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Self-Help Survival Guide for Caregiving Wives

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 March 2015 | Winnipeg, Manitoba
Visit angelaggentile.com for more information.

SELF-HELP SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR CAREGIVING WIVES

Much needed book for families affected by dementia

Angela G. Gentile, clinical social worker and specialist in aging, has written a self-help book for the wife of a husband who has dementia (also known as the “hidden patient”). Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide is based on a confidence-boosting counselling program for stressed-out caregiving wives. The program developed by Gentile was a success and she shares what she learned with the goal of supporting other caregivers who may be struggling.

Although caregiving can be rewarding, a wife caring for a husband with dementia may feel alone, isolated and overwhelmed. The fear, stress and losses endured can be devastating and in some cases, life threatening. Gentile’s book aims to empower the caregiving wife by offering support, advice, tips and education, which is enhanced by the workbook style of learning.

Caregivers and family members will find support and advice in this easy-to-read book (180 pages). This caregiver companion will be referred to often, as it covers all the steps along the journey starting at time of diagnosis.

Check out the new accompanying app, Dementia Caregiver Solutions, for iPhone/iPad running on iOS 8.

“The book’s detailed content reflects the expertise and experience of the author. I highly recommend it, not only to wives of spouses with dementia, but to all who have an interest in dementia.” – Lynda Greaves, Retired Nurse

Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W. has helped hundreds of people who are struggling with the challenges aging can bring. She is passionate about challenging ageist myths and stereotypes and exploring what it means to age well. She lives in Winnipeg with her husband, two teenagers and Rocky, their lovable cockapoo. She considers herself a realistic optimist. Read more at angelaggentile.com.

-ENDS-

For high-resolution photos or more information, contact:
Angela G. Gentile | phone: (204)298-1012 | email angela.gentile@shaw.ca

Caring for a Husband with Dementia Available in Paperback and Kindle

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Photo credit: Angela G. Gentile

The book, Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide by Angela G. Gentile, MSW RSW is now available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com.

I am eager to hear what people think of it.

Check out the latest post on LinkedIn.com.

Also, my website has moved to angelaggentile.com.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

Warm regards,

Angela G. Gentile

(The picture above is the book, and there are many others, too. They complement the cover, which is taken in a outdoor setting.)

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Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W. is a clinical social worker who specializes in aging. She has helped hundreds of people who are struggling with the challenges aging can bring. Angela is passionate about challenging ageist myths and stereotypes and exploring what it means to age well. She considers herself a realistic optimist but she still can’t tell her left from her right.

 

 

 

Book Launch – Thursday April 16, 2015

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My official book launch of Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide is planned in Winnipeg! It is sponsored by Comforts of Home – Care Inc. “There’s No Place Like Home.” Please check out the McNally Robinson Booksellers listing for details!

Hope to see you there!

Warm regards,

Angela G. Gentile

http://www.angelaggentile.com

Caring for a Husband with Dementia Book Now Available Through CreateSpace eStore

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HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Special offer for you – 25% OFF

Purchase your copy of Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide, available exclusively through the CreateSpace eStore. 

It is also available in print and Kindle on Amazon.com and will be available on Amazon Europe, and in many other online sources through Expanded Distribution in May 2015. The book will also be made available in select locations throughout Winnipeg, Manitoba such as McNally Robinson Booksellers.

The book launch is set for Thursday April 16, 2015 at 7:30pm at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Please accept this special introductory discount of 25% off the sale price if you buy it through the CreateSpace eStore!

This code is available for a limited time. Cut and paste into your browser!  5SZQXX2P

Buy Now – 25% Discount Code: 5SZQXX2P 

You will be prompted to add your email and then you will have to set up a CreateSpace eStore account. You will be directed to a third party partner, CyberSource, for payment. Payment can be made via Visa, Amex, Mastercard or Discovery. Your book will be delivered to you within 2-3 weeks.

If you have any questions or marketing inquiries, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Angela G. Gentile

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Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W. is a clinical social worker who specializes in aging. She has helped hundreds of people who are struggling with the challenges aging can bring. Angela is passionate about challenging ageist myths and stereotypes and exploring what it means to age well. She considers herself a realistic optimist but she still can’t tell her left from her right.

