The Dementia Caregiver's Toolbox

Dementia Book Review: Memory Lessons

A new book will be out by Hyperion in 2009 called, Memory Lessons:  A Doctor's Story  by Jerald Winakur.  As a geriatric physician for over 30 years, Jerald found himself facing down dementia as his father developed the disease.  Dr. Winakur gives his personal account that illustrates a point that I've often discussed with colleagues:  Why don't professional dementia caregivers have some advantage in handling the disease?

Unfortunately, professional caregivers lose prospective when the disease strikes their own family members.  Despite inside information, professional caregivers like Dr. Winakur, have the same problems with denial, explaining away symptoms, etc.

As Dr. Winakur talks about his lifelong commitment to geriatric medicine, he weaves in the heartbreaking account of his father's journey with dementia. He gives us his own medical profession history with the story of his father's disease including his father's death, funeral and his own afterthoughts about what he could have done differently.  To hear those internal struggles of a geriatric physician about his own dad is very emotional.

What did you think of the book?  To order the book or get more information, go to www.hyperion.com. 

Dementia Care: The Best Friends Approach

If you haven't heard about the "Best Friends" Approach to dementia care, you need to learn the simple philosophy.  Virginia Bell and David Troxel, two dementia care professionals, came up with the easy concept a number of years ago and have published books and videos that explain the process. 

Here is a summary of the Best Friends Model of Dementia Care:

1.  Caregivers need to learn about dementia:  the basics of the disease and what to expect

2.  Learn what it feels like to have dementia so behaviors can be understood, especially the cause   

3.  Focus on a "can do" approach:  what are the things the person with dementia can still do?

4.  Master communication techniques including active listening, simple instructions, boosting self-esteem.

5.  Persons with dementia need a "best friend", a person who with be supportive and be with them through the disease process.

 The authors also talk about "knack" or "the art of doing difficult things with ease".  They give lots of tips and specific activities to support their concepts.

To learn more or to order any of the books or tapes, please visit www.bestfriendsapproach.com or www.healthpropress.com.

Has anyone used the best friend techniques and want to share experiences?