This book is dedicated to those with dementia who fight to remain strong with purpose and a sense of personal identity. We honor you and your path leading to loss of self-awareness and finally death. We honor you for every day you smile, remain active, and challenge the disease. We honor you knowing that each day reminds you of impending loss. Your desire to carry on cannot be measured in stages, phases, or any calculated term. You remain you till your eyes close and peace surrounds. This is the face of dementia. It is essential to have a qualified professional provide a comprehensive assessment prior to beginning any treatment procedures. More than 15.4 million family members face the stress or soaring medical costs of providing care for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease. Individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's, families and close friends have the task of developing a plan which offers hope, love, confidence and knowledge. Offering safe practical ways to ensure quality care is critical. Learning what to expect as the disease progresses, what resources are available and how to work cooperatively with other family members and professionals are key components to providing quality care. Families are faced with increased interventions by medical, psychiatric, and social work professionals. Are these professionals addressing your pain? Can they provide answers that soothe your fears and grief while giving you hope for the time you have left with your loved one? Do you believe they truly understand what you and your loved one are going through? Can professionals feel your fear as your loved one begins to forget your name and eventually who you are at all? Can anyone feel the anticipation we experience as we age and begin to have memory decline? Younger children have the most difficult times understanding why their grandparent stops playing with them, says silly things, and eventually forgets who they are. These changes weigh heavily on each family member and tests the families' strength and determination to work through the challenges. Family Planning For Alzheimer's Disease: Essentials For Best Care is my second book addressing the critical and often difficult path for families. In this book, I offer a concrete step by step approach and suggestions to facing these challenges with sensitivity and clarity. In my first book, I outlined a more in-depth presentation of each phase of the disease accompanied by easy to read case studies and insightful questions which help readers develop their own strategies to adapt to each phase of the disease. Both books provide sound, loving and sensible support to help make informed decisions. Drawing from over 30 years in clinical practice and consultation with professional organizations and skilled care facilities, I guide you through your journey. I served on the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer's Association serving Arizona and Nevada. From initial acknowledgment of Alzheimer's through the unforgiving stages a family must negotiate as the disease progresses, I offer a practical approach to maintain the integrity and safety of the person affected with Alzheimer's, while providing the love, understanding, and care that all family members deserve.
About the Author: Dr. Mitchell L. Gelber, EdD. is a licensed psychologist practicing in Prescott, AZ. Dr. Gelber is publishing his second book focusing on Alzheimer's dementia along with articles and essays in several journals. He is a founding member of the Board of Directors of The Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Dr. Gelber consults with a number of skilled nursing facilities in Northern Arizona providing staff training and program development. Dr. Gelber has developed the first Youth Education Program in Arizona helping children understand how Alzheimer's disease affects family members and chairs the Music For Every Ear Program in Prescott whose goal is to provide selected music for people with Alzheimer's disease.