Patricia R. Callone

Another book painting a dismal picture of how awful your struggle as a Caregiver for someone with Dementia will be. I'm not saying life with Alzheimers is a delight, but I found Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey much more uplifting. So, I'm sorry, Alzheimer's Caregiving Puzzle, what I needed was the hope, the joy and the positive attitude far more than the practical approach you laid out.

My hopes for a silver bullet were dashed as the authors repeatedly stated that caregivers need to be detectives in order to put the puzzle pieces together for the unique person receiving their care. I became frustrated reading the book and put it down more then once. But, if I must be honest, the frustration was with myself – not the book.

This book will be most helpful for caregivers if read during the early stage of Alzheimer’s and then referred back to as the disease progresses. I was show more not the caregiver during the early stage, I would have liked recording the personal stories and memories into the ‘Meet my Loved One’ portfolio they suggest. Until there is a magic bullet, getting information early while there is still time to discuss it with the person with Alzheimer’s is so very important.

I did relate to the personal stories and examples used. I loved the theme of nurturing what remains. I was impressed by the consistent level of respect given to the individual. I appreciated the authors’ honesty.

The last chapter of the book, ‘Keeping Your Head Up’, was the one that touched me the most. It was very personal and very real. show less

One more book on Alzheimer's disease is the first reaction to "The Alzheimer's Caregiving Puzzle". Upon further reading, I found this book more informative than previous books on the subject. The authors not only have gleaned and presented the new knowledge available, they have also listed ways of financial exploitation and elder abuse.

This book is a must-read for those families where Alzheimer's has stolen their loved ones from them, but also a great handbook on how the caregiver must show more learn to nurture themselves. Stages of Alzheimer's disease are listed, which clarifies a lot of misconceptions about the disease. Family members and caregivers will learn how to protect older persons who are most vulnerable in our society, but also how to take care of their own needs. Feelings of "guilt" or "regret', facing change , identifying potential personal pitfalls are all issues discussed in this book on "putting together the pieces". show less

It's difficult to admit that the ones you love are aging. It's difficult when you feel overwhelmed and scared to put words to the behaviors and actions you see. The Alzheimer's Caregiving Puzzle: Putting Together the Pieces is a guide that steps along side and offers guidance through every stage. I found it remarkable how much this field has grown and changed over the years. I am comforted by the way the book is edited to share stories and ideas to help the caregiver and the loved one keep show more as much of themselves as they can during this difficult and often stressful time.
Caring for an aging parent is something I am coming to terms with and I am thankful to have Callone's book on my shelf to turn to for advice and to remember that I am not alone.

(I received this book as part of LT ER program.) show less