Janet Yagoda Shagam - A Caregivers Guide to Dementia: An Unintended Journey

I wish to thank the following individuals for their support, enthusiasm, encouragement, invaluable comments, and patience to answer what some would consider too many questions: Libby Golden Hopkins (RN), Edward Fancovic (MD), Elizabeth Roll (PhD), Sam Roll (PhD), Eric Roll, Susan Albright, Mae Green, Lauren Lockett, Dara Lockett, Rocky Stone, Barbara Shapiro, Carla Nichols, Hattie Johnson, Jeanne Johnson, Mary Ann Conley (PhD), and Susan Romano (PhD).

I also wish to thank the numerous families and the individuals in their care who allowed me to intrude into their lives. Their candor helped all of us learn about the difficulties caregivers face and the range of emotions family caregivers experience.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the efforts of doctors Edward Fancovic (MD) and Francesco Standoli (MD). Dr. Fancovic was Dorothys primary caregiver for the last few years of her life. Despite the challenges, he was always patient, informative, and kind. Our family appreciates his efforts in helping to make things run as smoothly as possible.

Dr. Standoli provided Dorothys care during her short stay in an assisted living facility. We will always remember him for his kindness, humor, and ability to gently guide Dorothy through the last stages of her life.

And to our caregiversCarla Nichols, Hattie Johnson, and Jeannie Johnsona thank-you hardly covers what you did for our family. Because of your patience, caring, and humor, too, Dorothy was able to spend all but a few weeks of her life in the home she loved.

And without question, extra special thanks go to Erin Conklin (RN, MSN). The combination of her keen editorial eye, medical experience, and generosity made a nearly overwhelming project doable. And a private joke: thank-you, Betty Crocker.

I would not have survived this unintended journey without the quiet support of my husband, Richard Shagam. He was always there to lend a hand, subdue my frustrations, and offer words of solace. Then, when the demands of dementia care and estate management were over, I spent the next eighteen months writing the first edition of this book. Now, my grateful thanks extend to the ten months it took to write the second edition. All I can say is, What a good guy.

And to my granddaughters Camille and Pauline, both impressed by the pile of paper on my desk and floor, as of tomorrow you will have my full attention.

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