Social Science : Gerontology

The relationship between practitioner and client in professional therapeutic contexts is a crucial factor in the healing process. This practical guide draws on the vast body of information on that relationship from psychotherapy and presents it in a distilled and relevant format for the complementary therapist. It encourages practitioners to think about their own preferred styles of relating to clients and, using their own somatic awareness, to understand what may be going on in the relationship. Su Fox emphasises the importance of self care, boundary management, clear communication, clear contracting and good listening as the basis for achieving the expected behaviours and attitudes described in the various codes of ethics for complementary therapists. Additionally, with the use of helpful exercises and illustrative case histories, she presents strategies for managing 'difficult' clients and for working with one's own difficult feelings about them. Drawn from experience both as a practitioner and as a client in a range of therapeutic contexts, the advice in this book is indispensable for complementary therapy practitioners and students in the field, and is also of interest to anyone working with others in a 'helping' capacity. more...

Price: $24.95

How can we promote the enduring well-being of those who are moving into the 'fourth' age of life? Ageing, Spirituality and Well-being explores how well-being is not about physical health alone; having purpose in life and continual spiritual growth are vital elements for older individuals. This book provides guidance on how the particular spiritual needs of this age group can be defined and addressed, and how meaningful care and support can be given. The contributors use their expertise in the fields of medicine, theology and the social sciences to explore ways of overcoming obstacles and finding a balance when dealing with the inner, and inextricably linked outer, lives of elders, including those with dementia or who have had strokes. A collection of diverse views, practical observations and sound advice, this is a thought-provoking resource for all those concerned with the physical, mental and pastoral well-being of older people. more...

Price: $32.95

Francesco Caracciolo was a successful architect and, with his wife Federica, also worked as photo reporter for the United Nations, travelling extensively throughout Africa and Asia. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and Francesco's rapidly vanishing independence put an end to their travels. With thoughtfulness and honesty, Federica tells of her experience of caring for her husband during his seven-year battle with Alzheimer's. She recounts the progression of the disease in all its distressing phases, revealing the very special relationship that developed between the carer and the patient and the inevitable reversal of roles. The author describes how her initial distress and irritation gave way to compassion and tenderness, and how in the end this terrible and devastating experience turned into a love story. While never losing sight of her husband's personality, she also offers strategies for coping with the solitude surrounding the couple in a society where mental illness is still looked upon with fear and dismay. This poignant first-hand account shares with the reader the remarkable realization that it is possible to emerge from the battle with Alzheimer's undefeated and, indeed, enriched. It will offer hope and courage to those with Alzheimer's, as well as their families and friends. more...

Price: $14.95

Christine Bryden was a top civil servant and single mother of three children when she was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 46. Since then she has gone on to challenge almost every stereotype of people with dementia by campaigning for self-advocacy, writing articles and speaking at national conferences. This book is a vivid account of the author's experiences of living with dementia, exploring the effects of memory problems, loss of independence, difficulties in communication and the exhaustion of coping with simple tasks. She describes how, with the support of her husband Paul, she continues to lead an active life nevertheless, and explains how professionals and carers can help. Christine Bryden makes an outspoken attempt to change prevailing attitudes and misconceptions about the disease. Arguing for greater empowerment and respect for people with dementia as individuals, she also reflects on the importance of spirituality in her life and how it has helped her better understand who she is and who she is becoming. Dancing with Dementia is a thoughtful exploration of how dementia challenges our ideas of personal identity and of the process of self-discovery it can bring about. more...

Price: $19.95

Maintaining a connection to nature is increasingly recognised as an important component of caring for a person with dementia. The benefits of connecting the subjective experience of dementia sufferers with their physical environment include sensory stimulation and enhanced cognitive, psychological and physical well-being, as well as improved behaviour management. Design for Nature in Dementia Care adopts a holistic and person-centred approach to caring for dementia sufferers by considering their emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being. The book provides comprehensive examples of the wide range of ways a person can connect to nature through indoor and outdoor activities, elements and environments, such as caring for house plants and pets, gardening and cooking, practising handicrafts and domestic chores, and offers solutions and insights to a professional understanding of the design of buildings and landscapes. The book draws on interdisciplinary research evidence from environmental psychology, neurology, architecture, nursing and dementia care practice, and spells out practical ways in which care providers and design professionals can design for nature in dementia care. more...

Price: $34.95