Mom's OK, She Just Forgets: The Alzheimer's Journey from Denial to Acceptance - Softcover

Mclay, Evelyn D.; Young, Ellen P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591024692 ISBN 13: 9781591024699

Publisher: Prometheus, 2006

Synopsis

· "Dad only drives to the grocery store."· "A support group? I don't need one."· "My husband is not ready for day care."· "Nursing home placement? Never!"These and similar expressions of denial are often heard in families struggling with the difficult challenges of Alzheimer's or dementia in a loved one. Denial may seem to be an acceptable coping mechanism when faced with a disease that has no cure. But in fact the failure to accept reality can work against the welfare of the person suffering from a disease that causes dementia, making a bad situation worse for the whole family.In this reassuring and very helpful handbook for families, experienced caregivers Evelyn D. McLay and Ellen P. Young suggest various behaviors, tools, and techniques for moving beyond denial. Real people who have faced the many problems brought about by Alzheimer's speak out, with hope, from these pages. They share their journeys from denial to loving action and an improved attitude that helps them deal with their personal plights. Separate chapters address the issues of caregiver burnout, developing communication skills, challenging behaviors that "push your buttons," when to remove driving privileges, day care for the elderly, deciding on long-term care, and the need for acceptance.Without minimizing the daunting challenges of Alzheimer's and dementia, the authors stress the importance of remaining positive and appreciating the moment while acting in the best interests of loved ones.

About this title

About the Author:

Evelyn McLay (Baltimore, MD), a teacher in Baltimore County elementary schools, cared for her husband and sister-in-law, both of whom died from Alzheimer’s. She also works as a volunteer for the helpline of the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Keswick Multi-Care Center.

Ellen P. Young (Baltimore, MD) is the author of Between Two Worlds: Special Moments of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, based on her experience of caring for both her mother and her aunt. She is a retired medical social worker.

About this edition

• Publisher: Prometheus
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1591024692
• ISBN 13: 9781591024699
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 181