Why I Wrote My Book

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At the age of 88 my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia. It was a life changing experience for her and all of our family. But the brunt of her care management fell onto me. I coordinated her caregivers, managed her financial, medical, insurance, transportation, housing, and food. At times I just wanted to scream...and I did...often going into my car and venting. Then, because it was necessary, I reverted back to caregiver mode.

Life got easier when I was able to hire a live-in caregiver; a lovely woman who genuinely and graciously cared for my mom. She did well but she wasn't me. I had to let go and it was difficult. I felt that I needed to provide ways to help challenge my mother. I felt it was necessary for her to be purposeful. I wanted to help the caregiver come up with ideas for activities and to make sure that they were successful. I wanted too, to assess if these activities worked and then provide a way for her to pass it on to others. As my mom's cognitive status changed so too did the activities.

I decided I had to write a book. Early mornings found me on my computer writing activities. In the afternoon I would go to my mom's and test them out. I showed the caregiver how to do it and we changed it up if it didn't work. With time I developed an Assessment Form. The book now had a structure. I had structure. The mess of Alzheimer's became a little more manageable for me. I was more directed and screaming in the car a little less.

Ten years later my book was published. It came out as my mom was dying. Her illness was the incentive. This morning it hit 10,000 copies sold. Hopefully it will continue to make a positive impact for many.