When a Family Member Has Dementia Steps to Becoming a Resilient Caregiver

Subjects:

• Psychology » Psychology (General)
• Sociology » Gerontology
• Psychology » Developmental Psychology

Reviews:

• Clinical psychologist McCurry presents a glimpse into the world of persons diagnosed with dementia, or care recipients and their resilient family caregivers. The main audience clearly is family caregivers, and perhaps professionals and practitioners who work with family caregivers or support groups. McCurry labels her program "The Dementia Dance" or DANCE, an acronym for five core principles for resilient caregivers. In this readable book, the author identifies what she defines as the art of learning resilience and the characteristics of resilient caregivers. Her case studies readily highlight the components of resilience. McCurry provides exercises at the end of chapters to assist caregivers in developing strategies for dealing with the difficulties they face. The book's intended audiences will be able to usefully apply this book. Although faculty in many disciplines could incorporate it in the classroom, its best use will be by professionals or practitioners, along with resilient caregivers, in guiding already-overburdened family caregivers who are experiencing coping challenges. Recommended. Professionals/practitioners; general readers; lower-/upper-level undergraduates.
  —Choice September 2006
• If you are a caregiver, you need this book! It may be beneficial for you to have family and friends read it to understand the D.A.N.C.E. principles. This way you will be on the same page when coming up with possible solutions to the many problems faced by caregivers and their patients. I suggest that physicians and other professionals treating Alzheimer's patients have this book in their waiting rooms and on their office shelves. Tell caregivers about it -- it will help them survive this situation without become totally frustrated themselves.
  —metapsychology.mentalhelp.net September 11, 2007
• Although unsettling for a reader who has not been involved with dementia, the book is an authentic and heartening companion for those who are in the midst of providing such care, and for those who are beginning the journey into a dark and bewildering future with someone they love.
  —Care Management Journals Winter 2006
• [T]eaches caregivers how to take advantage of their own unique inner resources to overcome the special challenges of dementia in a loved one. But it does more than encourage inner resilience: chapters provide specific tips and tools for developing inner resources and strategies, and offer five core principles which link these strategies to life. Vignettes blend with practical tip applications. inner resources and strategies, and offer five core principles which link these strategies to life. Vignettes blend with practical tip applications.
  —Midwest Book Review - California Bookwatch September 2006
• Susan McCurry's book about the resilient caregiver is a wonderful addition to the literature for people caring for individuals experiencing significant memory deterioration....With respect and compassion, she provides an "easy-to-remember set of tools" for those who are living with and loving an adult whose memory and self-care capacity are degenerating. McCurry's book is an eloquent and timely example of "giving psychology away." It contains a variety of helpful ideas familiar to practicing clinicians in language that makes them accessible to very busy nonpsychologists....McCurry conveys a hopefulness that can encourage people to find the best in themselves and in the people they love, even when those people are no longer able to take responsibility for their part of the relationship. This capacity to give more, coupled with the ability to find joy in the giving, is deeply inspirational to me. I honor and appreciate those caregivers who are making the world a better place for all of us.
  —P&T 2006
• [T]he book is a fine guide to a practical philosophy of providing care while maintaining one's own emotional balance.
  —PsycCritiques June 2006
• [A]n important and accessible guide for caregivers facing the daunting task of providing support to a loved one with dementia; McCurry's excellent book is filled with practical advice.
  —THE SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER April 28, 2006
• McCurry points out that no two people with dementia are alike, and that caregivers must learn to rely on their own creativity and innate resources to help their loved ones. She clearly and honestly describes a number of situations in which caregivers may find themselves and their loved ones, and also shows how caregivers choose to react can affect not only the quality of life for the loved one but also for the caregiver. She gives caregivers tools can use to develop resilience as their loved ones' behaviors change and advises them to practice five core principles: do not argue, accept the disease, nurture yourself, create novel situations, and enjoy the moment. She also provides a list of resources and a bibliography.
  —SciTech Book News March 2006

• Endorsement From Steven H. Zarit, Ph.D.
  Professor and Chair
  Department of Human Development and Family Studies
  The Pennsylvania State University: This is a book that every caregiver should read. McCurry draws upon her experience as part of the best research team in the world that looks at caring for people with dementia, and offers clear, practical stratgies for managing the most stressful problems that families encounter. These approaches will make a difference.
• Endorsement From Eric B. Larson, MD, MPH
  Director
  Group Health Cooperative, Center for Health Studies
  Professor, Medicine, University of Washington: As a physician who has worked with dementia patients and their caregivers, and a clinical scientist who has done research in the field, I believe this direct, practical, and insightful book will be extremely helpful to lay and professional caregivers. I would definitely recommend this to families.

Table of Contents:

• Foreword by Linda Teri, Ph.D.
• Preface
• The Problem: Dementia Caregiving is Hard!
• Why Resilience Matters
• The Program: Learning the Dementia Dance
• Don't Argue!
• Accept the Disease
• Nurture Yourself
• Create Novel Solutions
• Enjoy the Moment
• The Promise: You can do it!
• Appendix A. Caregiver Resources
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Index