Here’s what people are saying about “Where’s my shoes?” My Father’s Walk through Alzheimer’s
“I was encouraged to read ‘Where’s my shoes?’ before spending the day [initially, as a volunteer] with the caregivers and adult day care participants. Other caregivers had suggested that ‘Where’s my shoes?’ was a must-read, adding that if one were only able to read one book, this would be the most meaningful one.
After devouring the book, I am in agreement. I laughed, cried, and nodded my head in recognition.
A dear friend’s mother is in the early stages of dementia, and is finally reaching out for help.
One of my first steps will be to give her ‘Where’s my shoes?’”
—Brenda Birdwell, Program Development Director
Senior Concerns, Inc.
“WOW! This is really powerful! Brenda has a very special gift—to translate her thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a truly remarkable way.”
—Area Sales Manager
Sunrise Senior Living
“Now in an expanded and updated second edition, ‘Where’s my shoes?’: My Father’s Walk through Alzheimer’s by Brenda Avadian is a professionally informed and informative survey of all of the various facets and concerns involved with the treatment and care of Alzheimer victims and their familial support.
“Among the issues author Avadian touches upon are the diagnosis of this slowly debilitating disease,
- Alzheimer’s support groups available to family members and caregivers
- conservatorship
- in-home and out-patient medical care
- skilled nursing care, and
- the handling of such inevitable issues as family conflicts, as well as
- legal and financial considerations.
“Of special note is what, based upon her personal experiences in taking care of her late father with Alzheimer’s, Brenda Avadian has to say about celebrating life all the while dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient.
“Enhanced with a bibliography, an index, illustrative photos, invaluable caregiver tips and warning signs, ‘Where’s my shoes?’ is especially recommended reading for anyone who finds themselves dealing with Alzheimer’s.”
“We have been using Brenda’s books over two years, and they’re GREAT marketing tools!
“For an investment of $500 every other month, we’ve added 6 residents at an average annual $65,000 per resident, over the past two years.
—Director of Community Relations
Sunrise Senior Living—Sterling Canyon
“This book is a poignant look at love, learning, and growth created by caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. ‘Where’s my shoes?’ gives us the opportunity to learn from the experience of a caregiver who speaks for many who have or care for someone with this disease. In a discipline filled with facts on the biological, psychological, economic, and social costs of Alzheimer’s disease, Ms. Avadian offers an honest look at Alzheimer’s from a family perspective, touching on issues of family, patient’s rights and protection, and the personal joys and pain that come with caring for a loved one with this disease.
—Helen Rosenberg, Ph.D., Director
Gerontology Certificate Program
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Kenosha, Wisconsin
“I thoroughly enjoyed your book. I love how you described your father’s experiences and your perspective on such a difficult disease.
I wish I would have found your book several years ago because it would have been really helpful and as well as inspiring.
One suggestion you had was to join a support group and I believe my father could have benefited from that had we known those resources were available. Now I do!
Thank you for writing this book.
I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading it!
If I am ever faced with this situation with my own parents or know someone who is caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s I will definitely share your book of courage and inspiration!”
—Val Niemeier, Dental Hygiene Student
Omaha, Nebraska
“‘Where’s my shoes?’ demonstrates the joys and awkwardness, fears and uncertainties, responsibilities and outcomes, of caring for one’s parent. But most of all, it offers real options and prudent solutions that will benefit anyone faced with this decision.
“It cannot be denied that ‘Where’s my shoes?’ is a love story. On the surface it tells the true story in real time, as Brenda faces reality and makes hard, yet informed decisions. But between the lines, it’s about the youngest daughter taking responsibility for family affairs and the care of her beloved father.”
—Mark Warner
Co-founder, The Alzheimer’s Store
Author of The Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s-Proofing Your Home
“A powerful encapsulation of what one can hope to get by spending several years in a lively support group! Brenda brings a priceless gift to those who doubt their capabilities or feel alone in the undertaking. Her story is animated and endearingly hopeful in the midst of uncertainty and disappointments.
“Brenda’s empowering and compassionate message, from one caregiver to the multitudes she mentors, is like a song that stays with you for a very long time.”
—Jill Wilson, MS
Geriatric Services Manager, South Region Aurora Health Care
“‘Where’s my shoes?’ is an invaluable resource for caregivers and their loved ones. It offers reassurance and support, allowing them to realize they are not alone.”
—The Elder Law Offices of Mitchell A. Karasov
“Brenda Avadian takes the reader to that treasured part of the American past where family obligations were measured in deeds not Hallmark Cards.”
—Dick Brady
Consultant to the Senior Community
“Absolute MUST reading for anyone who loves, lives with, laughs or cries with, cares about, or cares for an aging person. For caregivers and professionals alike.”
—Cynthia R. Pollock
Elder Law Attorney
Law Office of Cynthia R. Pollock
“Brenda Avadian’s story is both unique and universal to those caring for people with Alzheimer’s…a role model for all of us.”
—Alzheimer’s Association—Orange County
“Avadian touches on almost every aspect of a caregiver’s experience. With an open and frank writing style the reader is filled with compassion…her book presents a rare opportunity to come close to the actual experience.”
“Wonderful book! It poignantly describes the trials and tribulations of coping with a loved one with a disease that tears apart the very fabric that makes us human. Will be of comfort to caregivers as well as anyone with a friend or loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.”
—Dr. Lawrence Weinberg, MPH, MD
Neurology
“A must for Geriatric Professionals. To understand the full scope of caring for people with Alzheimer’s you must “walk in their shoes” for a period of time to fully realize the impact on all lives involved. This is a must for the reference library of any medical resource room, for doctors of Geriatric Medicine and the public who are trying to gain more understanding of this terrible debilitating disease.”
—Teena Ainslie
Portland Oregon (Amazon.com review)
“A uniquely personal touch is what sets this book apart. The author gives us insight into her family dynamics and personal struggles in managing her father’s declining health while maintaining his dignity and her own sense of self.”
—From the FOREWORD (1st ed) by Dr. Roland Jacobs, MD, Diplomate
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
“…a compelling book. Author, Brenda Avadian, shares her personal experiences dealing with her father’s Alzheimer’s disease.
The reader can feel the emotional rollercoaster ride that Avadian took in coping with her father’s disease, while trying to do the best thing for him. She openly shares the difficulties she experienced with doctors, lawyers, medical facilities, government bureaucracies, and especially her own siblings. Readers see the reality of what happens to people with Alzheimer’s, and what a caregiver will likely face as the disease progresses.
It is this openness that makes ‘Where’s my shoes?’ such a useful read. While this book deals with the specifics of Alzheimer’s disease, Avadian’s experience and insight can apply to other serious health and caregiving issues we face as our parents age.
If you want to better understand the health and legal issues surrounding Alzheimer’s, and the family dynamics that are involved with caregiving, then you should read this book.”
—Eric Riddle
Former Caregiver