Caring for a Husband with Dementia – Description, Bio and Cover “Couple”

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I am working hard at getting all the final touches done for the book, Caring for a Husband with Dementia. The book cover is being worked on as I write this, and the manuscript is officially complete. The lovely couple above will be on my book cover!

Here is how the “Description” will read at Amazon.com:

A dementia diagnosis can frighten and devastate all who are affected. When a husband is diagnosed with dementia, his wife is at risk of becoming the “hidden patient.” Sometimes the responsibilities of caring for a husband with dementia causes stress leading to caregiver burnout. Caregiving wives may feel trapped, obligated or compelled to go it alone at the expense of their own well-being. Others find many rewards in caring and give of themselves to a fault — “until death do us part.” Asking for help can be difficult for caregivers, for many reasons.

Gaining knowledge about dementia and its emotional impacts can provide comfort and improve confidence. Practical tips and solutions can offer hope in challenging situations. This survival guide and workbook is a vital companion for caregivers. You will refer to this book often on your journey of caring for a loved one with dementia.

The book will be available very soon! Keep watching for updates. (My new bio for Amazon.com is below, too.)

Feedback welcomed. 🙂

Sincerely,

Angela G. Gentile

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Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W. is a clinical social worker who specializes in aging. She has helped hundreds of people who are struggling with the challenges aging can bring. Angela is passionate about challenging ageist myths and stereotypes and exploring what it means to age well. She considers herself a realistic optimist but she still can’t tell her left from her right.

Care to Age

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Care-to-age-logo-on-white size email large

Dear Reader,

I hope this message finds you well. I am happy to share with you my new look and logo.

After much thought and introspection, I have adopted a new tagline, “Care to Age.” This  simple phrase sums up everything I believe in and do in terms of my purpose in helping others.

The colours are two of my favourites (purple and turquoise) and the active-looking figure is symbolic of arms wide-open, lending a hand, and joyous celebration of life.

Care – Is what I put into everything I do.

  • I care about helping others age well.
  • I care about everything to do with aging.
  • I care for the caregiver.
  • I care about those who are on the journey of growing older.

Age – Is a commonality we all share.

  • Aging is something we are all doing from the day we are born.
  • Aging is a concept that we can be optimistic, yet realistic about.
  • Aging can come with its challenges and also has its benefits, too.
  • Aging is something we can have more control over if we take care.

Some may see this phrase, Care to Age, and think, “Do I care to age? No thank you.” To those I would say, “It’s better than the alternative.” 🙂

Age well, my friend.

Angela G. Gentile

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Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W. is a Specialist in Aging who has more than 25 years of experience working with older adults and their families in a variety of capacities. She has worked in private practice, long-term care, home care, health care and non-profit organizations. She is a realistic optimist who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her husband and two children.

 

Private Facebook caregiver support group launched

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Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Caregivers often find themselves feeling isolated, and trying to do everything on their own. This can lead to burnout. Education and support can often alleviate some of the stress they feel. Having a good friend or two and supportive family members are always the first choice, however, sometimes it is not enough. A support group can be a great addition to the caregiver’s resources.

Connecting with someone who understands what you are dealing with can do wonders for your mental well-being. Support groups can offer so much. However, sometimes it is difficult for caregivers to leave their homes, therefore online support groups are a viable option for many.

Here is what  the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org) has to say:

Benefits of support groups

Regardless of format, in a support group, you’ll find people with problems similar to yours. Members of a support group typically share their personal experiences and offer one another emotional comfort and moral support. They may also offer practical advice and tips to help you cope with your situation.

Benefits of participating in support groups may include:

  • Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged
  • Gaining a sense of empowerment and control
  • Improving your coping skills and sense of adjustment
  • Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
  • Reducing distress, depression or anxiety
  • Developing a clearer understanding of what to expect with your situation
  • Getting practical advice or information about treatment options
  • Comparing notes about resources, such as doctors and alternative options

Please join our private, closed group, Dementia Caregiver Solutions Support Group on Facebook. It is moderated by a clinical social worker, and a dementia consultant. All are welcome.

