Rating: 
Summary: A Guide for Training Caregivers
Review: As a middle stage Alzheimer [aka CRSer], it has been my burden, duty and responsibility to train my Caregivers in how to communicate with me. This has been psychologically draining, and I have wished for a simple guide, so that I could say what works and does not work in caring for this rapidly deteriorating newly discovered "Dependant." There is a well known acronym, K.I.S.S., which is inaccurately translated as "Keep It Simple, Sweetie(?)." As an educator, I have always encouraged the use of trots, Cliff Notes, Classic Comics, and the "Idiot's Guide" series. All of these are written to inform unknowing readers in depth of subjects of interest, in simple understandable terminology. "Talking to Alzheimer's" is just such a tome. I have strongly recommended it to the facilitors of my Berkeley ALZ Support Groups, as a Bible or Koran for recalcitrant Caregivers. It works!!!
With it in hand, we ALZers and Caregivers can and will communicate thoughtfully and without unnecessary stress. Words leave us, but our souls remain. Strauss is one of the best in this genre.
Rating:
Summary: A Guide for Training Caregivers
Review: As a middle stage Alzheimer [aka CRSer], it has been my burden, duty and responsibility to train my Caregivers in how to communicate with me. This has been psychologically draining, and I have wished for a simple guide, so that I could say what works and does not work in caring for this rapidly deteriorating newly discovered "Dependant." There is a well known acronym, K.I.S.S., which is inaccurately translated as "Keep It Simple, Sweetie(?)." As an educator, I have always encouraged the use of trots, Cliff Notes, Classic Comics, and the "Idiot's Guide" series. All of these are written to inform unknowing readers in depth of subjects of interest, in simple understandable terminology. "Talking to Alzheimer's" is just such a tome. I have strongly recommended it to the facilitors of my Berkeley ALZ Support Groups, as a Bible or Koran for recalcitrant Caregivers. It works!!!
With it in hand, we ALZers and Caregivers can and will communicate thoughtfully and without unnecessary stress. Words leave us, but our souls remain. Strauss is one of the best in this genre.
Rating: 
Summary: Misleading Title
Review: Based on the previous reviews, I thought this book would have some helpful techniques for conversing with my grandmother and father-in-law who are both suffering from Alzheimer's. However, this book is geared towards volunteer care/visitors, not family. A lot of the techniques suggested would not work if you are a family member of a Alzheimer's patient. It was definitely not the worth the money!
Rating:
Summary: Misleading Title
Review: Especially helpful were the phrases to say. I needed a substitue for " How are you today?" I purchased this book because I volunteer in an Alzheimer's facility.
Rating: 
Summary: What to say besides "how are you?"
Review: Especially helpful were the phrases to say. I needed a substitue for " How are you today?" I purchased this book because I volunteer in an Alzheimer's facility.
Rating:
Summary: What to say besides "how are you?"
Review: Especially helpful were the phrases to say. I needed a substitue for " How are you today?" I purchased this book because I volunteer in an Alzheimer's facility.
Rating:
Summary: Seek first to understand
Review: Having had the shared experience of six people in my family die from this horrible disease, I can honestly say that this book came in handy. Handy is probably not the right word, but then, all words, deeds, and everything else fall short when discussing this most dreaded and life-stealing illness. The voice or style of this insightful book is tender and I highly recommend this for anyone who thinks a family member is at risk. If you get nothing else from this book get this: The author makes the point that there's still a person inside--something we're apt to forget when this horrible illness takes over, for it not only takes over the patient, but us (in a way) as well. If you're interested in this illness in any way, I must, must, must recommend that you read the novella "Crook" from the book "The Children's Corner" by Jackson McCrae. It's about someone trying to converse with an Alzheimer's patient and trust me, you'll need the Kleenex for this one. Thank you Claudia Strauss, for this wonderful book, "Talking to Alzheimer's."--The first one you should read.
Rating:
Summary: Respectful, Helpful, Honest, Important
Review: There is no easy way for me to talk about the final years of my grandmother's life and her diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. I only wish "Talking to Alzheimer's" had been available to me and my family during that difficult time. Claudia Strauss's voice is tender, respectful, competent and understanding. This book is both supportive and practical -- providing concrete ways to maintain or build a connection with people suffering from Alzheimer's. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with friends or family that are suffering from Alzheimer's, and would make it required reading for staff and professionals working with Alzheimer's patients.
Rating:
Summary: A Treasure
Review: This book is a blessing for anyone who has a loved one with Alzheimer's, dementia or is a victim of stroke. Ms. Strauss's advice comes from the heart and not just the mind.She reminds us that to truly connect with others we must conciously be in the moment with them.This is good advice no matter who it is we are trying to stay connected to. How often are we distracted by outside thoughts and miss opportunities to truly connect to others. This book is a gentile reminder to us all.
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Summary: talking to alzheimer's by claudia strauss
Review: This book is a must for anyone who visits friends or family members with Alzheimers. The format is user-friendly. Leafing through the book, I found that just about any page contains helpful suggestions. The author stresses the dignity of the person and provides ways of coping with typical situations which arise. An important point she makes is that although memory fails to serve the person, the feelings are still there. This author's warm response to those with Alzheimer's is convincing and contageous. It provides a rainbow in the storm.
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