Understanding With Compassion

Understanding the world through their eyes... This book candidly discusses the challenges of living with the personality and behavior changes that a brain illness brings. When a family member or friend is diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's disease or a stroke, life as you know it has ended. As changes become more apparent, they may look the same, and sound the same, but he or she is not the same. His or her personality may change sometimes in extreme ways. A kind person may become angry and say hurtful things. A warm, upbeat person may withdraw or behave in destructive ways. In short, the essence of your loved one can gradually disappear, even as he or she continues to live. How you change with the change is critical. Joni Aldrich and Neysa Peterson both cared for a spouse with a brain illness. They've combined their insights in this straight-talking guide. Readers will learn: * How to create and maintain a warm, comfortable, and safe environment. * How to deal with changes in personality, behavior, and emotions, including loss of social inhibition skills. *How to handle issues related to changes in memory and the resulting confusion. * How to work through indifference, sadness, and depression towards some peace. * How to cope with destructive behavior; safety is your number one concern! You can continue to love and be loved as you brave the days that follow a brain illness diagnosis. Understanding with Compassion lightens your burden by providing tools to help caregivers and patients alike make the most of the journey that lies ahead.