Dementia - Support for Family and Friends, Second Edition

This second edition builds upon the strengths of its first - if that is possible! It is refreshing to see a text advising family and friends of dementia that has personal references of what mattered most to the people affected by dementia. There are many ‘experts’ in the field of dementia care and this book combines the sage voices of many of them, including people with dementia and their carers’. I like the structure and how this allows the reader to dip in and out, taking in byte sized pieces of information and guidance as their circumstance and need dictates. This avoids the reader in becoming over-whelmed. Particularly welcome in this edition is that the authors set dementia in the context of a rights based approach which is proving to be a very powerful stance in gaining professional support. – Dr Karen Harrison Dening, Head of Research & Publications, Dementia UK I am delighted the authors have updated what was already a well respected book and made it totally relevant to today. Whilst there are many books by professionals working alongside those of us with dementia few are as comprehensive and sensitive in both their content and tone. The authors really “get inside” the complexities of dementia by informing and offering practical guidance which if taken and applied can help people affected by dementia live as well as possible with this immensely challenging condition.

I am delighted that the authors devote much attention to the need for support for both the diagnosed person and those closest to us because I know that dementia can be a lonely and foggy experience, this book shows this need not be the case, as reading it will help steer us from the mists of frustration to the sunshine of hope.

This book is an essential read and guiding companion for all who care for those who have dementia, be they family or professional carer and should be on all suggested book lists for students considering working with those of us with dementia. Consequently I fully recommend it. – Keith Oliver, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, Kent & Medway Dementia Envoy, author

Dave Pulsford was formerly Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at the University of Central Lancashire, UK, and is now retired.

Rachel Thompson is Admiral Nurse Professional & Practice Development Lead for Dementia UK in London, UK.