Alzheimer's Care with Dignity

The author kept his wife at home longer than any family I can think of. The matter of fact style of the book is very compelling. I find it difficult to put it down. This book will serve as a very useful handbook for caregivers that they can keep referring to as they care for their loved one with a progressive dementing illness. It will serve a real need for a practical nuts and bolts approach to caregiving. This book is loaded with practical tips. --Andrew A. Schiavone, M.D., Former Assistant Clinical Professor, Georgetown University Medical School

This is a unique book. It describes in useful and personal detail the experiences learned. Few, if any, others have documented their experiences, their procedures, personal feelings, successes and failures as is done in this volume. Frank's report and guidance born of experience can be a huge benefit. This ready reference to successful caregiving should be in every home faced with a dementia case, and perhaps those caring for other chronically ill loved ones. Use of Frank's advice can save countless hours of painful experimentation and enable more time to enjoy the quality of life that may remain with each patient. --Rear Admiral Donald M. Showers, USN (Retired), longtime caregiver and former Director, Alzheimer s Association, National Capitol Area Chapter Board

The accurate technical information is important and Frank does an excellent job. What is more important is that those reading Frank's book will know that they are not alone. Care-giving can be a lonely job and many view their exhaustion, loneliness and frustration as unique. While each specific situation may be unique, it is crucial for caregivers to feel connected, to understand that it is common to feel angry, impatient, and frustrated. I commend Frank for sharing not only information, but emotions as well. --Jane Marks, Executive Director, Alzheimer s Association, West Virginia Chapter

Frank Fuerst was born and raised in St. Louis, where he graduated from Washington University. He flew for three years in the Air Force, during which time he and his wife, June, had two of their three children. Then he spent a career in marketing and education until he took an early retirement from IBM. When June was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he cared for her at home until she died seventeen years later. Afterwards, he worked full-time to prevent development of the headwaters of a Potomac River tributary. He is now a prize-winning writer and poet and lives in the mid-Atlantic area near three of his five grandchildren, one of whom he home-schooled for two years.

In 2013, the White House announced that he was receiving a Gold level President's Volunteer Service Award for his volunteerism.