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The Dementia Handbook: How to Provide Dementia Care at Home
Providing dementia care is profoundly stressful for families and caregivers. However, when we understand which skills are lost in dementia, and which remain, we can be proactive and tailor our support to meet emotional needs before they become difficult behaviors.
The author, Judy Cornish, is founder of the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network® and creator of the DAWN Method®. Her empathetic approach has become known as strength-based dementia care and improves the lives of those experiencing dementia as well as their care partners.
Although dementia (and its most common type, Alzheimer’s Disease) result in very personal and individual experiences, there is an underlying pattern when we view dementia from the perspective of how people respond to changes in their ability to function. Through applying an experiential model rather than medical one, Cornish developed an approach that gives care partners the ability to be proactive and avoid inadvertently triggering conflict and stress. Instead, through working with their companion’s remaining skills, companionship and peace become possible.
The Dementia How to Provide Dementia Care at Home is the concise pocket guide you’ve been waiting for as you walk alongside your loved one on this difficult—but potentially rewarding—new path.
The author, Judy Cornish, is founder of the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network® and creator of the DAWN Method®. Her empathetic approach has become known as strength-based dementia care and improves the lives of those experiencing dementia as well as their care partners.
Although dementia (and its most common type, Alzheimer’s Disease) result in very personal and individual experiences, there is an underlying pattern when we view dementia from the perspective of how people respond to changes in their ability to function. Through applying an experiential model rather than medical one, Cornish developed an approach that gives care partners the ability to be proactive and avoid inadvertently triggering conflict and stress. Instead, through working with their companion’s remaining skills, companionship and peace become possible.
The Dementia How to Provide Dementia Care at Home is the concise pocket guide you’ve been waiting for as you walk alongside your loved one on this difficult—but potentially rewarding—new path.
- GenresNonfiction
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2017
196 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Judy Cornish
4 books3 followersJudy Cornish is an elder law attorney and geriatric care manager who has spent the past six years working with families and people experiencing dementia on the Palouse. Prior to her work in dementia care, she practiced law, worked in vocational rehabilitation with traumatic brain injury, and spent a year as a psychosocial skills trainer in an enhanced care unit for the mentally ill. With her varied background—and education in literature, languages, fine arts and the law—she brings a diverse set of skills and a unique approach to dementia care. Her DAWN Method enables families to keep their loved ones home longer, with less stress and more comfort. Today Ms. Cornish runs Palouse Dementia Care, providing case management and care services on the Palouse, and the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network® (DAWN), offering training and consulting in the DAWN Method.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 24, 2025
"Tis better, far, to light a candle than to curse the darkness," is one of my favorite quotes and I thought of it while reading Judy Cornish's The Dementia Handbook. This concise book offers hope, a rare and precious thing when dealing with dementia. Cornish acknowledges that people with dementia lose memory, knowledge of the past, rational thought processes, and language and motor skills. She points out that people with dementia don't lose the ability to feel and respond to emotions, enjoy beauty, experience the present, and complete tasks without consciously thinking about them.
Cornish recommends caregivers provide a sense of security (as living with worsening forgetfulness and confusion and knowing that you will become completely unable to care for yourself is rightfully terrifying) and focus on people with dementia's emotional well-being. She encourages caregivers to accept loved one's skewed perception of reality, use our memories to supply gaps in theirs, and focus on providing choice, a sense of control and opportunities to contribute. Recognizing that people with dementia give up and retreat into passivity if they repeatedly fail and lose the ability to alter their mood, Cornish suggests offering help as a teammate and providing sensory and social stimulation. She shares practical tips for how to support people with dementia built over the years of work supporting her clients, including advice on tricky situations such as travel, linking difficult behaviors to an individual's emotional needs.
I am impressed by Cornish's empathy, wisdom, humility and compassion and respect for her clients. This is the best book I've read on supporting people with dementia so far. While I hope no one reading this review ever has a loved one with dementia, if this happens I strongly recommend this book. Thank you to my sister and aunt who found this book and encouraged me to read it.
