36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life
- Book Review,
by Nancy L. Mace
From Library Journal
It has been estimated that five percent of older people suffer from severe intellectual impairment. So these two eloquent and readable guides will be much in demand as the number of families facing the challenge of caring for a relative with some form of dementing illness continues to grow. First published in 1981, The 36-Hour Day follows the format of the previous two editions but has been thoroughly updated to incorporate new information on the latest research, several drugs that hold promise, and genetic aspects of Alzheimer's. The heart of the guide remains unchanged, focusing on helping families cope with this progressive and irreversible disease. Besides tips on how to care for the demented during the various stages of the disease (for example, place a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door), the text discusses the different kinds of help available and how to seek it. Financial and legal issues are well covered, while sections on nursing homes and other alternative living arrangements provide advice and practical suggestions. Appendixes list recent books, videos, web sites, and U.S. and international organizations. The thrust of GentlecareR is a well-argued plea for a radical change in the way we care for Alzheimer's patients. In outlining her program, Jones states that this rethinking involves people, physical space, and individualized programs. Everyone in the physical plant, from maintenance worker to director, belongs to the care-giving team, as do family members and volunteers. Only when impaired persons can no longer perform for themselves a task like feeding themselves or dressing should it be done for them. Care should concentrate on what can be done, not what cannot. Because her emphasis is on the need for a comprehensive program of care and concentrates more on the institutional setting, Jones does not provide as many practical suggestions or the depth of advice for home care that Mace and Rabins do. Rather, her book describes how facilities can be designed and staffs trained to optimize the quality of life for patients. Both titles are highly recommended: Rabins and Mace for the practical help and advice, Jones for her eloquent presentation of a comprehensive program that treats patients with dignity.AJodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Book News, Inc.
Providing support and factual information to equip families with the tools needed to effectively care for relatives with dementing disorders, this volume covers topics ranging from what dementia is to the various physical and psychological problems that its sufferers experience. Also covered are how it affects family members, financial and legal issues, and caretaking arrangements. Paper edition (unseen), $13.95.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR
Review
"Both a guide and a legend."-- Chicago Tribune
Book Description
"I welcome with enthusiasm the third edition of this book for families and friends of patients with dementing illnesses. It has served well in its prior appearances and should accomplish even more with this edition." -- Paul R. McHugh, M.D., in the forewordThrough two editions, this best-selling book has remained the "bible" for families who are giving care to people with Alzheimer disease. The 36-Hour Day has offered comfort and support to millions of people in North America and, in translations and adapted editions, throughout the rest of the world. For this third edition, the authors have retained the structure, scope, and purpose of the original book, while thoroughly updating chapters to reflect the latest medical research and the current delivery of care. Topics that have been added or extensively revised include: Updated terminology and statistics • New material on the evaluation of persons with dementia • Updated changes in laws on driving • A new section on hospice care • New information on assisted living facilities and financing care • Information on other types of dementia • The latest findings on eating and nutrition • New medical research in areas such as drugs, genetics, and diagnostic tests. The revised appendices include: New bibliographic references • websites • Updated addresses of associations and state offices. Praise for previous editions:"The best guide of its kind." -- Chicago Sun Times"An excellent book for families who are caring for persons with dementia... A book that physicians can confidently recommend to the families of their patients." -- Journal of the American Medical Association"Excellent guidance and clear information of a kind that the family needs... The authors offer the realistic advice that sometimes it is better to concede the patient's frailties than to try to do something about them, and that a compassionate sense of humor often helps." -- New York Times"An excellent, practical manual for families and professionals involved in the care of persons with progressive illnesses... The book is specific and thought-provoking, and it will be helpful to anyone even remotely involved with an 'impaired' person... Highly recommended, especially for public and nursing libraries." -- Library Journal" The 36-Hour Day has served its readers well. The revised edition should be even more useful both to family caregivers and professional health care providers." -- HMO Practice"The reader who is familiar with the first edition will recognize the strengths that continue in the revised edition -- numerous case examples, practical advice, thoroughness of coverage, and communication of caring and humane attitudes while presenting information that may be sensitive and upsetting to families." -- Clinical Gerontologist
Download Description
Updated with the newest information on Alzheimer's Disease and dementia, this bestselling book has remained the "bible" for families who are giving care toafflicted loved ones.
Book Info
Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD. Text for families and friends of those suffering with Alzheimer disease, dementia, and memory loss. Includes new information on: laws; assisted living; eating and nutrition; and medical research on drugs, genetics, and diagnostic tests. Previous edition: c1991. Hardcover, softcover also available.
About the Author
Nancy L. Mace, M.A., now retired, was a consultant to and a member of the board of directors of the Alzheimer's Association and an assistant in psychiatry and coordinator of the T. Rowe and Eleanor Price Teaching Service of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Peter V. Rabins, M.D., M.P.H., is a professor of psychiatry, with joint appointments in medicine, mental hygiene, and health policy and management, director of the geriatric neuropsychiatry section, and director of the T. Rowe and Eleanor Price Teaching Service of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
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