Small Triumphs: Lessons in Alzheimer's and Love - Softcover

Inhaltsangabe

During the many years Holly Stern took care of her husband with Alzheimer's, she had no desire to spend her limited unclaimed time reading about the disease, especially since no one was offering much to even slow it down. What she would have wanted was a book of companionship for the journey, told with compassion and humor. This is the book she has written.

Caring for anyone with dementia can be very isolating, especially as communication and a sense of reality wane. Only those who have trod the path can really understand what you are going through. Most people enter this role with little or no training, stumbling over unfamiliar situations, picking up tidbits as they go. Sometimes the "not knowing" itself becomes stressful.

Part memoir, part advice book, Small Triumphs takes you on Stern's journey through her husband's Alzheimer's, sharing her blunders and denials, workarounds, kindnesses, and deepening love. In some situations, she found the best solution was simply to laugh.

The book is divided into three main sections: "The Journey," "Lessons Learned," and "Afterward." Always a fan of a good story, Stern has woven her "take-aways" into the narrative of the life she shared with her husband. Interspersed throughout the book, Stern's heartfelt and often heart-wrenching poetry takes readers into the depths of both love and despair.

Among the subjects covered are:

• Dealing with your loved one's fears
• Finding joy amidst the chaos
• Keeping your loved one safe
• How to explain dementia to a child
• Options for residential care
• Grieving the "long goodbye"

Small Triumphs will be of help not only to active caregivers, but also to those who want to support them. Outsiders are often at a loss as to what assistance they can provide. Sometimes what is needed most is not words of advice, but someone who will simply listen.

Here is what pre-publication readers have to say:

"Small Triumphs is an amazing self-revealing journey, portrayed with much love, common sense, and humor."
MJ Williams, Montana Hall of Fame Musician, Caregiver

"This is a must read for all caregivers, families, friends, and loved ones experiencing the ravages of Alzheimer's."
Dorothy Linville, Business Owner

"Stern writes honestly about the brutality of Alzheimer's, but this book is not grim. She skillfully balances the tragic with the humor and love she shared with her husband. You don't need to be dealing with Alzheimer's to be enriched by Stern's writing, but if you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, keep this book handy for the day you need it."
Betsy Parker, Retired Speech and Language Pathologist

"Small Triumphs demonstrates the humanity and courage of a couple, as they dealt with the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. It should prove valuable for those who face a similar future."
Dr. Naomi Wamacks, Professor Emerita

A portion of the profits from this book will be shared with the Alzheimer's Association, which provides much support to those dealing with this disease.

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