"Doan, a professor of early childhood education at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, presents a guide for those who care for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The author draws from her professional experience as an early childhood educator and her personal experience as a caregiver in this book. Specifically, she shares lessons that she learned while caring for her mother, who struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for six years before her death. Doan explores the range of reactions people have to a dementia diagnosis, including denial, anger, frustration, depression, and even suicidality. A supportive community is crucial in these early stages, she says. She also shares how early childhood education techniques, such as observation, documentation, and a strength-based approach, can be incorporated into Alzheimer’s care. Establishing healthy boundaries and learning not to take things personally are key skills for caregivers, she notes, and she highlights the power of sharing stories, music, and nature walks as positive ways to connect. Pets and props, such as baby dolls or stuffed animals, may also comfort and engage loved ones, she writes. She offers tips on assisting patients with mouth care, feeding, and navigating transitions to higher levels of care. Practicing gratitude is offered as a strategy to deal with grief. The book concludes by urging caregivers to “put what you have learned into action” with Alzheimer’s-related organizations and other people in similar situations. Doan gracefully guides readers with real-life anecdotes, early childhood education insights, and actionable tips...the book deftly tackles a range of sensitive subjects, such as how family dynamics change after a diagnosis and how a loved one’s behavior may have caregivers “feeling awkward, embarrassed, or uncomfortable."
An empathetic approach to Alzheimer’s care that prioritizes personal experience over clinical perspectives."
The author draws from her professional experience as an early childhood educator and her personal experience as a caregiver in this book. Specifically, she shares lessons that she learned while caring for her mother, who struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for six years before her death. Doan explores the range of reactions people have to a dementia diagnosis, including denial, anger, frustration, depression, and even suicidality. A supportive community is crucial in these early stages, she says. She also shares how early childhood education techniques, such as observation, documentation, and a strength-based approach, can be incorporated into Alzheimer’s care. Establishing healthy boundaries and learning not to take things personally are key skills for caregivers, she notes, and she highlights the power of sharing stories, music, and nature walks as positive ways to connect. Pets and props, such as baby dolls or stuffed animals, may also comfort and engage loved ones, she writes. She offers tips on assisting patients with mouth care, feeding, and navigating transitions to higher levels of care. Practicing gratitude is offered as a strategy to deal with grief. The book concludes by urging caregivers to “put what you have learned into action” with Alzheimer’s-related organizations and other people in similar situations. Doan gracefully guides readers with real-life anecdotes, early childhood education insights, and actionable tips...the book deftly tackles a range of sensitive subjects, such as how family dynamics change after a diagnosis and how a loved one’s behavior may have caregivers “feeling awkward, embarrassed, or uncomfortable."
An empathetic approach to Alzheimer’s care that prioritizes personal experience over clinical perspectives."
─Kirkus Reviews
"What can I say? This book is beautifully and sensitively written. It tells of a daughter’s love for her mother. I was hooked from the first page, and both cried and laughed with Laura, as I was reading. She’s Still my Mom will resonate with anyone that knows, has known or is currently caring for a loved one with dementia. While it is all too easy to focus on the diagnosis, Laura reminds us, that the person involved, is still very much alive. Using a practical strengths-based approach, Laura affirms the person with dementia, acknowledges human frailty from the perspective of the cared for, and those doing the caring and provides a myriad of tips and strategies to help all involved experience joy in their everyday lives. The stories bring Laura’s journey with her mother to life. I could literally feel the sunshine, taste the tea, hear the breeze, the rustle of leaves, the ripple of water on those many walks. I could also hear the laughter, and the conversations, and I could experience all the emotions: joy, sadness, hope. The book reinforces the critical importance of positive relationships and connection throughout the life span. Thank you, Laura, for sharing your story!"
─Dr. Mary Moloney, Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education and Care,
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland
"In the book, She’s Still My Mom, Laura Doan recounts her experiences of caring for a mother with Alzheimer’s disease. The book focuses on the relationship between mother and daughter, exploring themes of love, memory, and identity.
