Description

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While there is an abundance of information about dementia for family caregivers to learn symptoms, skills, do's and don'ts, there is little to help them comprehend why it is so important to do everything differently than before this disease. And to fully understand the consequences when they don't. From the book Did I Remember To Tell You? caregivers gain insight into the difficulty of doing and saying the right things for the right reasons, in accordance with best care practices and are guided towards being the "perfect" caregiver. It is based on Pam Johnson's professional experience, spanning over forty years working with older adults in a variety of health care settings, coupled with the invaluable personal knowledge she gained while caring for her father. Learning about the disease and daily challenges from real-life stories effectively shows rather than tells caregivers what they need to know to make it from one day to the next. The stories create a powerful understanding of the tremendous impact this disease has on a loved one and remind us that Alzheimer's and other dementias are about much more than mere forgetfulness. With a casual conversational tone, Johnson teaches caregivers to speak compassionately, cope more effectively, and expect the unexpected.

About the Author

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For most of her life, Pam has worked in long-term care dedicated to meeting the needs of older adults and their families. She has held numerous professional positions including Nursing Facility Administrator, Director of Development for the Alzheimer's Association, and Alzheimer's consultant. In 2005, she founded Friends Place Adult Day Services, a specialized program for people with Alzheimer's/dementia. In 2008, she became the primary caregiver for her father when he was diagnosed with "Mixed Dementia." This personal understanding of the disease, and her vast knowledge and training prompted her to write this book specifically for dementia family caregivers.