Common Sense Guidelines for Alzheimer’s dementia
KISSES FOR ELIZABETH
by Stephanie Zeman, MSN RN
This Book is a heartwarming sharing of knowledge through life stories about common sense guidelines that are a must-have for the caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s dementia.
A common sense resource, this book will be the place to turn for those having difficulties due to Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Too often the family is feeling confused and angry, unsure about appropriate care. Many behaviors experienced because of dementia create confusion for all.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia behaviors are totally unpredictable and challenging for any caregiver.
Ms Zeman discusses several kinds of dementia, each with its own behavior patterns. These behaviors may vary from one person to the next. She explains how a single person may have more than one type of dementia, creating even more issues with a variety of behaviors. Many behaviors are stressful for the person with dementia and challenging for the caregiver as well.
With this book, Stephanie Zeman shares heartfelt stories of her days as a Geriatric nurse with dementia patients and experiences while educating and training families and professionals about dementia care.
In the very first Chapter we meet Elizabeth. Elizabeth of all those Kisses! This was the sweetest story. I saw reflections of my own mother in “Elizabeth.” Who would think of kisses while someone with dementia threw an angry tantrum? Rather than recite the story, I’ll let you read it for yourself. It’s delightful. I will give a small spoiler.
Elizabeth loved kisses and they had a calming effect on her
Ms Zeman educates others about caring for someone with dementia through 15 Guidelines– She doesn’t have to discuss or explain these guidelines because she shows each one in action through a collection of personal stories. The absolute best way to learn.
She speaks of the dementia patient who no longer wants to shower, whether from fear or irritability— Then she shows how to handle it with common sense for the best result.
Whether it’s personal hygiene, lost inhibitions, sleeplessness, wandering, sundowning, a physical issue, or emotional issue— Stephanie Zeman finds a common sense solution that leaves the caregiver as well as the person with dementia feeling good about themselves. Every solution enhances the quality of life and lowers frustration for the person with dementia.
The 15 Guidelines speak of putting yourself in place of someone else and learning how they feel.
Learning to use tools like common sense, respect, dignity, appropriate activities, communication, independence, feel goods, something important to do, understanding, guided choices, validation of feelings, holistic care, diversion and distraction, and even religion.
I think you get the idea. Each story gives so many guidelines I could never list them all, but it means care and love and kindness and choices for the person with Alzheimer’s and dementia and a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for the caregiver as well.
As you read “Kisses for Elizabeth” you will meet Elizabeth along with Jane the Lead Nurse, Stephanie Zeman the Author, Grandma the Singer/Bubble Aficionado, Peggy the Fashionista, Charlie the man with 2 wives (both agreeable of course), Harold the Foreman and Harriet the Seductress and many many others. You’ll get to know and love them all. You’ll be able to put yourself in their place and understand what it’s like to be confused and unsure and to crave choices and things from a time long ago.
As a caregiver, you’ll learn how to help your loved one make their own choices because making choices–
Makes People Feel Good! Giving your loved one choices whenever possible creates pleasure and reduces frustration. When your loved one is happy, you are happy. And I can tell you, this book will make you happy.
It’s been a great pleasure to read and review this book and meet all the wonderful people inside. ~Sandy
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Author: Stephanie Zeman MSN RN is a nurse specialist in dementia care and she has worked with this fragile population for over 20 years. Her experience with dementia patients includes hands on care, the development of several dementia units and the provision of education and training for families and professionals. She was a past chair of the training committee for The Northern Virginia Alzheimer’s Chapter and was a board member for several years. Stephanie has frequently been a speaker for programs and seminars on dementia care and has been a presenter at the National Alzheimer’s Association Educational Conferences.
Website: Kisses for Elizabeth