She’s Still My Mom details Laura’s (and family) life as she cares for her mother, from initial diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to her mom’s passing. The memoir consists of short stories that depict various moments and memories, illustrating their relationship's challenges and rewards. Throughout the book, Laura candidly shares her difficulties, fears, and positive experiences and describes strategies on how to adapt to changes occurring with their loved one.
Alzheimer’s disease is often referred to as “the long goodbye” because it gradually erases a person's memories. As Laura explains, “For me, saying goodbye has been ongoing, even if I haven’t been aware of it.” Laura navigates this loss while witnessing her mother’s decline, but also finds comfort in the lasting memories. The memoir examines the nature of memory and how identities are shaped by shared stories and experiences.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease requires significant amount of strength and resilience. Laura’s memoir demonstrates her capability to manage the caregiver's emotional and physical demands. She discusses her coping mechanisms, including finding humour in certain moments and seeking support from friends and family. Her account highlights that even in difficult times, there can be moments of grace and beauty.
She’s Still My Mom is a beautiful exploration of love, memory, and resilience. Laura’s story highlights the enduring bond between mother and daughter while finding the strength and grace in challenging circumstances. This book is a must-read for anyone who has been touched by Alzheimer’s disease."
She’s Still My Mom details Laura’s (and family) life as she cares for her mother, from initial diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to her mom’s passing. The memoir consists of short stories that depict various moments and memories, illustrating their relationship's challenges and rewards. Throughout the book, Laura candidly shares her difficulties, fears, and positive experiences and describes strategies on how to adapt to changes occurring with their loved one.
Alzheimer’s disease is often referred to as “the long goodbye” because it gradually erases a person's memories. As Laura explains, “For me, saying goodbye has been ongoing, even if I haven’t been aware of it.” Laura navigates this loss while witnessing her mother’s decline, but also finds comfort in the lasting memories. The memoir examines the nature of memory and how identities are shaped by shared stories and experiences.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease requires significant amount of strength and resilience. Laura’s memoir demonstrates her capability to manage the caregiver's emotional and physical demands. She discusses her coping mechanisms, including finding humour in certain moments and seeking support from friends and family. Her account highlights that even in difficult times, there can be moments of grace and beauty.
She’s Still My Mom is a beautiful exploration of love, memory, and resilience. Laura’s story highlights the enduring bond between mother and daughter while finding the strength and grace in challenging circumstances. This book is a must-read for anyone who has been touched by Alzheimer’s disease."
─Heather Noyes, RRT, BHSc, MEd., Associate Teaching Professor (retired)
"In this very personal and practical guide, Dr. Laura Doan shares frankly and deeply about her own experience of navigating a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in both her mother and her mother-in-law. Dr. Doan has experienced many facets of this journey and shares them openly here. In short, readable chapters, she candidly talks about topics such as: changing communication styles in your loved one, navigating holidays and outings, changing behaviours, family dynamics, grief, and much more. Each chapter relates Dr. Doan’s own experiences as well as offering many practical ideas for the reader. An abundance of personal photos document each story and bring a personal, relatable feel to the book. This is a compassionate and helpful guidebook offering support, understanding, and practical suggestions for those dealing with a loved one with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis."
─Beverley Knight, BMus, ARCT (Performance), BCRMT, Piano Teacher
"If I am honest, I was very excited to read this book due to my own recent experience of walking though dementia with my mum. At the same time, I was hesitant: what if I read something that I could have, should have done and didn't and never will be able to now? I was so relieved that this was not the case. This book presents recent evidence base regarding dementia, but even more than that and most importantly for me, it is like a kind friend walking the journey with you. Caring for a loved one with dementia is tough and so emotional. It unlocks emotions and feelings you didn't recognise were there. This is a book written by someone who "gets it". It feels like a caring hug and a listening ear. Laura provides practical support in every aspect of dementia and what it means to live daily caring for someone with a dementia diagnosis. I loved the self care points at the end of each chapter. It is a book to keep handy and dip into, as each chapter stands alone. In the lay out of the book, it seems that Laura acknowledges the all-consuming role of carer and how reading a lengthy book may be overwhelming. Each chapter is succinct and has a summary of the main points at the end. It is packed full of personal experience which makes it very relatable."
