Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories: A Support Group in a Book »

Lynda A. Markut is the clinical director at Family Alliance, Inc., a not-for-profit comprehensive social service agency in Woodstock, Illinois. She conducts several support groups and was the caregiver for her parents, who both had vascular dementia.

Anatole Crane, a retired microbiologist, co-facilitates a spouse dementia support group and is president of the board of directors of Family Alliance. For fifteen years, he was the caregiver for his wife, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Some speak of how they developed techniques to help with the everyday things their family members were beginning to forget. Others tell of the verbal and physical violence they received from those who were once gentle and loving. Still others meditate on the empty place left by an inevitable death. You get to know and care about them all. Markut and Crane, both professionals in the field and long-term caregivers to family members, present their collection of observations and advice from those who have cared for a loved one from the early symptoms and diagnosis to the final transition, covering behavior changes, emotions, transitions, holidays, loss, stress, and meaningful connections. They include profiles of their friends with dementia and their caregivers, and a caregivers' list of resources. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Contents Introduction Early Symptoms and Diagnosis Who Cares and How They Do It The Challenge of Behavior Changes Maintaining Meaningful Involvement in Life The Emotions of Caregiving Transitions: Taking the Next Step Holidays and Other Celebrations Coping with Losses Caregiver Stress Meaningful Connections Terminal Stage: Moving Forward Growth Through Caring Messages to Caregivers Resources for Caregivers