Living in the Moment - by Elizabeth Landsverk (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Like a What to Expect When You're Expecting for dementia, Living in the Moment is a thoughtful, straightforward guide, for caregivers and patients alike, to understanding Alzheimer's and other brain diseases, and navigating what to do next. Renowned geriatrician Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk knows that standard medical approaches don't always work and sometimes cause more problems than they solve. Here she offers the tools for making the best decisions, providing a path for patients to live a healthy and full life with dementia.

A loved one's dementia diagnosis can leave you feeling scared and overwhelmed. But you are not alone. Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, founder of ElderConsult Geriatric Medicine, has led thousands of patients through an initial brain disease diagnosis, equipping them with the necessary preparatory knowledge, tools, and support to help them live happy and engaged lives. She shares her expertise in this essential reference that offers compassionate explanations, advice, and clarity through an often confusing and challenging new landscape.

With concise, easy-to-read information, here is everything you need to know about caring for your loved one and making their life the best possible, starting now. You'll learn:

• How to recognize the earliest dementia changes
• How to create a plan of action for today--and tomorrow--that will help to monitor and advocate for your loved one
• Innovative new activities and holistic interventions that can slow the progression of dementia
• Comprehensive information on both prescription and OTC medications that can help or hurt dementia patients
• How to deal with day-to-day challenges, from staying mobile to relieving pain and calming agitation and aggression without resorting to sedation
• How to protect against elder abuse and keep your vulnerable loved one safe and secure--both physically and financially
• How and where to get help, including online support groups, home health care agencies, care managers, neuropsychologists, communities and day programs for people with dementia, and government agencies
• Tips for a long-range plan that considers home care, assisted living, and hospice

Coping strategies to ensure care for the caregiver
Dr. Landsverk demystifies the ins and outs of dementia, making sure you and your loved one will be ready to address whatever develops and maintain quality of life. Living in the Moment will transform how you think about dementia, providing comfort and support for the best life possible--at any stage.

Review Quotes

Praise for Living in the Moment

"This book is great for caregivers, but it's also an essential read for anyone who's in any way related to re dementia patient. Find "Living in the Moment" and keep it handy." --Philadelphia Tribune

Dr Landsverk makes navigating the medical and behavioral challenges for a loved one with dementia a bit easier to comprehend. The book explains what is happening, what is likely to happen, and how to do the right thing along the way. Recommended to family members who suspect their loved one might have dementia, essential to those with new diagnosis and nowhere to turn, validating and reassuring those who are already on the dementia journey with a loved one.
--KJ Page, Gerontology RN, ED, Joint Commission Nursing Center Policy

A valuable resource...[this] book is essential for understanding a confusing disease and navigating the medical, legal, and financial challenges for these vulnerable elders. Everyone needs this book. --Kim Schwarz, CLPF, past president, Professional Fiduciary Association

Dr. Landsverk reveals the secrets to medical and personal care with people with dementia. Her insights tell you what to expect and how to fix things so people with dementia - and their loved ones - can live their best lives. --Marsha L. Keeffer, CLPF, partner, Practical Heart Fiduciary Services

About the Author

Elizabeth Landsverk, MD is the founder of ElderConsult Geriatric Medicine, a house-call practice, and Dr Liz Geriatrics, an online education and telehealth provider. Dr Landsverk has been triple-board-certified in internal medicine, geriatric medicine, and palliative care medicine and has served both as an assistant professor of medicine at University of California, San Francisco and as a consultant for the San Francisco Elder Abuse Forensics Center. Through her house-call practice, Dr. Landsverk has helped thousands of elders. As an expert in managing dementia agitation without sedation, she's kept many of those patients, deemed "unplaceable," from eviction or languishing in the hospital. She's now distilling that knowledge and more into practical, easily implemented tips and processes. Through Dr Liz Geriatrics, she and her team provide direct advice and support to individual families along with educating healthcare workers, lawyers, guardians, and anyone else who works professionally with elders. For more information, visit DrLizGeriatrics.com.