TESTIMONIALS
When my mother and I were caring for my grandmother in the late 80s/early 90s there was little advice and no guidance as to how to cope with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s. In Alice’s case it became so acute, my nan became a mute. We reached out to doctors, politicians anyone but to no avail. If only Dr Jane Mullins book was around at the time we would have had a friend to turn to. If you are looking after a loved one with this awful disease (now the biggest killer in the UK) and don’t know which way to turn then help is at hand. Jane’s book ‘Finding the Light in Dementia: a guide for families, friends and caregivers is the essential self-help book that explains common changes that can occur in those living with dementia. Let Dr Jane’s words be your friend.
This book is a mine of useful suggestions and information, which you can dip in and out of as you live through this journey. It will help you understand where your loved one is coming from and help you look after yourself too! I thought the chapter topics were great and Jane’s gentle approach of suggestions was not intrusive. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an input in supporting someone to live with dementia.
It’s absolutely amazing, I think it should be compulsory reading for everybody at the start of dementia. I wish it had been around when my husband started developing it.
This easy to read, sensible and insightful book, offers practical information and advice simply and compassionately given for all stages of the condition. This will be a great resource which can be picked up in times of need and can be used to jot down questions, ideas and useful strategies along the journey that can be helpful reminders when talking with healthcare professionals. Knowing that you are not alone on this journey and that there are people out there like Jane with the expertise, knowledge, empathy and the passion to offer this support means a great deal. Jane lets us know that none of us are experts, but with kindness and wisdom helps us to do our best and advises that we all need to be kind to ourselves and ask for help when we need it.
This is an excellent guide for anyone who has a family member or friend suffering with dementia. Really helpful advice & explanations on why certain behaviours happen & how to deal / cope with them. The best bit about this book is it is easy to read – short chapters & clearly written with very little jargon, so it is very accessible. It’s also helpful to have sections for making notes about your own circumstances, the idea being that you have the day to day information to take to a doctor if needed. The book takes you through from initial diagnosis all the way to making the decision to look at residential care, and it truly does “find the light” in all stages of that journey. It is reassuring for someone who has little or no experience with dementia to know that as a carer they are not alone, as quotes & comments from real life people are included throughout. It is a very positive book & has real tips & techniques for dealing with the situation of having a loved one suffering from such a cruel disease.
This little book is a life saver for people who have dementia and their caregivers, families and friends. I think it should be give out by every professional who gives the initial diagnosis. People need something to grasp, and the sensitivity, simplicity and emotion contained in this book may help them cope better.
Finding the Light In Dementia has been invaluable and has helped us know what to do and how. We are currently caring for my 90-year-old Mum together in her home and with all the challenges that Stage 6 Alzheimer’s bring, this book has been a great source of wisdom on how to tailor our approach. We have used the book to provide a consistent approach to her care. All professional home caregivers would also benefit from reading this to enable them to provide the best care possible in their role. It’s also a book that reminds us to look after ourselves!
I have known Jane for a number of years through my role as Research and Practice Development Officer within the Wales School for Social Care Research, Swansea University. Jane is one of those people whose authenticity and humanity is evident to all who meet and get to know her. When she writes anything, you know that is it coming from a heart that cares rather than one that is trying to impress. This delightful books is a synthesis of what we know from research and Jane’s own practice wisdom. The result is a beautifully crafted and very practical guide for families living with dementia. I thoroughly recommend it.
“This is an insightfully wonderful book for both caregivers and professionals alike. ‘Finding The Light In Dementia’ helps to calm the overwhelming feelings that come with a diagnosis of Dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is almost as if Jane has gently taken your hand in hers and is walking alongside you, encouraging you through this new chapter of your life. She has provided wonderful information; plus note pages at the end of the chapters for you to keep a record of the questions you want to ask the Doctor. This book is a much needed gift to yourself.”
This book is fantastic. I am a dementia specialist in a care home and a part time university lecturer in dementia care. I recommend this book to the families of the people I care for and my students. It is beautifully crafted and put together. The information is accessible while still being insightful. The note pages after each chapter is genius, allowing the reader to tailor the information to their love one or own needs. This is a must buy for professionals and families alike.
A definite to read as was so true and informative. I didn’t want to put it down. Definitely recommend. Bought for kindle and hard copy so can make notes along the way.
At last a book that explains what the person who has dementia experiences. Gives examples of what to say at difficult moments e.g. when loved one is looking for their mother. Invaluable advice on an approach that works and helps reduce stress in all concerned. Notes pages to help you write down important information about loved one’s likes and dislikes, what aspects of care work and what doesn’t. Book acts as an aide memoire when visiting doctor or health and social care professionals. Provides lists for what to take if going into hospital.
I found this such a useful book and a real eye-opener. It’s invaluable in giving real, practical advice to anyone who is caring for a loved one with dementia. Beautifully written and very readable, without technical or medical jargon to confuse you. I’ve already recommended it to several people.
I found ‘Finding the Light in Dementia’, an absolute gem of a book to read following my own diagnosis of early onset Dementia. It is a must read for any carers, friends and family of people diagnosed with Dementia. The book doesn’t avoid the difficult issues that have to be faced but addresses them in an easy to understand, positive and sympathetic way. The book sets out very clearly the ‘Journey’ that each person with Dementia will make and how each of these stages can be managed to ensure you can live well with Dementia, as much possible, for as long as possible.
