal steps.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xi
Allen D. Roses
Introduction	xiii
The Difficulty of Caregiving	xv
How This Book Can Help	xvi
Becoming a Caregiver	1	(17)
Deciding to Become a Caregiver
Accepting Your Feelings
The Grieving Process
Revealing the Diagnosis
After the Diagnosis: What to Expect
What You Need to Know About Alzheimer's Disease	18	(12)
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?
How Is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?
What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?
What Is the Treatment?
Helping with Memory and Communication Problems	30	(15)
Memory Loss
Coping with Memory Loss
Memory-Related Communication Problems
Helping with Mood and Behavior Problems	45	(24)
Anxiety and Nervousness
Wandering and Restlessness
Combativeness and Anger
Clinging Behavior
Depression
Hallucinations
Delusions
Paranoia
Hoarding and Hiding
Sexuality
Helping with Physical and Personal-Hygiene Problems	69	(32)
Creating a Safe Environment
A Room-by-Room Safety Guide
Loss of Coordination
Incontinence
Constipation
Bathing
Dressing and Undressing
Grooming
Your Role in Medical Therapy	101	(30)
Selecting a Physician to Coordinate Care
Selecting Other Health Professionals
A Word About Lifestyle
Drugs: What Every Caregiver Should Know
Organizing Medicines
Managing Medical Problems
Other Medical Conditions
Hospitalization
Mealtimes and Nutrition	131	(20)
Problem Eating Behavior
Problems with Chewing, Swallowing, or Drooling
Successful Mealtimes
Maintaining Good Nutrition
Menu Planning
Tips for Improving Nutritional Intake
Meal-Preparation Tips
Shopping Tips
Exercise, Socializing, and Other Activities	151	(16)
Exercise Has Many Benefits
A Social Life Is Possible
Recreational Activities and Hobbies
When to Consider Other Living Arrangements	167	(17)
Deciding to Get Help
Having Someone Come into Your Home
Adult-Day-Care Facilities
Foster Care
Life-Care Facilities
Nursing Homes
State Mental Hospitals
Hospices
Financial and Legal Concerns	184	(17)
Finding Professional Help
Legal Matters
Financial Assessment
Caring for Yourself	201	(15)
Accepting Your Feelings
Paying Attention to Your Own Well-being
Taking Action to Relieve Stress
Take Care of Yourself: A Checklist
Resource Guide	216	(15)
Glossary	231	(4)
Index	235