They Walk Alone: The Tragic Journey of Dementia
by Bob Kern
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Mar 03 2017 | Archive Date Nov 04 2017
Description
It is pure torture to watch a loved one slowly lose everything and know there is nothing that can be done for them.
It is so important to reassure your loved ones during the early stages of this disease. The more worked up they get, the more inept and useless they feel. Nobody should feel this way, especially those in the early stages of dementia. It’s not easy to be patient under normal circumstances. It’s even harder the fifteenth time you’re looking for a cell phone or car keys. You must force yourself to always exercise patience. If finding their phone is important to them, then it should be important to you. Telling them not to worry about it, or it’ll show up, doesn’t help at all; you might as well be talking to a wall. Finding a lost item will become a fixation for them. Drop whatever you’re doing and find the item. Be sure to include them in your search. Chances are they’re going to follow you around anyway.
This is a memoir of my journey caring for two loved ones, and experiencing the loss of a third loved one to this terrible disease. Witness with me, up-close and personal, the different stages of dementia- from early signs, diagnoses, progression, and finally the heart wrenching end. Learn from my experiences to identify the early symptoms sooner. And, more importantly, learn how to care for your loved one so that they never walk alone…
Advance Praise
I found the story to capture the sad truth about what happens when your loved one or loved ones begin the long walk toward death after losing their once, razor sharp memory. Bob Kern captures in his book empathy and love for victims of Alzheimer's and Dementia. He hangs tough with them to the finish line, always reminding them of the "good times" and fond memories in order to get the glow back they once had. Through the story he educates us on Alzheimer's and Dementia without getting too clinical and through his own experiences, shows us ways we can help. - 5 Star Review on Amazon
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781544075143 |
| PRICE | $2.99 (USD) |
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Featured Reviews
V N, Reviewer
This was a wonderful book about care-giving for someone with dementia. Mamaw is the light of her family's life, very independent, wise and loving. So, when she starts showing signs of forgetfulness and is diagnosed with dementia, we walk the journey with her as well as her family. This book was very well written and gives insight on this disease. What a wonderful family that was there for their "Mamaw". The stories that the family experienced together and their steadfastness in their wanting to do what was right for their loved one, all i can say is God Bless them all. I thank Mr. Kern for sharing his journey and stories with us the reader. God Bless You and your family Sir!!! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
Patricia B, Reviewer
A sad but informative book. Every person having dementia will be different but there are many points made here that anyone can relate to if a family member or friend is in this situation.
I especially like the point made that even someone with dementia will prefer to sleep in the same position they have always slept in. Nursing homes should understand that patterns of behaviour will not all change. The frightening strangeness of this decease must be all the more terrifying when personal belongings and habits of a lifetime are stripped away for the convenience of carers.
Talking and distracting when the sufferer does not want to eat, can work wonders. Love and kindness are everything.
Wonderfully written, heartbreakingly sad.
janet k, Librarian
Thank You for sharing this difficult journey and subject. I think I got more out of this book than out from the caretaker's guide, The 36 Hour Day. I so appreciated the care and respect with which Bob Kern approached and wrote about Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Care-giving.
Lisa F, Reviewer
This is an absolutely heartbreaking illness that affects so many people. I see this first hand at work and how devastating it is on the one afflicted and everyone that loves and cares for them. A must read for everyone whether you have experienced this first hand or may in the future. A lesson in compassion and caring.
Angela G, Reviewer
An insightful and delicately written book suitable for everyone whether they have loved ones suffering with dementia or not.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an early e copy.
Ann s, Reviewer
This is a very good book,about carding for someone with dementia,wish I had found this book,before my dad died.
Linda T, Reviewer
"It is pure torture to watch a loved one slowly lose everything and know there is nothing that can be done for them"
Such an honest and heartfelt telling of what it is to experience dementia and how it affects everyone around the sufferer. I have some personal knowledge of this and I found the book to be a useful tool in realising that the only way to help the person is through patience and understanding, and Bob shows this through his book in a wonderfully uplifting and upbeat way.
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