"This is a book that every caregiver should read. McCurry draws upon her experience as part of the best research team in the world that looks at caring for people with dementia, and offers clear, practical stratgies for managing the most stressful problems that families encounter. These approaches will make a difference." -- Steven H. Zarit, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University "As a physician who has worked with dementia patients and their caregivers, and a clinical scientist who has done research in the field, I believe this direct, practical, and insightful book will be extremely helpful to lay and professional caregivers. I would definitely recommend this to families." -- Eric B. Larson, MD, MPH, Director, Group Health Cooperative, Center for Health Studies, Professor of Medicine, University of Washington
Foreword by Linda Teri, Ph.D. Preface The Problem: Dementia Caregiving is Hard! Why Resilience Matters The Program: Learning the Dementia Dance Don't Argue! Accept the Disease Nurture Yourself Create Novel Solutions Enjoy the Moment The Promise: You can do it! Appendix A. Caregiver Resources Notes Bibliography Index
Susan M. McCurry is Research Associate Professor in the Department of Psychosocial and Community Health and Adjunct Research Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington and an attending psychologist in the Geriatric and Family Services Clinic in the U.W. Internal Medicine Department.
"Clinical psychologist McCurry presents a glimpse into the world of
persons diagnosed with dementia, or care recipients and their
resilient family caregivers. The main audience clearly is family
caregivers, and perhaps professionals and practitioners who work
with family caregivers or support groups. McCurry labels her
program The Dementia Dance or DANCE, an acronym for five core
principles for resilient caregivers. In this readable book, the
author identifies what she defines as the art of learning
resilience and the characteristics of resilient caregivers. Her
case studies readily highlight the components of resilience.
McCurry provides exercises at the end of chapters to assist
caregivers in developing strategies for dealing with the
difficulties they face. The book's intended audiences will be able
to usefully apply this book. Although faculty in many disciplines
could incorporate it in the classroom, its best use will be by
professionals or practitioners, along with resilient caregivers, in
guiding already-overburdened family caregivers who are experiencing
coping challenges. Recommended. Professionals/practitioners;
general readers; lower-/upper-level undergraduates." - Choice
"If you are a caregiver, you need this book! It may be beneficial
for you to have family and friends read it to understand the
D.A.N.C.E. principles. This way you will be on the same page when
coming up with possible solutions to the many problems faced by
caregivers and their patients. I suggest that physicians and other
professionals treating Alzheimer's patients have this book in their
waiting rooms and on their office shelves. Tell caregivers about it
-- it will help them survive this situation without become totally
frustrated themselves." - metapsychology.mentalhelp.net
"Although unsettling for a reader who has not been involved with
dementia, the book is an authentic and heartening companion for
those who are in the midst of providing such care, and for those
who are beginning the journey into a dark and bewildering future
with someone they love." - Care Management Journals
"[T]eaches caregivers how to take advantage of their own unique
inner resources to overcome the special challenges of dementia in a
loved one. But it does more than encourage inner resilience:
chapters provide specific tips and tools for developing inner
resources and strategies, and offer five core principles which link
these strategies to life. Vignettes blend with practical tip
applications. inner resources and strategies, and offer five core
principles which link these strategies to life. Vignettes blend
with practical tip applications." - Midwest Book Review -
California Bookwatch
"Susan McCurry's book about the resilient caregiver is a wonderful
addition to the literature for people caring for individuals
experiencing significant memory deterioration....With respect and
compassion, she provides an easy-to-remember set of tools for those
who are living with and loving an adult whose memory and self-care
capacity are degenerating. McCurry's book is an eloquent and timely
example of giving psychology away. It contains a variety of helpful
ideas familiar to practicing clinicians in language that makes them
accessible to very busy nonpsychologists....McCurry conveys a
hopefulness that can encourage people to find the best in
themselves and in the people they love, even when those people are
no longer able to take responsibility for their part of the
relationship. This capacity to give more, coupled with the ability
to find joy in the giving, is deeply inspirational to me. I honor
and appreciate those caregivers who are making the world a better
place for all of us." - P&T
"[T]he book is a fine guide to a practical philosophy of providing
care while maintaining one's own emotional balance." -
PsycCritiques
"[A]n important and accessible guide for caregivers facing the
daunting task of providing support to a loved one with dementia;
McCurry's excellent book is filled with practical advice." - THE
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
"McCurry points out that no two people with dementia are alike, and
that caregivers must learn to rely on their own creativity and
innate resources to help their loved ones. She clearly and honestly
describes a number of situations in which caregivers may find
themselves and their loved ones, and also shows how caregivers
choose to react can affect not only the quality of life for the
loved one but also for the caregiver. She gives caregivers tools
they can use to develop resilience as their loved ones' behaviors
change and advises them to practice five core principles: do not
argue, accept the disease, nurture yourself, create novel
situations, and enjoy the moment. She also provides a list of
resources and a bibliography." - SciTech Book News
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