Author JoAnn Devine Shares Her Caregiving Journey for Her Father
Gladstone, Mo. (PRWEB) May 07, 2014 -- Author JoAnn Devine’s father was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 84 years old. He had been diagnosed four years prior to her mother’s death. She had always felt that she would be her dad’s caregiver when the time came, and she willingly accepted that role.
“MY JOURNEY WITH DAD” is a true story about author Devine and her father’s journey through the stages of his Alzheimer’s disease. Much has been written about the disease itself; however, this story addresses the role of the caregiver. This role can be delivered by a family member, companion, friend, or hired caregiver, depending on the stage of the disease and physical or health condition of a loved one.
Caregivers are the main focus of this story. The author shares techniques and strategies in handling certain behaviors and situations. The goal is to make the caregiving process more manageable so that both caregiver and the family can enjoy those special moments and days ahead with their loved ones. Devine stresses the need for the caregiver to reach out for help and support so that they can keep being physically and emotionally healthy.
Devine takes readers through the disease stages in her story format in caring for her father. For the most part, she tries to discard her nursing cap and present this as a care giving daughter. This book addresses a transitioning phase and the adaptation into a new environment. It includes the levels of functioning in different stages of the disease process and addresses the time when outside help is needed.
Alzheimer’s disease, with a variety of personality changes and behaviors, can affect individuals differently. The author stresses the importance of knowing the life style and history of the Alzheimer’s individual. This will help caregivers to manage wanton, random behaviors and to identify what the individual likes and can manage. The last three chapters address professional help, management and guidance, care giving strategies, and stages of grief.
By reliving this life-changing event in “MY JOURNEY WITH DAD”, Devine wishes to reach out to all caregivers of Alzheimer’s individuals and share her knowledge and experience.
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About the Author
JoAnn Devine is a registered nurse. The first part of her nursing career was in the acute care settings in hospitals. The remainder of her career was spent in community health care in home health services. Devine developed a free standing, Medicare certified home health agency in the community that her father’s business was located in while she was growing up. She is a past board member of the Kansas Home Care Association. During her tenure on the board, she helped develop a code of ethics for the Kansas Home Care members and worked closely with the Midwest Bioethics Center in Kansas City. She is a past founding member of the Clay County Senior Services and committee chair for the formation of in home services. Through her varied roles, she has been a part of a network of community organizations and business associates to meet those needs. Devine is an alumnus of Saint Mary University and the Sisters of Charity School of Nursing in Leavenworth, Kansas.
MY JOURNEY WITH DAD * by JoAnn Devine
A CAREGIVER’S PERSPECTIVE IN CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Publication Date: April 16, 2014
Trade Paperback; $15.99; 60 pages; 9781499003505
Trade Hardback; $24.99; 60 pages; 9781499003499
e-book; $3.99; 9781499003482
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