Book Reviews

When a Family Member has Dementia: Steps to Becoming a Resilient Caregiver

One of the recent additions to the Mollie Tivol Resource Center is a book called When a Family Member Has Dementia:  Steps to Becoming a Resilient Caregiver by Susan McCurry.  It is one of my new favorites offering valuable information to families within a context of a supportive, loving philosophy.  Some of the major topic areas are, Why resilience matters, Don’t argue, Accept the disease, create novel solutions and enjoy the moment.  The final section is called “The Promise: You can do it”.  I like how she intertwines real examples and connects all with feelings.  She writes in an easy way that has much good advice embedded, especially for families caring for someone in the middle stages of this illness.  If one were reading only one book on caregiving, this would be a solid choice. 

Michelle Niedens
Education Director
Alzheimer’s Association – Heart of America Chapter