Understanding That There Is Still Much More Life to Live Every Day

When a family member or friend is diagnosed with a brain illness (such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, or brain cancer), life as you know it has stopped. As changes become more apparent, the patient may look the same and sound the same—but he or she is not the same. In short, the essence of your loved one can gradually fade away, even as he or she continues to live.

Joni Aldrich and Neysa Peterson know this firsthand: They both cared for a spouse with a brain illness and know the difficulties of day-to-day living with the patient (who may not be patient). How you adapt and deal with the change are critical to both the health and welfare of the caregiver and care receiver. That’s why Joni and Neysa have combined their insights in this straight-talking guide to help others in their own journeys—to provide insight, shared experiences, and understanding…with compassion.

Support for Caregivers and Care Receivers

Readers will learn:
• How to create and maintain a warm, comfortable, and safe environment.
• How the caregiver can adapt to a constantly changing care receiver over the course of what may be years or decades.
• How to respond to personality and behavioral changes, including loss of social inhibition skills.
• How to guard your heart against emotional direct hits.
• How to handle issues related to changes in memory, the resulting confusion, and wandering.
• How to work through indifference, sadness, and depression towards some peace.
• How to cope with destructive behavior—safety is your number one concern!

You can continue to love and be loved as you brave the days that follow a brain illness diagnosis. Understanding with Compassion lightens your burden by providing tools to help caregivers and care receivers alike make the most of the journey that lies ahead.