A Loving Approach to Dementia Care: Making Meaningful Connections with the Person Who Has Alzheimer's Disease or Other Dementia or Memory Loss (A 36-Hour Day Book) - Hardcover

Wayman, Laura

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1421400332 ISBN 13: 9781421400334

Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011

Synopsis

Caring for someone with dementia means devotedly and patiently doing a hundred little things each day. Few care providers are trained to meet the challenges of dementia, however. They need the guidance this book provides to overcome caregiving obstacles and cultivate more meaningful relationships with loved ones who have dementia and memory loss.

Laura Wayman's program of care emphasizes communication, affirmative response, and empowerment―transforming the caregiving process from a burden into a fulfilling journey. Her true stories of caregiving illustrate the principles of this loving approach, giving readers essential tools for connecting with people who have dementia.

In addition to offering valuable lessons on how to provide the best possible care, Wayman urges caregivers not to neglect themselves: take care of yourself so you will have physical and mental energy to share with your loved one. The practical tips included here will help you balance your own needs with those of your loved one, creating a more positive experience for you both.

A Loving Approach to Dementia Care is a special guide, filled with respect, calmness, creativity―and love.

About this title

About the Author

Laura Wayman holds an associate in arts degree in gerontology and is a certified Social Services Designee. She has over a decade of experience in and a strong dedication to quality aging. She is the resident dementia expert and grant writer for Seniors First, a nonprofit organization that helps seniors live independently; the CEO of The Dementia Whisperers; and a sought-after speaker on issues of aging.

Review

"Although there are many books about dementia, far too few give voice to people living with dementia. Laura Wayman's A Loving Approach to Dementia Care places the person at the center of a remarkable journey of understanding. A universe of choice comes into being when meaningful connections develop between the people who are giving and receiving care and Wayman shows us how person and relationship can take precedence over diagnosis and disease. This is an exceptionally valuable contribution to the literature."

(Dr. Bill Thomas, founder of the Eden Alternative and author of What Are Old People For?)

"An amazing book that focuses on the people involved in the journey of caregiving. Readers will be able to relate to the stories that Laura Wayman tells, and having her insights is like having your own personal caregiver trainer, complete with invaluable tips and strategies. This is an excellent guide―a must read for caregivers."

(Denise Davis, Program Director, Alzheimer's Association of Northern California/Northern Nevada, Greater Sacramento Area Office)

"Laura Wayman has been providing valuable education to our families for the past decade. Ms. Wayman has a knack for connecting with her audience and engaging them with examples from actual families she has assisted over the years. I am pleased that her book is available to supplement her insightful trainings. Family caregivers will truly benefit from Laura’s expertise in connecting with people who have dementia in a loving and meaningful way."

(Michelle Nevins, Executive Director, Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center, California)

"It is good to have a guide that is as intuitive and humane as Laura Wayman. This book can be read profitably by family and friends of those affected with this disease and by anyone contemplating a career in elderly care. It will help lighten the burden for caregiver and patient alike."

(Chris Vaughan Metapsychology)

"Both A Loving Approach to Dementia Care and Aging Together are very kindly books giving warm guidance on coping with old people who are seriously confused."

(Martin Guha International Psychogeriatrics)

"It is a book I wanted to share with everybody. It made me laugh out loud, it made me cry (really!) but most of all it made me think... as a resource I feel it is invaluable and I will be keeping it near to hand. It is not only a useful tool for use with dementia but it is also life-affirming (and I never expected to use that term without a certain cynicism)."

(Ibadete Fetahu Nursing Times)

"This book can be warmly recommended to caregivers as an upbeat and encouraging guide to developing those brief moments of successful communication... A Loving Approach to Dementia Care is exactly what it says on the label."

(Martin Guha International Psychogeriatrics)

Edition details

• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1421400332
• ISBN 13: 9781421400334
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128