A Book Review: "Mindful Dementia Care"

About the Book:
Mindful Dementia Care is a book of stories and a book of love.It is a book without denial, without any papering over of the challenges that can be involved with being a caregiver, and the sadness, anger, and frustration they may bring. It is also a life-changing source of information that can revolutionize relationships with one of the most vulnerable populations in our midst.

In her decades as a caregiver, Ruth Dennis witnessed the tragic results of the medicalized and institutionalized way of caring for people with dementia. And equally clearly, she saw a better way. Mindful Dementia Care illustrates alternative methods for making a difference and achieving results through care that honors the whole person.

​The key is creating an environment with countless enriching touchstones to the inner person through facilities that are filled with art, animal companions, music, dance, books, laughter, and wholesome food. It is an approach that embraces creative and artistic processes to shape a more loving, spiritual approach for elders and their families.  

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Use the following hashtage when sharing on social media...
​#MindfulDementiaCare

My Review of the Book...

This isn't a book I would normally read and I'm blessed to say I don't have close family or anyone I'm caring for that I had in mind when I agreed to join this blog tour. The reason I opted to participate was to learn. I have friends who are living this sad and challenging road with their loved ones. My hope was to be a better friend and support for my friends when they need it and have a resource to pass along for friends and family.

I'm happy to say, the book met all of these expectations and I recommend this book to anyone living the challenges of caring for, or experiencing, Dementia and Alzheimers. It was an interesting read personal experiences and situations as they educate the masses. The greatest message I take away is the amount of time, care, concern, and love they have for their patients and families.

The authors tackle myths, explain some of the known science behind dementia, and break down the "Many rooms in the House of Dementia". I am one of the people who don't understand the differences and how to tell them apart. Even after reading the book, I don't have them straight in my head BUT I have this great resource of hope, healing, and miracles as a resource now. 

If you want to learn more or need some first hand encouragement and information, check out this book. You won't be disappointed.

About the Authors

Ruth Dennis
In her decades as a caregiver, Ruth witnessed the tragic results of the medicalized and institutionalized way of caring for people with dementia. And equally clearly, she saw a better way. Mindful Dementia Care illustrates alternative methods for making a difference and achieving results through care that honors the whole person...ruth dennis has worked in mental health, the arts, and community education for over twenty-five years.
She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and, for the past two decades, has worked closely with palliative care, hospice, and grief support.

​Central to Ruth’s life is her role as caregiver to her brother Morgan, who has Down Syndrome. He is the bravest man she has ever known.

Velma Arellano
 ...has been working in elder care for the past 2 decades...is a certified assisted living administrator (CALA), Certified Dementia Practitioner through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP), and an Eden Alternative Associate...As a volunteer, Velma is a member of the New Mexico Health Care Association and NM Assisted Living Task Force Committee (NMHCAALF)  . She sits at the table making her voice heard in guiding NMHCAALF’s advocacy in the New Mexico long-term care delivery system. 
​She helps identify and establish policies and provide resources that give people a real opportunity to improve the quality of life and quality of care in New Mexico’s frail elderly and intellectually-disabled populations.

Luke Nachtrab
...is a father of 3 children and married to his lovely wife Kara...Assuming operations of Vista Living, the family assisted living facilities in 2004 his passion and love for the elderly, particularly those walking with forgetfulness, and their families began to flourish.  He was named President of Vista Living Communities in 2011 where he utilizes his background to maintain the highest standards of care for those with Alzheimer’s. His passion for this business and making a positive impact on those with Dementia and their families is evident in his approach and philosophies. Using values taught by his parents he brings integrity and compassion to business.   With this as a guide he operates VLC as a business second; always trying to do what is right...

Find Mindful Dementia Care Online:
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44643108-mindful-dementia-care
Website:
https://www.mindfuldementiacare.com/
Amazon Link:
Click on the book cover above

Launch Day – April 29th We launch this book blog tour with a giveaway for this unique book! http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

April 30th @ BreakEven Books Today, the author spotlight at Breakeven Books belongs to a delightfully unique book called "Mindful Dementia Care" by Ruth Dennis with Velma Arellano and Luke Nachtrab. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about this informative book and it's authors.
https://breakevenbooks.com/
 
May 1st @ Bring on Lemons with Tara Forst Readers at BringOnLemons will hear from guest blogger and book reviewer Tara Forst as she reviews the unique book "Mindful Dementia Care" by Ruth Dennis with Velma Arellano and Luke Nachtrab. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a health care professional as she provides honest feedback about this touching book. http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
 
May 4th @ The Muffin with Crystal Otto In today's Muffin post, Crystal reveals her thoughts and feelings about promoting a book that hits a little too close to home. Find out more about "Mindful Dementia Care" by Ruth Dennis with Velma Arellano and Luke Nachtrab while hearing some inspiring thoughts on getting out of your comfort zone by WOW!'s very own Crystal Otto. http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
 
May 7th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples Madeline Sharples reviews "Mindful Dementia Care" by Ruth Dennis with Velma Arellano and Luke Nachtrab for readers at Choices. Don't miss Madeline's insight into this unique book. http://madelinesharples.com/

​May 8th @ Bring on Lemons with Michelle DelPonte
Michelle DelPonte reviews "Mindful Dementia Care" for readers at Bring on Lemons blog. Find out what this Wisconsin Healthcare Provider has to say about this unique book that deals with topics Michelle is submerged in each day as a caregiver for aging patients.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
 
May 16th @ Lisa Haselton
Lisa Haselton interviews Ruth Dennis about her unique book "Mindful Dementia Care; Lost and Found in the Alzheimer's Forest". Find out more about Ruth and her beautiful book.
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
 
May 17th @ Coffee with Lacey
Lacey reviews "Mindful Dementia Care; Lost and Found in the Alzheimer's Forest" for readers at Coffee with Lacey - don't miss her insight about this touching book.
https://coffeewithlacey.com
 
May 22nd @ Bring on Lemons with Crystal Otto  Crystal Otto shares her review of Mindful Dementia Care with readers at Bring on Lemons blog.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
 
May 24th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro Linda Appleman Shapiro, distinguished author and psychotherapist offers her insight in a review of Mindful Dementia Care.
http://applemanshapiro.com/category/book-reviews/
 
May 28th @ World of My Imagination Nicole Pyles Reviews Mindful Dementia Care and shares her thoughts about this unique book. Readers at World of My Imagination will benefit greatly from Nicole's insight and this touching book.
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

I hope you'll check out their book
and share it with others who might need
insight, encouragement, and hope
on the dementia journey with a loved one.