Sincerely,

Angela G. Gentile

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Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W. is a Specialist in Aging who has more than 25 years of experience working with older adults and their families in a variety of capacities. She has worked in private practice, long-term care, home care, health care and non-profit organizations. She is a realistic optimist who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her husband and two children.

 

 

 

Dementia Caregiver Solutions App Launched

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The new Dementia Caregiver Solutions app is now available on the iTunes App Store. The app has been optimized for iPhone and iPad on iOS 8.

Check out the App page for more information.

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Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W. is a Specialist in Aging who has more than 25 years of experience working with older adults and their families in a variety of capacities. She has worked in private practice, long-term care, home care, health care and non-profit organizations. She is a realistic optimist who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her husband and two children.

 

Don’t you remember me?

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Image source: “Oma” from freeimages.com

Image source: “Oma” from freeimages.com

It can be upsetting and frustrating when a loved one with dementia forgets who his/her family members are. Sometimes it’s a case of not being able to recognize faces. Many times I have heard family members say, “He thinks I am his sister,” or “Mom thinks I am her brother.” It can cause distress because it is another reminder that the relationship they once had is eroding away. It is another sign they are losing the mother/father/spouse/grandparent they once knew.

→ For tips on how to manage the difficult behaviours of dementia, check out the Dementia Caregiver Solutions app.

Get into their world.

     One way to look at it is to try to get into the world of the person with dementia. What period of life is s/he in? Is he young and still working? Maybe she is still living in her own home with four young children. When she looks at you, she doesn’t see her 48-year-old daughter. She sees someone she recognizes, but you are “out of context.” It is like seeing into the future. From her perspective, her nine-year-old daughter is in the other room or at school, and this 48-year-old version of her is standing in front of her. She sees a familiar person, but is not sure who.

Put yourself into context.

     Consider this – How many times have you gone to the supermarket or to another public place and bumped into someone you recognize. You make eye contact, but you can’t figure out how you know this person. He is familiar to you. He smiles and says, “Hello!” and addresses you by name. He asks how you are doing. You still can’t figure out who this man is. You smile back, but stay silent because you don’t want to appear silly. Finally, he says, “I am Bill, we met at the last staff meeting. I am the new guy,” as he chuckles. You are relieved because now you can place him. He was out of context. You didn’t expect to see someone from work at the supermarket. When he explained how you knew each other, it helped place him into context.

Clarify if that’s what is needed.

     That is my take on how to understand and respond to someone with dementia and/or memory problems. S/he may need a little reminder of who you are and how you fit into her/his life. Putting everything into context can help relieve the person’s anxieties and insecurities. Even if she thinks you’re her sister, that’s okay, too. If she asks for clarification or she is not sure who you are, gently remind her and put yourself into “context.” S/he will most likely respond favourably.

Avoid using a disapproving tone.

     It’s a natural reaction to want to be angry or disappointed with the person. At times you may have responded in a disapproving tone and said something like, “I’m not your sister! I’m your wife.” This can result in making your husband feel more confused and ashamed.

Respond in a calm and reassuring manner.

     The next time your loved one with dementia mixes you up with another family member or is not sure who you are, consider responding with kindness, patience and understanding. Help put yourself into context. That may help her/him remember who you are.

NOTE: The medical term for the inability to process sensory information is called agnosia. There are different forms, including prosopagnosia, the inability to recognize faces. Check out Wikipedia if you want to learn more about agnosia, or watch this video on YouTube called Prosopagnosia.

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Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W. is a Specialist in Aging who has more than 25 years of experience working with older adults and their families in a variety of capacities. She has worked in private practice, long-term care, home care, health care and non-profit organizations. She is a realistic optimist who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her husband and two children.

Get a Sneak Peek at the Book and App

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Please check out three new pages on my website. You will find a list of chapters found in my book, Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide and more information on the app, Dementia Caregiver Solutions. Both will be available in early 2015. I’ve also included a list of internet links where I can found on the internet. Just click on the highlighted topics below or go to the menu bar on the Home page.

Thanks for following!

Warm regards,

Angela G. Gentile

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Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W. is a Specialist in Aging who has more than 25 years of experience working with older adults and their families in a variety of capacities. She has worked in private practice, long-term care, home care, health care and non-profit organizations. She is a realistic optimist who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her husband and two children.