Cornish recommends caregivers provide a sense of security (as living with worsening forgetfulness and confusion and knowing that you will become completely unable to care for yourself is rightfully terrifying) and focus on people with dementia's emotional well-being. She encourages caregivers to accept loved one's skewed perception of reality, use our memories to supply gaps in theirs, and focus on providing choice, a sense of control and opportunities to contribute. Recognizing that people with dementia give up and retreat into passivity if they repeatedly fail and lose the ability to alter their mood, Cornish suggests offering help as a teammate and providing sensory and social stimulation. She shares practical tips for how to support people with dementia built over the years of work supporting her clients, including advice on tricky situations such as travel, linking difficult behaviors to an individual's emotional needs.
I am impressed by Cornish's empathy, wisdom, humility and compassion and respect for her clients. This is the best book I've read on supporting people with dementia so far. While I hope no one reading this review ever has a loved one with dementia, if this happens I strongly recommend this book. Thank you to my sister and aunt who found this book and encouraged me to read it.
July 29, 2018
I am grateful for finding this book, the author is inspiring and gives hope on how to aid a person suffering Dementia with kindness and compassion. Dementia is bleak, yet this book focuses on what we can do to make it manageable.
May 16, 2023
This is a short, accessible and surprising hopeful book about how to give care to someone experiencing dementia. As she notes, dementia is bad, but not all bad.
Focusing care around a person-centered model that puts respecting the person and preserving their dignity to the forefront, the author makes a strong case for the benefits of keeping people with dementia in their own homes. This is partly a function of cold reality. Institutional care is expensive- so expensive that the average American can’t afford it. It’s also not the best place for the person experiencing dementia. In addition, the country’s rapidly aging population is experiencing dementia in ever increasing numbers. Add to the crisis in the medical system and lack of staff at all levels, families will, more often than not, be forced to step in and care for their elderly family members.
This book posits that’s not a bad thing and the strategies and understandings she’s discovered can help everyone, caregiver and cared, a way to coexist in as much happiness and contentment as possible.
As someone who is facing taking on a caregiver role, reading this book has given me a chance to breathe a little in the midst of my overwhelming panic.
Well done and worth reading, not just for the person becoming a caregiver but for others who might interact with them. More understanding and destigmizing is needed. Especially as the person experiencing dementia still needs and craves human contact and experience.
Focusing care around a person-centered model that puts respecting the person and preserving their dignity to the forefront, the author makes a strong case for the benefits of keeping people with dementia in their own homes. This is partly a function of cold reality. Institutional care is expensive- so expensive that the average American can’t afford it. It’s also not the best place for the person experiencing dementia. In addition, the country’s rapidly aging population is experiencing dementia in ever increasing numbers. Add to the crisis in the medical system and lack of staff at all levels, families will, more often than not, be forced to step in and care for their elderly family members.
This book posits that’s not a bad thing and the strategies and understandings she’s discovered can help everyone, caregiver and cared, a way to coexist in as much happiness and contentment as possible.
As someone who is facing taking on a caregiver role, reading this book has given me a chance to breathe a little in the midst of my overwhelming panic.
Well done and worth reading, not just for the person becoming a caregiver but for others who might interact with them. More understanding and destigmizing is needed. Especially as the person experiencing dementia still needs and craves human contact and experience.
May 30, 2022
This short book with help and guidance for caregivers of family members with dementia. It does give lists of things to expect with such a person, especially things which we can expect them to lose cognitively but also things which they can be expected to retain. It does help to know what to expect but it obviously is going to vary for each individual. The author certainly focuses on methods for giving the patient a sense of security and well being while being cared for at home. She gives a detailed history of her work through the years with clients and family dealing with dementia. For the caregiver, I believe a major factor is maintaining patience and using kindness and love.
May 4, 2017
Judy Cornish has listened carefully and put into words what people with dementia are "telling" their caregivers, perhaps not necessarily with words, but by their actions. She helps the reader sort it out and explains how to successfully interact with the patient while maintaining their sense of dignity and security.
