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One of the most useful resources I've found lately is a free book published by the Alzheimer's Association.  Many of you are caring for Alzheimer's patients and it is a very challenging task.  The name of the book is Coach Frank Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers.  It is available for free at your local Alzheimer's Association office or it can be downloaded free from the www.alzheimersplaybook.com website.  Coach Broyles', formerly at The University of Arkansas, was the primary caregiver for his wife who suffered with Alzheimer's.  Typical of his profession, he assembled a wonderful team to put this book together and make it available through the Alzheimer's Association.  Although his wife had Alzheimer's, this book is very useful for all caregivers because of some very important principles that are stated several times throughout the publication.  Here they are:

• Put staying healthy at the top of your list.
• Have a backup plan in case something unexpected happens to you.
• Take one day at a time.
• Keep your sense of humor
• Pat yourself on the back for the good job you are doing.
• Get enough rest and eat right.
• Make time for the things you like to do.
• Talk about how you feel with others.
• Listen to your friends.
• Make a list of all the things your loved one can still do.
  

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