Good Reads!
Dear Caregivers,
A recent cartoon in the New Yorker magazine says it all: At the top of the drawing is the label “The Complete Book of Caregiving.” and below it is a drawing of an open book. But the book only has one page, and on that page are written the words: “Too tired to write it”. It’s very funny, and of course very true.
Caregiving is hard work, and requires love, dedication — and stamina. It also requires being on a perpetual learning curve, as you empower yourself to better understand the progression of your loved one’s disease, what to expect, and how to cope. And even though you may not have time to write a book on caregiving, there are several good books out there that may help you in your journey.
Of course, one book I heartily recommend is my own: Take Your Oxygen First. My goal in the book is to teach you the lesson that taking care of yourself is as important as caring for your loved one. Proceeds benefit the Leeza's Care Connection. For good karma from a fellow caregiver find a used copy on Amazon!
Recently, The New York Times’ book section published a guide on caregiving books, recommending several helpful titles. Here’s a sampling:
The 36-Hour Day, by Nancy L. Mace and Dr. Peter V. Rabins. First published in 1981 and now in its seventh edition, this book is “full of useful information for anyone caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia,” says the Times. The index of this book is particularly detailed, so keep it on the shelf and check it out when you have a new question or issue come up.
Travelers to Unimaginable Lands, by Dasha Kiper. This book helps outline and “normalize” the experience of being in “an unfamiliar territory that involves learning a new vocabulary, and caring for and negotiating with a person who may be resistant to their help,” says the guide.
When the Time Comes, by Paula Span. Written by a journalist who writes about aging, this book portrays the lives of families who are beginning the journey of caregiving, and is recommended for “anyone just transitioning into a caretaker role,” says the review.
Here is some more guidance on being in the role of a caregiver:
Understanding the Emotional Changes of Alzheimer’s Disease:
To fully understand how Alzheimer's disease impacts an individual's emotions, we need to understand what parts of the brain Alzheimer's affects and what parts it does not. That imbalance leads to common emotional symptoms, including depression and apathy, anxiety, fear, and agitation. The ability to feel fear and anxiety, along with an inability to control the emotional response, creates a potential for exaggerated emotional responses or unexpected upset. Here’s an overview.
The 10 Commandments of Caregiving:
To fully understand how Alzheimer's disease impacts an individual's emotions, we need to understand what parts of the brain Alzheimer's affects and what parts it does not. That imbalance leads to common emotional symptoms, including depression and apathy, anxiety, fear, and agitation. The ability to feel fear and anxiety, along with an inability to control the emotional response, creates a potential for exaggerated emotional responses or unexpected upset. Here’s an overview.
Time Management for Caregivers:
While there isn’t a way to create more time in the day, there are methods that can help you get the most out of every minute. Here are some strategies to help manage time effectively and free up time for yourself.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
— A.A. Milne
