Book or free webinar recommendations?

Teachertee

A friend recently gifted me 2 books through Kindle called The 36 Hour Day and another called Surviving Dementia Without Losing Your Mind.  I am purchasing these in paperback copies for my dad who is the primary caregiver for my mom (PWD).

Are there any other books or online resources that any of you found to be helpful through your journey with your LO PWD?  Trying to use the abbreviations listed here.

My dad is not a big reader, but I did share this website with him, talk about the support groups for our state's chapter and mentioned the message boards as well.  I have sent him links to these all in an email for easier access.

Gathering some resources for him, but am hesitant for her to see him reading these things or walk in while he is in an online support group.  We even had him try on some earphones of mine to use with his laptop!

Due to COVID restrictions, they are always together and she's showing some paranoia since her diagnosis and is aware enough to have seen it on the paperwork as the neurologist read over her latest MRI findings with her and my father. Showing some denial and having a tough time digesting things, which is understandable.

  I had him come over for a family meeting with masks so my sister and I could talk to him on his own.  That was helpful to put things out on the table and just let him know we are here to assist in any possible ways and want to help.  

Thanks for any advice or recommendations for resources.

jfkoc

It is wonderful that you and your sister are a team with your father. One of the most helpful things my daughter and one friend did was to set up a definite schedule of when they would help and what they would be doing. It was something I could count on in addition to knowing I could call them if needed.

My go to book is I'm Still Here: A New Philosophy of Alzheimer's Care Paperback by John Zeisel .

aod326

Hi - how great that you're giving your father practical support as well as emotional support.  You mentioned that your father isn't much of a reader. One of the websites I found helpful is careblazers.com. On there you/he will see the link to the You Tube videos - very helpful, with practical suggestions. As far as books are concerned, I wish I'd had Untangling Alzheimers, by Tam Cummings, from the beginning.

Recently I found "Learning to Speak Alzheimers", by Joanne Koenig Coste, also extremely helpful.

Having said that, I learned the most valuable info on how to cope, on this message board!

Good luck!

aod326

Also, you might check out the websites of some Memory Care facilities. I've been on webinars for several. One great series was with a group of homes in New England, which is way out of my area, but they didn't mind me joining. That MC group is called "Bridges by Epoch". I've also been on webinars put on by Art\is.

4Grams

Two books that has helped are: 1. “Surfing the Waves of Alzheimer’s” by Dr. Renee Harmon. She also has a blog. 2. “A Pocket Guide for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver” by Dr. Daniel Potts and Ellen Woodward Potts 

Teepa Snow has great information. 

BassetHoundAnn

I just discovered this free podcast by the Alzheimer's Research Center at University of Wisconsin. The first part is about depression in dementia patients, with tips for caregivers from a geriatric psychiatrist.

"Identifying and Managing Mental Health Issues in Older Adults"

https://www.adrc.wisc.edu/dementia-matters/identifying-and-managing-mental-health-issues-older-adults

The link mentions that there are regular podcasts on dementia that one can subscribe to through Spotify, iTunes, etc. 

Rescue mom

One of the best things for caregivers and family is free, online. It’s like a pamphlet or short booklet: “Understanding the Dementia Experience” by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller. You can Google to find it, then print if wanted, free. It was about 25 printed pages, IIRC. Or, I think it’s also available for purchase ; you may have to scroll down a bit to find the free version.

The 36 Hour Day is packed with info, but not an easy read, just IMO. 

Beachfan

I thoroughly second Rescue Mom’s recommendation.  You can download this 27 page article from the internet for free.  It is a great resource- - addresses all aspects of dementia in easy to read/understand layman’s language.  I’m sure one of our valuable members will post a link; I am not good at technology.  Welcome aboard; browse the forums, there is a wealth of firsthand knowledge here.  Good luck.

Whyzit

A book that gives me encouragement is “Daily Comforts for Caregivers” by Pat Samples. It gives a short positive message for each day of the year.