Management of Challenging Behaviors in Dementia

The Management of Challenging Behaviors in Dementia is an outstanding resource for anyone who cares for people with dementia. I am a Director of Nursing in a nursing home as well as a doctoral student in nursing. I am constantly searching the literature for pragmatic but sensitive approaches to care that are supported by theory and research. Many books promise innovative strategies but I am frequently disappointed by content that is either too basic or too abstract and theoretical. This book is the exception--it is perfectly balanced. The book offers innovative approaches to care that are practical and useful for the caregivers. The book is rare in that it provides the rationale for not only the inventive approaches but also for the underlying causes of the behavior and the more commonly used interventions in practice. The authors write clearly and concisely without compromising on explaining reasons or describing detail. The authors' appreciation of the difficulties encountered by caregivers who work with people with dementia is evident. Their sensitivity in understanding the pain felt by the person with dementia, the family and the caregivers is reflected throughout the book. They do not promise the ultimate solution to solve all behavior problems but do offer practical, sensitive and sound approaches to assist caregivers in enhancing the quality of life for people with dementia. I highly recommnend this book for anyone involved in caring for people with dementia. It validates the importance of the caregiver's actions and supports the need for knowledgeable and skilled people to provide care. The book is a must for long term care facilities, home health agencies, nursing schools and hospitals. It offers hope for the person with dementia and all those involved in his or her care.