Contented Dementia

Dementia is a little understood and currently incurable illness, but much can be done to maximise the quality of life for people with the condition. "Contented Dementia" - by clinical psychologist and bestselling author Oliver James - outlines a groundbreaking and practical method for managing dementia that will allow both sufferer and carer to maintain the highest possible quality of life, throughout every stage of the illness. A person with dementia will experience random and increasingly frequent memory blanks relating to recent events.Feelings, however, remain intact, as do memories of past events and both can be used in a special way to substitute for more recent information that has been lost. The SPECAL method (Specialized Early Care for Alzheimer's) outlined in this book works by creating links between past memories and the routine activities of daily life in the present. Drawing on real-life examples and user-friendly tried-and-tested methods, "Contented Dementia" provides essential information and guidance for carers, relatives and professionals.

ISBN 0091901812   Pages 304 ISBN13 9780091901813 (What's this?)   Weight (grammes) 328 Publisher Ebury Press   Published in London Imprint Vermilion   Height (mm) 213 Format Paperback   Width (mm) 135 Publication date 06 Aug 2009   Spine width (mm) 22 DEWEY 616.83106   Academic level General, Professional / Scholarly DEWEY edition DC22

		Introduction		1
PART ONE		Making Sense of Dementia
Chapter 1		Dorothy's Story		11
Chapter 2		Getting Started		27
Chapter 3		The Photograph Album		41
PART TWO		How to Provide 24-hour Wraparound Care
		Introduction		61
Chapter 4		Don't Ask Questions		66
Chapter 5		Learn from the Expert		93
Chapter 6		Never Contradict		110
Chapter 7		The Primary Theme		132
Chapter 8		The Health Theme		158
Chapter 9		Explanations		171
Chapter 10		The Care Profile		193
Chapter 11		Identify and Manage your Team		200
PART THREE		Planning for the Future
		Introduction		217
Chapter 12		Find your Tipping Point and Choose a Nursing Home		220
Chapter 13		Prepare a Transitional Care Plan for Making the Move		231
		Case History: The Story of Michael and Valerie		244
		Postscript: Specalsense Rules?		266
		Frequently Asked Questions		268
		Specal Contact Details		274
		Acknowledgements		275
		Index		277

"Shows how to minimze that distress and manage the dementia in ways that recall early pioneering work on dealing with madness . . . He writes clearly and plainly, gives good examples of the techniques he suggests, and stays always on the practical side. I expected this book to be depressing; it is exactly the opposite." "--Independent"

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