Table of Contents
Foreword viii
Preface x
Chapter 1 Adjusting to a Diagnosis 12
Effects on the person diagnosed with dementia 13
Effects on the family 15
Next steps 20
How to talk about the diagnosis 24
Chapter 2 Charting a Path Forward
Fill out the proper paperwork 31
Prepare for appointments 32
Make sure you and your loved one are heard 32
Create a plan to stay in touch 34
Let the doctor take the blame 34
Connect with your own health care provider 35
Planning for the future 35
Chapter 3 What it Means to be a Caregiver 43
Challenges and benefits of caregiving 44
An unrequested role 49
Chapter 4 Overcoming Common Caregiver Challenges 52
Learn everything you can 53
Focus on well-being 54
Offer empathy 55
Recognize strengths and potential 56
Understand and reduce distress 63
Communicate skillfully 68
Chapter 5 Creating a Dementia-Friendly Environment 78
Evaluate lighting 79
Use contrasting colors; limit busy patterns 79
Reduce the risk of falls 79
Add simple signs 80
Remove clutter 80
Reduce noise 80
Avoid bathroom injuries 80
Prevent burns or fire 80
Put away potentially dangerous items 81
Take precautions in the garage and beyond 81
Support daily tasks 81
Reduce late-day confusion and improve sleep 91
Chapter 6 Living Well as a Caregiver 94
Moving toward acceptance 96
Addressing guilt and grief 101
Chapter 7 Understanding Caregiver Stress and Burnout 106
Balance your focus 108
Practicing mindfulness 112
Showing yourself compassion 115
Chapter 8 Finding Support 120
Informal support 121
Formal support 122
Coping with family conflict 124
Chapter 9 Planning for the End of Life 128
Starting the conversation 129
Putting preferences in writing 133
Dementia's effects at the end of life 136
Offering person-centered care 138
Providing comfort at the end of life 139
Coping with death 141
Resources 145
Selected Recommended Reading 150
Index 152
