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Journey Through Alzheimer's: Compassionate Caregiving

by Gerry Meggait

133 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #04-2239; ISBN 1-4120-4431-6; US$16.50, C$18.95, EUR13.50, £9.50

This is a moving, inspirational personal journey into Alzheimer's disease. Gerry has incorporated many techniques with a gentle loving approach to address complications arising from this vicious disease.

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About the Book      About the Author      Excerpts      Catalogue Information

About the Book

This book depicts the journey of a mother and daughter through the heart-wrenching struggle of Alzheimer's. The road they traveled was rocky with many twists and turns. They encountered many obstacles that had to be overcome, yet through it all they held onto their life-long respect and great love for each other.

It is not intended to be a medical manual, but simply relates their experiences by means of stories, comments, and journal excerpts. The journal excerpts give it an air of authenticity. This book has been described as powerful, inspirational, emotional, truthful, and educational.

To families whose loved one no longer recognizes them, the author offers these words: "Though she may forget your face and your name, she can know the gentle touch of your hand, the heart-warming smile on your face, and the great love in your heart."

The purpose of this book is simply to help others who are traveling the same difficult and often treacherous journey; to encourage and strengthen caregivers; to offer understanding and empathy, and to minimize the effects of this terrible disease on afflicted people.

The book concludes with significant lessons the author learned from her experiences, and includes both effective and ineffective strategies along with helpful hints for coping.

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About the Author

The author was born in Mowbray, Manitoba, in 1927. Gerry moved to BC in 1950. She married Martin Meggait in 1952 in Armstrong, BC, and has lived there ever since. They live on a family farm that has hosted many Boy Scout and Girl Guide camps, church events, and school outings.

Gerry has spent a lifetime caring for people. She and Martin had four children, one of them (Billy) died of leukemia in 1963. This only intensified her desire to help others - family and people within her area of influence. Gerry's main community involvement has been in the church, Scouting (at the boy level and as an adult trainer), seniors, and for twenty six years has held various positions in an association for persons with developmental disabilities - Board Chair, Manager of Programming/Training, and honorary member of the society, as well as instructing at the local community college. Although this background has been valuable, she writes as a daughter and not as an expert.

Gerry's desire is to futher help people through the publication of this book.

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Excerpts

"...when pressures mounted I kept reminding myself, FOCUS, REFOCUS, NOW FOCUS AGAIN."

"...love can accomplish miracles."

"The absolute truth is no matter how you try, you cannot change your loved one's behaviour except by love, gentleness, respect and acceptance."

"In Alzheimer's disease, knowledge and wisdom gradually seep away, but the person is sill a priceless human being worthy of great respect and dignity."

"It is important to drop all past grievances and work only on the present with gentleness and tenderness."

"...it is bettre to think in terms of challenges instead of problems--to concentrate on the joys instead of on the sorrows and losses."

"...treasure each moment and every shared laugh."

"The impact of loving family members circling both her, Martin and me, was priceless."

"Each day was a gift to celebrate and cherish."

"...it is never too late for a loving smile and a gentle touch."

"My vision while writing this book had been clear and vivid. It was to encourage other people who face similar situations, to offer my understanding and empathy to them, and to minimize the effects of this vicious disease on its victims."

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Catalogue Information

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