Families & Caregivers: It's OK to Lighten Your Load.

Hear directly from other caregivers and families how to overcome the frustration, loneliness, and grief of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory loss.

“Reading Alzheimer’s, Dementia & Memory Loss, by Monica Vest Wheeler, is an eye-opening experience. There is so much that I did not know before opening this book — the writing about these diseases is superb. It is very easy to read — not technical at all. This is a must-read for everyone, even if you do not know someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia.”

This is more than a book.

This is the companion to turn to any minute you need an inspiring word or an outlet to vent.

Here you’ll be comforted by honest, easy-to-absorb suggestions that reaffirm that, while your circumstances are unique, you are definitely not alone.

“You always know deep down you are not alone in your frustrations and utter sadness dealing with a ‘victim’ of dementia. But reading about the many ways others cope with their disappointment in the loss of a once vibrant person gave me a great deal of comfort.”

You’ll find answers on every page and the courage to communicate what you need. It’s like standing at the refrigerator door in your home—in every home of families and caregivers facing the same challenges.

Here’s where we’ve attached our memories and messages and where we search inside for something that will ease the emptiness within us.

“I would like to express my sincere thank you to Monica for writing this book. She has captured the lives of those coping with dementia and memory loss. Because this disease is on the increase, it is so important for families, caregivers and the public to be informed. Reading this book can certainly help those coping with Alzheimer’s on a daily basis.”

This book gives you:

•     The information, hope, and confidence you need right now
•     Practical ways to deal with new and often surprising situations
•     Advice from those who have been there
•     Personal stories from those who are living it
•     Emotional support from those who truly understand
•     Truth from the trenches—how to deal with guilt and loneliness
•     How to give yourself permission to ask for help and take people up
      on their offers
•     Words of comfort and strength—you can do this!

This book is the ultimate voice of common sense, compassion and understanding that families need from the moment they learn of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, dementia or memory loss. Individuals are entitled to an unobscured and non-technical view of the everyday realities of these conditions.

“Monica, I feel so fortunate to have gotten a copy of your book and to have met you. I just couldn’t put it down — a well-written book for any family dealing with Alzheimer’s that addresses more than just facts. The personal accounts made it so believable — easy reading in a conversational style — yet gave a very clear picture of what Alzheimer’s is all about. It brought chuckles mixed in with a few tears. Most importantly, you immediately get the feeling from page one that you are not dealing with it alone. It is a wealth of knowledge on a very difficult subject that many families are struggling with today — knowledge is hope for the caregiver.”

Why this book is so important now:

Alzheimer's disease has become one of the most terrifying and least understood terms in our modern-day vocabulary as more than 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with it. We can't comprehend something that plays havoc with something we cannot see, brain cells that lose their unique ability to work in precise unison to create the substance of who we are … special somebodies to family and friends.

Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss are not normal progressions of the aging process. Most individuals enter their senior years vital and connected to the world around them. However, these disorders rob millions of the basic ability to communicate and interact with those they love.

“My husband, who has Alzheimer’s, came into the room when I was reading your book. He noticed my tears and asked me why I was crying. I told him, ‘I was reading Monica’s book about Alzheimer’s. She is educating the world about this horrible disease.’ His response: ‘I hope someone can cure it!’ ”

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer's at this time, only some medications that hold off the inevitable conclusion of a vicious disease that steals more than memories, the essence of what makes us human. That's why the more knowledgeable we are about the emotional and physical changes created by dementia and memory loss, the better we can cope with and survive these stressful challenges.

“This book is vital to all caregivers and families on the ‘broken path’ of memory loss! Statistics prove that there will be many more millions on this devastating journey. They need to read and learn from their predecessors.”

This book soothes the emotional side effects of these conditions.

In a straightforward language, caregivers get the encouragement they need, moment by moment, to take control of their lives before a loved one's dementia does it for them.  If caregivers want to "go the distance" and provide the best possible care, they have to learn how to communicate their fears and frustrations, not be afraid to ask for help and not be too stubborn to accept assistance.

In turn, other family members and friends need to learn how to open their eyes, ears, hearts, hands and/or wallets to fulfill the basic tenants of human decency and that "do unto others" rule.

“Monica has become a private detective peering into the depths of research and feelings when it comes to her books. No one else could have dealt better with the emotional component of each of these and still allowing us to see joy and hope in both.”

This book also reveals the unusual "opportunities" created by Alzheimer's, dementia or memory loss. Opportunities? Yes, the ability to look deeper within yourself and more fully comprehend what "you're really made of." 

These conditions offer an unparalleled look into the most basic foundations of life, love and human relationships, for which each of us has as unique a definition as our fingerprints. The abundance of human experiences, advice and life lessons will reassure you that, while your circumstances and relationships are genuinely one-of-a-kind, you certainly are not alone.

This book shares the everyday stories of ordinary people—just like you—who have had to make tough choices between sacrifice and self-preservation, to lie to take away the car keys, to combat the very public embarrassment of a loved one's unsociable behavior.

“Monica tells her stories of courage with quiet dignity. She is instinctively drawn to write in ways that connect heart and soul to humanity. In all of her writing, whether she is depicting in difficult or joyous times, Monica writes with compassion, hope and understanding. It’s as if she knows a secret some of us are still learning — that we are destined to emerge through this thing called Life in ways much like the Velveteen Rabbit did … worn and tattered perhaps, but nonetheless, all the more real.”

Inside, you'll discover that Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss are not easy, but they are not hopeless.

You'll find how the most basic contributions of time, patience, a night out away from caregiving duties and so little more can transform and lift the world of a caregiver high enough to carry them through another day, hour, minute or second, what can seem like an eternity to a caregiver who has few reprieves from ceaseless responsibility.

“There is comfort in this book. There is anger because there is no cure at this time. There is humor, which means it’s OK?to laugh! It’s also OK to cry!”

This is the book to have at your fingertips when things are tough... really, really tough.

It offers generous dosages of reasonable and common sense advice and insight from the individuals who have survived the caregiving challenges and celebrated the simplest of accomplishments … and love.

“Monica’s passion in her mission to help people live their lives through the toughest situations is evident in the words on each page of her books. Her words come to her from her treasured experiences with these people, her life and most of all … her heart.”

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