Doing Things shows how to provide a positive environment for persons with Alzheimer's disease by offering opportunities for social interaction and constructive, enjoyable activities. Zgola outlines the ways in which a patient's functional impairment can be assessed; the strengths, weaknesses, and needs most commonly encountered among persons with Alzheimer's disease; and ways activities can be tailored to accommodate them. She offers step-by-step instructions for selecting and presenting appropriate activities and includes cooking and crafts projects, a sample exercise routine, and...

Dementia afflicts millions of Americans and deeply affects the lives of their loved ones. Good care has been proven to have a significant effect on the quality of life of a person with dementia. To ensure good care, staff members of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult day-care centers, and providers of home care must be thoroughly and continually trained by qualified and well-prepared professionals.

Nancy L. Mace, coauthor of The 36-Hour Day, has created the ultimate teachers' guide for dementia care training. Rich with information and with tools for...