In just the short amount of time I've been a member, I've seen this topic come up on several threads: the lack of a comprehensive and easy to use resource for new caregivers that can help them find their way through the complicated and exhausting world of caregiving. Is there a good one out there already? How about an online resource that pulls together the wealth of knowledge our posters have contributed? A checklist for new potential caregivers, that "examines the conscience" to see if they're really up to what they will be facing? Wish I had the time to do it!
This website is a great resource, so much written about, but to bind it and market it?
Like Glad said, most of what I learned was from reading all over this site. I read topics that had nothing to do with my situation. I spent the whole 3 day weekend reading and reading. Weeks just reading everything. I learned about POAs, APS, etc...
But this doesn't cover all of it. I have found some real knowledge when I was on leave and stayed home to be there to meet mom's caregivers who come to sponge bathe. I asked questions about this and that. When I met with dad's social worker, I also asked questions. When mom was in the hospital, I watched the nurses, asked questions nicely so that I learn why they were doing what they did.
I have never read 'The 36 Hour Day'. But that book has been recommended by the Alzheimer associations and even among the medical communities dealing with dementia.
The author has developed 15 common sense guidelines which address a wide variety of concerns by helping caregivers to solve problems or even prevent them. The guidelines also address negative behaviors such as wandering, combativeness, paranoia and sundowning. The book explains what dementia is, how it affects people who suffer from it and why these behaviors occur.
Stephanie D Zeman MSN RN has included over 40 true heartwarming stories about her patients with dementia and ways in which the guidelines were applied to help resolve their problems and enhance the individuals quality of life
Since one of the best ways to learn is by example,
Stephanie D Zeman MSN RN has included over 40 true heartwarming stories about her patients with dementia and ways in which the guidelines were applied to help resolve their problems and enhance the individuals quality of life."
...
Over the years have got to know Stephanie Z on https://alzconnected.org/ forum. This an excellent group for caregivers
,,,,
I just purchased a Harvard Med School report/booklet "A guide to coping with Alzheimer's Disease" My first quick read shows a really good and useful publication.
...
36 Hour day is tough and good
"Creating Moments of Joy"
https://www.coursera.org/course/dementiacare
Anyway, I'm now reading another Alzheimer book. Love Never Sleeps by Mary Summer Rain. It's not what you're asking on a guidebook for new caregiver. It's about her roommate bringing to their home her mother who had cognitive problems that no longer allowed her to live on her own. The first part of the book is the roommate's story. They had to keep changing their lives and their home to adjust as her mom's dementia increased. The wandering at night in the house and finally outside to the woods (which they live in the isolated country - wolves, etc..) She wanted to build an addition to their home for mom using mom's money but her sibling dissented. So, that was out. The mom's beginning paranoia that they're taking her money, etc... As I read the book, I can't help but see my mom's actions with her mom's. I'm only on page 47 out of 365 pages.