The DRM Guide to Disability Resources on the Internet: Sponsors

	DISABILITY RESOURCES ONLINE
	Monitoring, Reviewing and Reporting on Resources For Independent Living
	Updated 2/2006
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Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories: A Support Group In A Book
by Lynda A. Markut and Anatole Crane
Vanderbilt University Press, 2005. Softcover, 253 pages, $24.95
The good news is that Americans are living longer. The bad news is that, along with that longevity, comes an increase in illness and disease secondary to the aging process. One of the most debilitating conditions of later life is dementia. Not only is a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct dementia, etc. catastrophic for the patient, the news also means a major change for his or her family members who are most likely to be caregivers. In Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories, Lynda A. Markut and Anatole Crane offer advice and support for individuals who find themselves, all too often, isolated and overwhelmed by their caregiving roles.
The authors know only too well how dementia impacts on the entire family. In addition to being the facilitators of a support group for dementia caregivers at a midwestern social service agency, both have been caregivers for family members of their own. Realizing how important support from others in similar situations can be, they have drawn upon their agency's group and have compiled a thoughtful and practical work aimed at making daily life better for all concerned. While the authors admit that the clients in this book are fairly homogenous from an affluent, white suburb, their need for information and support from the time of diagnosis to final passage is typical of many families. Readers of more diverse backgrounds seeking a general introduction to caregiving concerns and solutions should also find Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories helpful.

-Reviewed by Sally Rosenthal


About the reviewer: A former college librarian and occupational therapist, Sally Rosenthal now volunteers in nursing homes with her guide dog Boise as part of a pet therapy organization.