─Ruth Aves, RGN, RSCN, Specialist Infant Feeding Health Visitor
"Thank you, Laura, for sharing your story in such an authentic, open and honest way. Your reflections of your experiences will be of great support to many who have faced similar challenges and for those who may be starting out on this journey. The photographs that you share throughout the journey are beautiful and I’m sure will provide lasting and cherished memories for you and your family.
The way you have made the connections with your profession as an early years educator and working with children is interesting, and your reflections after each chapter provides practical support to anyone reading your story. You have ensured that we mange our own self-care as well as needing to support our loved ones. I love the idea of a ‘yes environment’ that you weave throughout the chapters that offers positivity, guidance and support and has a focus on needing to adapt environments and not expect our loved ones to change. "
The way you have made the connections with your profession as an early years educator and working with children is interesting, and your reflections after each chapter provides practical support to anyone reading your story. You have ensured that we mange our own self-care as well as needing to support our loved ones. I love the idea of a ‘yes environment’ that you weave throughout the chapters that offers positivity, guidance and support and has a focus on needing to adapt environments and not expect our loved ones to change. "
─Dr Alison Moore, PhD, MA, NPQICL, BA, Professional Practice Placement Manager
University College Cork, Ireland
University College Cork, Ireland
"I was honoured when Dr. Doan asked if I would read and review her new book She’s Still My Mom: Navigating your loved one’s journey with Alzheimer’s. As she relates in her book, Dr. Doan received a number of suggestions from friends that she turn the many reflections, anecdotes and realizations she shared about her mom’s journey, into a book. I was one of them. I recall looking forward to her next post knowing that I was being granted entry into a deeply personal story about Alzheimer’s. It was also very honest and extremely beautiful. This book is a broader, deeper version of that Alzheimer’s story and is, at its core, a love story.
The book is a joy to read. It is autobiographical, spiritual, and uplifting. It is framed in such a way that it is an easy to digest tutorial on Alzheimer’s and how to respond to and care for those with dementia / Alzheimer’s with kindness and compassion. Dr. Doan provides a summary at the end of each chapter that guides the reader through Key Thoughts, Actions, Thought for Resilience and Self-Care. Dr. Doan makes the connection between what she had learned in her role as an Early Childhood Education teacher and educator and how that has informed her “way of being” with her mom.
Beneath a picture of Dr. Doan and her mom at the beginning of Chapter Two, Dr. Doan notes “… While I am the author of this book, I could not have written it without my mom. This photo represents a journey that we were on together…. ”. This book, as well as the reflections that formed the basis of the book, are driven by the path that Dr. Doan’s mom led them on. As you open this book, let her lead you too.
I wish that She’s Still My Mom: Navigating Your Loved One’s Journey With Alzheimer’s had been written before I started working with individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s (including Dr. Doan’s mother in law). I know that I would have treated this book as a tutorial in my day-to-day work. Now that I have moved on to working in Addictions and Mental Health, my own mother is on her journey with Vascular Dementia, and I am so grateful to have this book as a resource and a lesson in grace.
If you work with individuals with dementia / Alzheimer’s or if you have a loved one with dementia / Alzheimer’s – buy this book. It will guide you, inspire you and empower you in your journey."
