The 36-Hour Day - Tundraco's Daily Living Guide to Book Reviews

Tundraco's Daily Living Guide to Book Reviews

The 36-Hour Day

Magazines $10 & Less

The 36-Hour Day
A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life
By Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
John Hopkins Press Health Book
Large Print Edition (2001)
ISBN: 0-8018-6521-2

Reviewed by Rochelle Caviness

Dealing with a family member that has Alzheimer's or a related dementing illness can be a horrendous undertaking. Not only do you have to face the devastating fact that your loved one is no longer as capable of caring for himself as he once was, but you also face the loss of some of your own independence when you undertake the care of a person who may require round the clock supervision. However, with support and knowledge you can learn to effectively care for the patient, and just as importantly, care for yourself. And as important, by understanding the problems that you must face, you will be better able to meet and overcome any obstacles in your way, thereby greatly improving the quality of life for the family member that you are caring for.

The 36-Hour Day is packed with advice and information about Dementia. It clearly describes what dementia is, how it is diagnosed, possible treatment options, and what problems may be faced by the patient and their caregivers. It also describes the various conditions that can lead to dementia, and the long term prognosis for various dementia related illnesses. As well, it examines current research being conducted into understanding the causes of dementia and the efforts being made to find a cure. This book is written for those family members who have taken on the responsibility of being the caregiver for someone with dementia. It also offers information for other family members who, while not in a direct caregiving role, also interact with the patient.

Throughout, the authors have included examples of problems that other people have had to deal with, and with tact and caring, offer suggestions on how to overcome such problems. This book covers the full gamut of concerns related to dementia, ranging from medical to legal issues. I think what many people will find most helpful are the chapters on Behavioral and Daily Care problems, as these are often the most pressing issues faced by a caregiver. This book endeavors to help you to provide care for a loved one in a manner that preserves the dignity and well-being of the patient. It also tries to explain the various behavioral and psychological problems that a person with dementia may develop, such as paranoia. The authors offer practical suggestions on how to handle these problems, and whenever possible, how to prevent them from arising in the first place. Especially important are the tips given on how to handle problems that arise in public.

Perhaps the biggest point made in this book is that you have a duty to both yourself, and your patient, to take care of yourself. The book also explains why it is vital that you take time off away from the patient, so that you can 'recharge your batteries'. Besides offering advice on caring for the patient, the authors also offer advice on caring for yourself, and the problems that you might face - both physically and mentally - as a result of your caregiver duties. As the title suggests, caring for someone with dementia can make the days seem 36-hours long. If you don't take care of yourself, you'll be in no shape to take care of your loved one. The authors have also included a chapter written just for children and teenagers. This chapter helps explain to them what dementia is, why their family member with the disease acts the way he does, and how to deal with the unkind remarks of others.

In short, The 36-Hour Day is a comprehensive resource guide that will help you learn to care for family members suffering from Alzheimer disease or other dementia related illnesses. It offers practical suggestions on a variety of functional issues such as how to choose, and pay for, a nursing home. As well as tips on how to deal with more subjective issues, such as the emotional impact of the disease, for both patients and caregivers. It also highlights some issues that you may have never considered, such as who will take over your caregiving role if you become ill or if you die? Also included are suggestions on various material to read if you want to learn more about dementia and Alzheimer's. The text also includes an up-to-date detailed list of organizations that can offer you assistance, information, or support to help you better care for your loved one.

Reprinted, with Permission, from Large Print Reviews
www.largeprintreviews.com

Back to top

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only.

Always consult your doctor for medical advice.

Click Here to Return to Tundraco's Daily Living Guide to Reviews Main Index

Copyright © Tundraco & Tundraco.com 2003 - 2007 - All Rights Reserved