Overview

Individuals with dementia demonstrate presence every day, and they ask us to enter their world; they ask us to connect with them. Through my personal journey, I have learned that true connection is about giving our complete attention to the person sitting next to us. It's about being present--with our spouse or partner, children, friends, coworkers and even our pets. It takes commitment and it is hard work, but ultimately it provides life's greatest reward: a sense of love and belonging. This book is a compilation of stories to illustrate the power of presence when caring for individuals who have dementia, along with valuable insights and practical tips that caregivers can immediately apply to improve the quality of life for all involved.

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9780578594798

Table of Contents

Reviews

"""In her book Being With Dementia, Miekka Zanders reminds us of the importance of being present in the moment when providing support to a person living with dementia. To demonstrate this, Zanders shares compelling stories that highlight the value of person-centered dementia care. I would suggest this book as a resource for both professional care providers and family members as they support individuals living with dementia."" Lakelyn Hogan, MA, MBA, Gerontologist and Caregiver Advocate, Home Instead Senior Care (R) ""What a wonderful and practical contribution to the literature surrounding care of the increasing worldwide elderly population and all its related challenges. Her book is both entertaining and instructive. Zanders has used the lost art of ""storytelling"" to illustrate and teach based on real experiences. It is equally relevant for senior living facility residents, family members, physicians, and caregivers as a roadmap to a better understanding of dementia communication. The book is a gift to the entire population, and I look forward to it being available as a valuable resource to making the journey and challenges of aging move to a better place."" Jim Eden, Retired Gerontologist, Developer and Operator of More than 300 Senior Care Facilities, Former Executive Vice President of Marriott Corporation and General Manager of Marriott Senior Living Services, Past Chairman of the Alliance for Aging Research in Washington, D.C., and Past President of the National Association of Senior Living Industries ""The stories and tips that Miekka offers are professional and from the heart. Each story is from a personal experience. It is practical real-life advice--a great communication tool and must read for any caregiver."" Stella Montano, Wyoming Chapter Alzheimer's Association Board Member, Retired Director of Family Caregiver Services, Sheridan Senior Center, and Caregiver Advocate, Sheridan, Wyoming, a Dementia-Friendly Community ""This lovely and gentle book teaches professional and family caregivers how to touch the souls of those seeking to be found in the midst of Alzheimer's disease. An important read for those who've chosen a career of caring for others."" Julie Masters, PhD, Gerontologist ""What an excellent resource for those who work or live with our beloveds with dementia. Miekka has artfully written of her experiences with elders and provides insight, compassion and 'teaching moments' with each story told. Beautifully tender and deeply soulful, she enters and honors each person's experience while truly seeing through the eyes of dementia."" Carol Taylor, LCSW, Geriatric Social Worke"

In her book Being With Dementia, Miekka Zanders reminds us of the importance of being present in the moment when providing support to a person living with dementia. To demonstrate this, Zanders shares compelling stories that highlight the value of person-centered dementia care. I would suggest this book as a resource for both professional care providers and family members as they support individuals living with dementia. Lakelyn Hogan, MA, MBA, Gerontologist and Caregiver Advocate, Home Instead Senior Care (R) What a wonderful and practical contribution to the literature surrounding care of the increasing worldwide elderly population and all its related challenges. Her book is both entertaining and instructive. Zanders has used the lost art of storytelling to illustrate and teach based on real experiences. It is equally relevant for senior living facility residents, family members, physicians, and caregivers as a roadmap to a better understanding of dementia communication. The book is a gift to the entire population, and I look forward to it being available as a valuable resource to making the journey and challenges of aging move to a better place. Jim Eden, Retired Gerontologist, Developer and Operator of More than 300 Senior Care Facilities, Former Executive Vice President of Marriott Corporation and General Manager of Marriott Senior Living Services, Past Chairman of the Alliance for Aging Research in Washington, D.C., and Past President of the National Association of Senior Living Industries The stories and tips that Miekka offers are professional and from the heart. Each story is from a personal experience. It is practical real-life advice--a great communication tool and must read for any caregiver. Stella Montano, Wyoming Chapter Alzheimer's Association Board Member, Retired Director of Family Caregiver Services, Sheridan Senior Center, and Caregiver Advocate, Sheridan, Wyoming, a Dementia-Friendly Community This lovely and gentle book teaches professional and family caregivers how to touch the souls of those seeking to be found in the midst of Alzheimer's disease. An important read for those who've chosen a career of caring for others. Julie Masters, PhD, Gerontologist What an excellent resource for those who work or live with our beloveds with dementia. Miekka has artfully written of her experiences with elders and provides insight, compassion and 'teaching moments' with each story told. Beautifully tender and deeply soulful, she enters and honors each person's experience while truly seeing through the eyes of dementia. Carol Taylor, LCSW, Geriatric Social Worke

Author Information

Miekka Zanders is a social worker and nursing home administrator with a special interest in dementia care and quality of life. Over the past ten years Miekka has worked with residents, team members and families in multiple long-term care communities to improve understanding and communication for those with dementia.

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