The book is a joy to read. It is autobiographical, spiritual, and uplifting. It is framed in such a way that it is an easy to digest tutorial on Alzheimer’s and how to respond to and care for those with dementia / Alzheimer’s with kindness and compassion. Dr. Doan provides a summary at the end of each chapter that guides the reader through Key Thoughts, Actions, Thought for Resilience and Self-Care. Dr. Doan makes the connection between what she had learned in her role as an Early Childhood Education teacher and educator and how that has informed her “way of being” with her mom.
Beneath a picture of Dr. Doan and her mom at the beginning of Chapter Two, Dr. Doan notes “… While I am the author of this book, I could not have written it without my mom. This photo represents a journey that we were on together…. ”. This book, as well as the reflections that formed the basis of the book, are driven by the path that Dr. Doan’s mom led them on. As you open this book, let her lead you too.
I wish that She’s Still My Mom: Navigating Your Loved One’s Journey With Alzheimer’s had been written before I started working with individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s (including Dr. Doan’s mother in law). I know that I would have treated this book as a tutorial in my day-to-day work. Now that I have moved on to working in Addictions and Mental Health, my own mother is on her journey with Vascular Dementia, and I am so grateful to have this book as a resource and a lesson in grace.
If you work with individuals with dementia / Alzheimer’s or if you have a loved one with dementia / Alzheimer’s – buy this book. It will guide you, inspire you and empower you in your journey."
─Darlene Gibson, BA
Support Services Manager
A New Tomorrow Treatment Solutions
Support Services Manager
A New Tomorrow Treatment Solutions
“She’s Still My Mom is a rare book that unites academic rigor with sensitivity and sound advice for people caring for or living with a person with Alzheimer’s. The author makes good use of her background and solid knowledge as a professor in early childhood education at the Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, Canada, which allows her to draw numerous parallelisms between the needs of small children and those of elderly with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. The idea of care is the main thread of the book. Care for the ill, care for the caregiver, care for family and kin. The book is sprinkled with practical tips on how to practice it through physical activity, music, faith, cooking. As a keen cook herself, she even offers the recipes of her mom’s favourite treats! Indeed, the word that the reader will come across most often is ‘love’. Professor Doan manages to use it generously without losing her rigor, providing it with a deeper, transcendental meaning. She is honest and open about her experience with her loved ones, not hesitating to share painful episodes. As an academic, she has documented the most minute details but offers them with warmth and affection. These details and how she sees, deals with and interprets them is what makes this book a very useful tool for those now struggling with similar situations. After reading it, I am quite certain the reader will end with a sigh and a smile. Thank you very much for writing it!”
─Dr. Katia Hueso, PhD., MSc Biology,
teacher, author and consultant on nature education,
conservation, sustainability and environmental management,
Adjunct Professor at the Comillas Pontifical University in Spain
teacher, author and consultant on nature education,
conservation, sustainability and environmental management,
Adjunct Professor at the Comillas Pontifical University in Spain
"Doan shares her experiences of navigating her mother’s Alzheimer’s journey with remarkable honesty and grace. The book sheds light on the challenges and triumphs faced by caregivers, family members, and observers alike. Doan’s approach is both relatable and insightful, offering practical tools and strategies that resonate deeply with her readers. Her background as an early childhood educator, mother, and daughter adds a unique perspective, enriching the narrative with wisdom and empathy. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Alzheimer's and the profound impact it has on families."
─Nicole Matthew, BBA
“Weaving years of education experience with an evolving relationship as daughter and caregiver, Laura shares the journey with her mom in ways that encourage all of us who work with, care for and love those living with Alzheimer’s. Laura acknowledges the very real struggle caregivers face entangled beautifully with the gentleness, patience and love people deserve. As a caregiver myself, I consider this book a must-read for anyone who loves/works with someone living with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other life-altering diseases. It is reassuring to see my work in this light, to feel the privilege and responsibility of caregiving, promoting dignity and humanity, and learning self-care and resilience-building strategies that promote the important work we do professionally and within the contexts of our loved ones.”
─Anna Hendra, Private Caregiver
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