The Book is filled with quotes from people who actually experience what it is like to live with Dementia and provides really useful emotional and practical advice to those who are Caring. Issues like creating a calm and safe environment, understanding sudden changes in behaviour and communication are so important and these are covered so well, along with many others.
An issue that is never covered enough and is, in many ways, as important as the care of the person with Dementia, is caring for the Carer. The book offers quick and easy tips for caregivers to nurture and replenish themselves.
Just like in real life we are all different and there is no one way to describe the effect of the illness or how best to treat those who suffer from it. That makes Dementia Care difficult but getting it right is essential and ‘Finding the Light in Dementia’ goes a long way in doing just that. I cannot stress highly enough just how important a contribution this book will make.
Finding the Light” is a wonderful book. It should be bought by anyone caring for someone living with dementia, who will find in it a practical handbook for the issues they may encounter, a fund of shared experiences by others, and an uplifting source of inspiration when things are difficult.
Throughout the book the experience and compassion of the author shines through. Jane Mullins is a dementia nurse consultant who has devoted over 25 years to the study and practice of dementia and all her knowledge is distilled into this informative, non-technical work.
Those reading it will find sections on facing the diagnosis, communicating, using life stories to stay connected, creating a calm, safe home, and tips for sleep, eating and drinking. There are chapters too on some of the challenges that can come with dementia: behavioural issues, hallucinations, and the difficult issue of considering outside care. Perhaps the most important chapter is that on caring for the caregiver: so often overlooked. At the end of each chapter is space for notes: practical ways for the carer to note down problems and solutions, as each individual is unique.
I suspect this book will rapidly become an essential vade mecum for anyone travelling on this journey: a companion to guide them, acknowledge the difficulties, provide practical tips and solutions. Above all, it lives up to its name, providing an uplifting beacon of light to guide and inspire.
My father has dementia and I also work at a Carers Centre. I found that this book provided great insights and resources to help carers cope with the practical and emotional aspects of supporting those with dementia; that I hopefully will be able to utilise within my own caring role as well as professionally.
Bought this book recently as I thought it might give me some helpful advice on caring for my 90 year old Mum who has Alzheimer’s. I haven’t finished the book yet but what I have read is brilliant. I love the way it is in short chapters with a bullet point summary and blank pages at the end of each chapter so you can write your own notes that are relevant to you and the person you care for. The short chapters are great , just the right length to read a chapter when you are able to grab a short , quiet break from caring. This book should be given out to every family carer when their loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia. We are not professionals and find ourselves in this role simply because we love the person who has received the diagnosis and want to help them and try our best to keep them happy, safe and feeling they still have a purpose in life. The book gives you invaluable advice on how to cope with difficult and stressful situations, sheer tiredness and exasperation and contains lots of practical tips. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Great read for any caregiver. I found that I learned new ways that I hope will make the steps of my mom’s dementia easier on our family
Great explanations help you understand what is happening. Great suggestions help create a better quality of life for all involved.
As a pastor, I have worked with many families who have had a loved one diagnosed with dementia. At last there is a very readable, practical and extremely helpful book I can recommend. Ways of communicating, creative ideas to stimulate memories, home safety, sleep patterns, changes in mood and behavior – these are just some of the topics Dr. Mullins covers. This book is unique in that it also has space for writing notes, questions to ask a physician, observations of behavior and more. I’ve already begun recommending this book to anyone I meet who has a family member or friend with dementia.
Jane’s compassion and warmth shines through her words. I believe that it will be a comfort to families/ caregivers who are experiencing the fear of a diagnosis and will offer an anchor when they’re unsure of how to communicate. I think it will also be a helpful tool for professionals to help them educate extended family and friends to help them understand what’s happening and manage expectations. Jane has a real knack for taking the ‘edge’ off a difficult subject through her reassuring tone and practical tips. This gives people a pathway to follow through the ‘mist’ as you would say- a guiding light”
I can not recommend this book highly enough. For those supporting a loved one through the pain of dementia, this is a life saver. The author is a health practitioner with many years experience and it is clear that she knows first hand what she is talking about and what the hurdles are. The book provides a wealth of practical advice, including examples of what to say at difficult moments. It also gives advice on approaches that really work. It really does provide much needed light and guidance at a very dark time for an increasing number of people.
At last a book that explains what the person who has dementia experiences. Gives examples of what to say at difficult moments e.g. when loved one is looking for their mother. Invaluable advice on an approach that works and helps reduce stress in all concerned. Notes pages to help you write down important information about loved one’s likes and dislikes, what aspects of care work and what doesn’t. Book acts as an aide memoire when visiting doctor or health and social care professionals. Provides lists for what to take if going into hospital.
At last a book that explains what a person with dementia really experiences and helps you understand what they are going through properly, providing advice on what to say in difficult moments and on approaches which actually work and help reduce stress and distress. This is great for the person who has dementia and for anyone dealing with a loved one with dementia, or even with just an acquaintance, demystifying and tackling the stigma and fear. It has space for notes and lists which are useful for visits to the doctor and hospital. I think it is a must read for all of us.
A very well written and easy to follow book, for those that have a friend or family member living with dementia. Each chapter offers something new, and includes advice and guidance on how to support a person living with dementia.
réconfortant et agréable à lire. Quel plaisir de se sentir compris