The Caregiver

By Aaron Alterra

Book Overview

Aaron and Stella Alterra had been married for more than sixty years when Aaron began to notice puzzling lapses in his wife's memory. Innocuous at first, they became more severe and more alarming. After a series of appointments and tests, the Alterras were informed that Stella was one of the more than 4.5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease.Combining medical research on the disease and often-painful anecdotes of memory loss, deteriorating motor functions, personality shifts, support-group and daycare experiences, and drug trials, Alterra chronicles his transformation from husband to caregiver after his wife's diagnosis.More than a chronology of one family's experience of Alzheimer's disease, The Caregiver is an intelligent, beautifully reflective testimony to how family members turned caregivers become the ultimate advocates for their loved ones in the face of a disease with no cure.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801474345
• ISBN13: 9780801474347
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: ILR Press
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Very informative

I was very touched by the way he cared and loved his wife. He did a lot of trial and error and gave 110%.

Reality and Humility

This is a most thoughtful insight from both the point of view of the Caretaker and the one for whom care is given. Many of your own thoughts, questions, fears, victories, frustrations and actual experiences are seen and lovingly, yet honestly, shared by a gifted writer. Thought provoking, calming, and a real companion for a Caretaker who feels alone -- as we all do from time to time. Well worth the read!

Preserving Dignity

Thank you, Aaron Alterra, for sharing your very insightful experiences while giving such loving care to your dear wife, Stella. Your touching recount of Stella's final days as a cellist and your countless successful efforts at preseving her dignity brought tears as I (a sexagenerian) empathized with your many dillemmas.I would certainly recommend this book to anyone with elderly parents or who themselves have become caregivers.