The Complete Family Guide to Dementia

Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself

By: Thomas F. Harrison, Brent P. Forester MD MSc

Narrated by: Allison Posner

If you are facing the unique challenges of caring for a parent with dementia, you are not alone. What do you do when your loved one so plainly needs assistance, but is confused, angry, or resistant to your help? Where can you find the vital information you need, when you need it? Journalist Thomas Harrison and leading geriatric psychiatrist Brent Forester show that you don’t have to be a medical expert to be a good care provider in this authoritative guide. They explain the basics of dementia and offer effective strategies for coping with the medical, emotional, and financial toll. With the right skills, you can navigate changing family roles, communicate better with your parent, keep him or her safe, and manage difficult behaviors. Learn how to "care smarter, not harder"—and help your loved one maintain the best possible quality of life.

Winner (Second Place)—American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award, Consumer Health Category

Winner (Third Place)—Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award, Family & Relationships Category

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Thomas F. Harrison and Brent P. Forester (P)2023 The Guilford Press

Critic reviews

"Two dedicated experts walk caregivers through everything from understanding a loved one's diagnosis to dealing with the entire range of expected medical, psychiatric, and behavioral issues. Most important, this book is a guide to building the best possible relationship with the person who is living and even thriving in spite of his or her cognitive changes."—Marc E. Agronin, MD, author of The End of Old Age: Living a Longer, More Purposeful Life

"For the adult child of a parent with dementia, the emotional impact is unlike any other disease. This reassuring book helps you navigate your new role in your relationship with your parent and provides concrete, useful advice for managing common concerns. The authors show how 'working smarter' can enhance your loved one's quality of life. It is sure to be a trusted guidebook and companion."—Susan W. Lehmann, MD, Clinical Director, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

"This wonderful book speaks directly to adult children caring for a parent with dementia, and gives equal weight to the facts, the feelings, and the often bumpy road to understanding, acceptance, and effective care. The sections on how to communicate and resolve conflicts with the 'other' parent—the one who doesn't have dementia—are unique. Above all, this book shows us how to focus on the feelings—our own, our siblings', and our parents'—that are at the heart of caregiving but can give us the biggest challenges.”—Soo Borson, MD, Professor of Clinical Family Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine; Professor Emerita of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington