Author Description

Alzheimer's disease does not play favorites; it affects people of every income and education level. This increasingly common condition robs patients' cognitive and functional abilities, forcing caregivers to be on duty 24 hours a day. Consequently, Alxheimer's often takes a serious, unexpected toll on those who nurse the patient, inflicting significant emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. This entry in the Comfort of Home series shows family and para-professional home caregivers how to be ready for all of Alzheimer's stages, with special emphasis on how to provide physical, day-to-day care safely and without conflict. Some of the important topics covered here include responding to problem behaviors, arranging the home to make it safe and comfortable, purchasing equipment, traveling with Alzheimer's patients, handling emergencies, and communicating with healthcare professionals to get effective service. Each chapter contains a wealth of tips to reduce caregiver stress, while special sections offer strategies for preventing the kind of burnout all too common in this field.