BITS AND PIECES ~ FLOATING IN THE DEEP END

BITS AND PIECES FLOATING IN THE DEEP END:

How Caregivers Can See Beyond Alzheimer’s

A book by Patti Davis / Reviewed by Barbara Black

Patti Davis started a support group called Beyond Alzheimer’s after her dad, Ronald Reagan, was diagnosed.

    This book details what she learned from her support and how she applies it to helping others. She discusses what people observe with Alzheimer’s and other dementia conditions. She discusses the similarities and differences. She talks about being a caregiver and helping others with caregivers as a support system. The differences and similarities touch us all.

    Davis discusses family relationships, both positive and negative, and the grieving process, both positive and negative.

    She discusses not punishing yourself as a caregiver; sacrifice versus shirking responsibilities. As a caregiver you need to be nurtured and cared for as well.

    End-of-life decisions that need to be made early and a diagnosis are important, and how they can be superseded is another important consideration.

    She talks about what dementia is for all of us, especially the patient, and hopes of understanding it offers clarity.

    Remember this is a book of non-fiction. And, as in our lives, what happens to one person may not necessarily happen to all of us. But it is important to know these things exist and hopefully we won’t be surprised if they do occur. Being able to handle the stress and challenges of being a caregiver to a person with dementia or other ailments is clearly addressed in this book.

    Lastly, the issue of moving the patient into a facility is addressed. Many concerns are addressed.

                I recommend it as a support source, and a reminder that we are not alone.

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