Treating Dementia in Context: A Step-by-Step Guide to Working With Individuals and Families

by Susan Melancon McCurry PhD

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Author: Susan Melancon McCurry PhD

Publisher: American Psychological Association

Hardcover:
ISBN 10: 1433809362
ISBN 13: 978-1433809361

In this book, authors Susan M. McCurry and Claudia Drossel present a clear and practical blueprint for psychologists, physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals who work with dementia patients and their families. Their evidence-based contextual model of dementia care lays out broad intervention strategies, and encourages readers to use their own creativity and inner resources to develop appropriate solutions for each unique situation and individual.

The chapters present a rich variety of vignettes that illustrate common quality-of-life concerns in dementia patients, including medical co-morbidities, patient/caregiver relationships, caregiver burnout, and interactions with health care professionals. Throughout, the authors combine a comprehensive knowledge of the literature with their own extensive clinical experience in advocating a compassionate and open-minded stance that respects the individuality, preferences, and dignity of dementia patients.

Review

''...The authors provide excellent practical strategies for addressing problem behaviors in dementia care recipients such as unsafe driving, diminished self-care, verbal and physical aggression, and wandering. They also offer a useful and systematic approach to addressing and resolving these problem behaviors through the use of contextual and behavioral analysis. Treating Dementia in Context is not only pragmatic it is also well written. The book provides detailed, step-by-step advice for gathering information, building rapport, communicating effectively with patients who are cognitively impaired, and conducting a functional analysis of each individuals presenting concerns. Suggestions are provided for improving caregivers patience, using humor, individualizing care, and providing help to individuals with dementia when help is not wanted. Hence, this book is a very appropriate and useful resource not just for behavioral health professionals and other professional caregivers, but also for family, loved ones, and other caregivers who are involved with an individual with dementia. The authors provide useful recommendations for evaluating and responding to patient or caregiver noncompliance with medication regimens. Certainly, for those of us who have family members and/or clients who suffer from a progressive dementia, recognizing, understanding, and addressing treatment plan noncompliance are frequent problems that require caregiver vigilance and patience, followed by appropriate education and redirection. The book is helpful in that respect. Valuable guidance for preserving the relationship between dementia care recipients and their loved ones by redefining expectations, roles, and responses to dilemmas is one among many highlights of this book. McCurry and Drossel emphasize the importance of maintaining affection between dementia patients and their loved ones through behavioral and contextual functional analysis designed to increase intimacy, friendship, and trust. The book emphasizes the importance of professionals and caregivers recognizing and preserving key role identities for the dementia care recipient as long as possible in order to maintain a sense of self and connection with the social fabric. Some of the authors suggestions are deliberately novel, consistent with the unique and diverse lifestyles found among our aging population as well as among younger caregivers. In these circumstances, the authors recognize that unconventional approaches and solutions merit consideration.'' --PsycCRITIQUES

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Treating Dementia in Context: A Step-by-Step Guide to Working With Individuals and Families