Recommended Books
Book Recommendations by Staff:
On Healthy Aging:  RA Julie McCoy.jpg)
Age Wave, How the Most Important Trend of Our Time Will Change Your Future, by Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D.
This book is a futurist's view of how the aging population will change the way health care looks, the way it is delivered and the meaning of aging. If you like to hear what others envision of the future you may like this book
Aging with Grace, What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier and More Meaningful Lives, by David Snowdon.
Originally a University of Minnesota researcher Dr. Snowdon partnered with 678 Sisters of Norte Dame in a remarkable long term study on aging. This book doesn't read like a research manual but a journal of his experiences and stories about this community of women.
On Understanding the Older Adult
Another Country, Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders, by Mary Pipher, Ph.D.,
author of the best-selling Reviving Ophelia.
An exceptional guide to bridging the communication gap between seniors and their adult children. She helps us understand the values and reasons for the differences in these generations. I highly recommend this book.
The Caregivers Roller Coaster, by Billie Jackson.
This book is simply written for family caregivers of frail elderly. It is very practical and focuses on keeping the caregiver healthy. Advice ranges from dealing with insurance to how to lift someone safely.
And Thou Shalt Honor, DVD
Available at www.thoushalthonor.org or your local library.
Don't Toss My Memories in the Trash, by Vickie Dellaquila.
This author is experienced in professional organizing and managing senior moves. She offers tips on downsizing, and moving in a caring and efficient manner.
Books About Assisted Living
Tales from Rhapsody Home: Or, What They Don't Tell You About Senior Living, by John Gould.
This was a book passed around May Creek Lodge and read by many residents. A very funny book about a couple's actual experiences living in an assisted living community. Also, available on audio tape from Services for the Blind.
Time for Love: Assisted Living Viewed by one of the Very Old, by Janet Carncross Chandler.
This is a book of poems written by a woman as she moved into and adjusted to a small assisted living residence. It is both touching and funny.
On Alzheimer's or Dementia
Rethinking Alzheimer's, by Sam Fazio, Dorothy Seman, Jane Stansell.
This book is directed to families affected by Alzheimer's or dementia and to caregivers. It challenges all who care for individuals with dementia to change their approaches to match the strengths of their affected family member. I like the focus toward finding opportunities in the disease instead of despair. This is an excellent resource.
The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks.
This is actually a love story. It is about a man whose wife has lost her memories and the stories he tells her of their life. One of my favorites.
The 36 Hour Day, by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins.
This book has been the ultimate guide to families learning about caring for persons with Alzheimer's. It was first written in 1981 and has been updated three times. This was one of the few resources available for decades and remains a have to have even in 2002.
Through the Wilderness of Alzheimer's, by Robert and Anne Simpson.
This is a couple from northern Minnesota who wrote a book together about their journey with Alzheimer's. Robert has Alzheimer's and offers some invaluable advice in his chapter, Guide for Caregivers. This is one of my favorite books.
Elder Rage…or Take my Father Please, by Jacqueline Marcell.
Not an easy book to read as the author chronicles her struggles with her father who has developing dementia, mental illness and who fights to remain in control of his life. Almost as good a ‘how not to' than a ‘how to' book.
Still Alice, by Lisa Genova.
The journey of a too young and active woman as she faces early Alzheimer's.
This Room is Yours, by Michael Stein.
A son's memories and thoughts as he assists his estranged mother who has dementia.
Mom's OK, She Just Forgets; The Alzheimers Journey from Denial to Acceptance, by Evelyn Mclay & Ellen P Young.
One of the best books I have read (Ann N) about all the steps a family must walk.
Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Friends, Family and Caregivers by Daniel Kuhn
Alzheimer's Action Plan by P. Murali Doraiswamy, M.D. and Lisa P. Gwyther, M.S.W.
Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer's or Dementia by Jolene Brackey
The Dignified Life by Virginia Bell & David Troxel
The Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer's Disease
What's Happening to Grandpa? By Maria Schriver
End of Life
Gone from My Sight: The Dying Experience by Barbara Karnes
