Understanding Difficult Behaviors: Some Practical Suggestions for Coping with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Illnesses - Softcover

Robinson, Anne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0978902009 ISBN 13: 9780978902001

Publisher: Eastern Michigan University, 2007

Synopsis

This book was written for caregivers of persons with dementia. Caregivers may include family members as well as staff working in nursing homes, assisted living programs, adult day center programs, home care agencies, hospitals, hospice care and other settings providing care to persons with dementia. This material is intended to help caregivers understand the many possible explanations for why challenging behaviors may occur. Practical coping strategies for responding to challenging situations such as agitation, wandering, incontinence and resistance to care are also offered. These suggestions have been compiled from a number of sources including conversations with famlies, Alzheimer's Association newsletters, books and journal articles. This book was first published in 1989 and has been a valuable resource for caregivers and dementia educators. Thousands of books have been sold nationally and internationally. The 2007 edition includes updated resource listings and color headings.

About this title

About the Author

Anne Robinson, MA is the founder and Director of Optimal Life Designs in Dementia Care, LLC, a non-profit organization specializing in training and research, based in a person- centered philosophy. She has created numerous innovative, strength-based programs designed to help individuals with memory loss to function optimally for as long as possible. Ms. Robinson is co-editor of Care of the Person with Dementia: A Training Manual: (with Beth Spencer). She is a popular speaker for professional and lay audiences and has presented regionally, nationally, and internationally. Beth Spencer, MA, MSW, is Director of Silver Club Programs at the Turner Geriatric Clinic, University of Michigan Health System. Silver Club Programs provide support, education, and a club model of day programming for people with memory loss and their families. She has specialized in work with individuals with dementia and their families in a variety of care settings. She is also co-author, with Laurie White, of Moving a Relative with Memory Loss: A Family Caregiver's Guide. Laurie White, MSW, started Dementia Care Consulting in Santa Rosa, California, after working with families and health care professionals in the field of dementia care for over 20 years. As owner of Dementia Care Consulting, Laurie offers care management services to famlies who care for a relative with dementia and consluting services to facilities providing care to residents wilth memory loss. As a frequently requested speaker at conferences, Laurie presents practical ready-to-use information to family caregivers and health care professionals. Laurie is co-author, with Beth Spencer, of Moving a Relative with Memory Loss: A Family Caregiver's Guide.

Review

This text provides specific information on a wide range of behaviors. The detailed information on environmental, physical, and emotional influences is very beneficial to both family and professional caregivers striving to make improvements that may avoid difficult behaviors. These practical strategies for making changes based on possible causes and guidance to proglem-solve helps to avoid the behavior and address it when it occurs. I would highly recommend this book to any one caring for an individual with memory loss. --Kim Walsh, formerly with the Michigan Great Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

My stepfather used the suggestions in this book to help with the care of my mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He said it was the best resource he had seen. It was easy to use, providing lots of practical help in her care. --Jo Campbell, family caregiver.

About this edition

• Publisher: Eastern Michigan University
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0978902009
• ISBN 13: 9780978902001
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 73