Gary Barg: I’m very happy that we get a chance to talk about your book, Dr. Ruth’s Guide for Alzheimer’s Caregivers. I knew I was going to like it when I started reading and the first chapter is titled, “How to Help Yourself.” Why do you think that’s specifically important for Alzheimer’s caregivers?

Dr. Ruth: I’ll tell you why – because it’s not like when somebody has an operation. There’s a hospital stay, then there’s recovery, and then people can go on with their life. That’s not the case here because this is such a horrible disease. And it’s such a hopeless disease. So I decided I know how to do training of professionals from my years at Planned Parenthood and I said that’s what I have to use right now. Just to tell people that they must – without feeling bad and without feeling guilty – they must do something for themselves.

Gary Barg: There’s a lovely segment in the book. You talk about scheduling happiness. How do we do that?...read more

Take Care

Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com

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Carenotes

Could you please get some information out about buying an "open-the-door, walk in, sit down, close-the-door and start the warm water bathtubs"? We built a house with my 94-year-young mom-in-law in mind about five years ago. We thought this sort of bathtub would be a great thing. It was terrible! Mom had to wait while the warm water came in (about 6-7 minutes) while she was shivering, even though we had the thermostat up high just for her and the bathroom wall heater on, too. THEN, the WORST part:  after she washed and rinsed herself, she had to wait for the water to empty completely before she could open the door to get out. I think things have improved a bit, but no company will address these problems with me so that I can share them with my support group. Please see if you can find out some information on this costly item! Gratefully, Marihelen Answer This Week's CareNote

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