Authors share their firsthand experiences and resources for
those facing a similar path
CHYANNE, Wyo., Jan. 1, 2025
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Patrice Gapen
and Michael Hand found themselves in
a position that few people are ever prepared to be in, caregivers
for their loved ones. Hand's wife, who was Gapen's best friend, and
Gapen's husband were diagnosed with dementia. Soon both authors
recognized how overwhelming this experience can be. In an
interesting twist of fate, both spouses succumbed to the disease
within six weeks of each other. To share what they learned from
their journey Hand and Gapen came together to write "ABC's for
Dementia Caregivers: A Handbook for Caregivers."
Written with first-time caregivers in mind, each chapter
coordinates with a different letter of the alphabet, taking readers
through stories, suggestions, and resources the authors found
worked for them. The book features concise chapters, written for
caregivers with no medical background who are trying to navigate
the complex world of dementia care for the first time. Gapen and
Hand describe the stages of dementia, how the disease presents
itself, a glossary of important terms, and the true burden of being
a caregiver. The book includes stories from the authors' journeys
through dementia. These are included to comfort the reader and
remind them that there is no right or wrong course of action, only
the best course of action at the time
"Dementia is a complex illness that presents itself uniquely to
each individual," Gapen said. "Because of this there is no
one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Our goal is to prepare the reader
as best we can to make the road a little easier. Not everything
works for everyone, but the reader can rely on this book as a
helping hand to help through this difficult time."
"Even though we have given our best ideas, tips, and
suggestions," Hand said, "we know from experience that nothing, not
even having been through it before, can prepare one for the unique
struggle this disease brings. Please take what we have offered you
and use what you can. Do your best with a loving heart and caring
soul."
"ABC's for Dementia Caregivers: A Handbook for Caregivers"
By Patrice Gapen & Michael Hand
ISBN: 9781665735995 (softcover); 9781665735988 (hardcover);
9781665736008 (electronic)
Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the authors
Patrice Gapen was a college
instructor of computer science for most of her life, writing
fourteen textbooks with her co-authors. Her greatest joy in life
was and is teaching. She has taught people to program computers and
fly airplanes and is a parent and grandmother.
Michael Hand is an engineer
specializing in the construction of dams and reservoirs. He cared
for his wife during her battle with dementia while juggling the
duties of an engineer for four years. He served in the US Army as a
combat engineer. He also has earned two distinguished Toastmaster
awards from Toastmasters International.
General
Inquiries:
LAVIDGE –
Phoenix
Ashley Fletcher
afletcher@lavidge.com
Media Contact
Ashley Fletcher, LAVIDGE,
480-998-2600, afletcher@lavidge.com
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SOURCE Authors Patrice Gapen and Michael
Hand
