Doing Things.

Doing Things This book is a special contribution to increase the knowledge level of care givers involved with persons who have Alzheimer's disease. An understanding of the working of the impaired mind and effective approaches that will assist the client in living a life filled with laughter, love, and joy are described. By applying the principles discussed in the book, the care giver can help individuals who have this disease find activities that can restore a sense of self and a sense of worth. Information in the book answers questions for the care giver such as, "What can we do to enable those in our care to keep on doing things?" "How do we enable them to do things?" "Why do some things work whereas others do not?"

The major focus of the book is management of and activities for persons who are cognitively impaired. Experiences of staff and clients of "Day Away," the day-program component of the Alzheimer's "Day Away" and Home Assistance program are described. The book has nine chapters, entitled 1) "The Neurobehavioral Aspects of Alzheimer's Disease," 2) "Evaluation," 3) "Programming to the Client's Strength," 4) "Programming for the Client's Needs," 5) "Designing a Program," 6) "Activities," 7) "Presentation of Activities," 8) "Clients' Reactions to the Activities," and 9) "Mobility." In addition, an outlined inservice presentation and evaluation tool are provided. The comprehensive glossary of terms also is helpful. The annotated bibliography is divided into three headings: Help for the Client, Help for the Family, and Community Programs. All of the material presented would be of interest to people involved in programs for clients in both institutional and community programs.

Abraham Maslow wrote that a musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to ultimately be at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. This volume shows the care giver how to provide a positive environment for people with Alzheimer's disease. After assessing patients' functional ability as described by the author, the care giver can tailor activities to accommodate them. When offered humane care that helps eliminate the frustration and anger accompnaying tasks too difficult, the individual with Alzheimer's disease will be more able to define himself as an individual, to exert control over his environment, and to bond himself in meaningful relationships. The techniques described promote more security and self-esteem for the client, along with empathy, courtesy, and dignity.