Hundreds of Activities for Men and Women with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
by B. J. FitzRay
ISBN 978-1-877810-80-0
Hardcover, 288 pages, 6x9, 2001, reprints in 2002, 2005 & 2007 

Most patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) benefit from participation in activities, but identifying and planning appropriate activities is often a challenge, especially for family caregivers.

Never again!

This book is packed with creative ideas for everyday and special-occasion activities, caregivers' anecdotes, helpful tips, interesting facts, and encouragement.

If you care for someone with Alzheimer's disease, whether at home or in a professional setting, this easy-to-use, practical book is a resource you will turn to again and again for time-saving activities & inspiration.

The 288-page, idea-packed book contains an incredible compilation of creative activities and fascinating information that will benefit both Alzheimer's caregivers and patients.

It facilitates communication between caregiver and AD patient with helpful details about social eras the patient may have experienced during his or her lifetime, U.S. holidays, religious holy days, and modern invention timelines.

• Topic-appropriate questions to ask the patient
• Tips for successful activities
• Caregivers' anecdotes
• Resource lists
• Encouraging words
• and much more.

"A veritable gold mine of information ... its scope is encyclopedic ... well beyond just ideas for the Alzheimer's patient ... An ideal reference book, a 'must-have' for all activities directors of any skilled-care or assisted-care facility." 
                 -- Susan Pringle-Cohan, M.A., Exercise Physiologist

"The value of such an excellent resource cannot be overstated. It is easy to read, informative, and overflowing with activities. The research has been done for you. ... a must read for anyone working with individuals in the AD spectrum." 
                                 -- Cynthia M. Thomas, M.S.,CCC-SLP,
                                               Speech-Language Pathologist

"Unique and very 'user-friendly' ... Invaluable." 
                                       -- The Bookwatch library newsletter

"The approach is loving and positive ... will help caregivers look past the disease and into the soul." 
                                             -- Today's Librarian magazine

"An excellent resource for caregivers and activities professionals. I look forward to incorporating these activities into our hospital's Transitional Care Center's activities program." 
                         -- Anne E. Muller, A.C., Activities Coordinator

The author understands caregiver challenges from firsthand experience caring for her father in her home. "When Alzheimer's disease began to take its toll on my father, it was difficult to find things that he could do and enjoy.

Over many months, I searched through books and catalogs, researched online, talked with professsional and family caregivers, and developed my own ideas, compiling lists of activities and resources.

By trial and error, I discovered which activities succeeded and which did not.

Nothing can stop AD's relentless progression, but activities definitely improved the quality of our life and may help slow mental deterioration."