She explains what brain functions diminish as dementia progresses, but on the flip side, discusses what skills remain for the person experiencing dementia and how to recognize and best support these skills. The author offers specific suggestions on how to manage daily activities such as bathing, the dinner table, telephone conversations and activities, as well as how to encourage the person with dementia to come along to their doctor's appointment. Most of us who have spent time with a loved one experiencing dementia know there are times when the last thing this person wants to do is what you would like them to do.
This is a quick read with valuable, useful information. I recommend it to anyone that spends time with people with dementia, whether as a caregiver for a family member or a caregiver working in a facility.
She explains what brain functions diminish as dementia progresses, but on the flip side, discusses what skills remain for the person experiencing dementia and how to recognize and best support these skills. The author offers specific suggestions on how to manage daily activities such as bathing, the dinner table, telephone conversations and activities, as well as how to encourage the person with dementia to come along to their doctor's appointment. Most of us who have spent time with a loved one experiencing dementia know there are times when the last thing this person wants to do is what you would like them to do.
This is a quick read with valuable, useful information. I recommend it to anyone that spends time with people with dementia, whether as a caregiver for a family member or a caregiver working in a facility.
October 1, 2019
Outstanding
With all the research money and attention focused on cure and treatment, there is a huge void regarding Dementia “Care”.
Once a diagnosis is given, the medical practitioner turns their attention from the patient to the care giver. The patient in early stages of Dementia is acutely aware of the shift and of the feeling both being neglected and of being used. Used only as a data source to be put through further emotionally draining and embarrassing periodic testing for the benefit of further cure seeking research, that hopefully a good thing for others down the road, but not at all for the patient.
This book does a most effective job of addressing the person most affected, from a practical, experience based and respectful perspective. The book provides so much of value and useful ways of bringing the most to the life that remains and ways to compensate for what does not.
Truly outstanding.
With all the research money and attention focused on cure and treatment, there is a huge void regarding Dementia “Care”.
Once a diagnosis is given, the medical practitioner turns their attention from the patient to the care giver. The patient in early stages of Dementia is acutely aware of the shift and of the feeling both being neglected and of being used. Used only as a data source to be put through further emotionally draining and embarrassing periodic testing for the benefit of further cure seeking research, that hopefully a good thing for others down the road, but not at all for the patient.
This book does a most effective job of addressing the person most affected, from a practical, experience based and respectful perspective. The book provides so much of value and useful ways of bringing the most to the life that remains and ways to compensate for what does not.
Truly outstanding.
March 2, 2019
Reading this book gave me the practical knowledge as well as immense comfort and hope to face the challenges of caring for my father who has been recently diagnosed with dementia.
Cornish, with her many years of experience and insight, was able to convince me that habilitative, person-centred care (preferably at home) is doable and to the best interests of both the carer and their loved ones.
The book has helped me focus on what is not lost in my father's mind and soul, and taught me how to preserve these elements, such as his ability to appreciate beauty and his emotional well-being etc. Through the gentle guidance of each chapter, I have become more at peace with the current condition, and more confident to face it in the many years to come, however difficult it may be.
Cornish, with her many years of experience and insight, was able to convince me that habilitative, person-centred care (preferably at home) is doable and to the best interests of both the carer and their loved ones.
The book has helped me focus on what is not lost in my father's mind and soul, and taught me how to preserve these elements, such as his ability to appreciate beauty and his emotional well-being etc. Through the gentle guidance of each chapter, I have become more at peace with the current condition, and more confident to face it in the many years to come, however difficult it may be.
January 5, 2020
This is more the why than the how book
When seeking for "how to" I was hoping to really read about a method but this only told me what I already knew, more "why" than -how-to .
It explains a lot about the a,b,c than how really is to get from a to b: example for you to be able to accomplish being actually heard and seen when communicating with you elder, you need to be one step away, by their visual area, making eye contact and touching any part of their right side of the body gently. Even if you do the right Q without the interaction of other sense and your right body language, the communication will remain vague.
At the end of the book I felt more like needing to visit the website for an actual method so it was more like watching a 2 hour commercial.
When seeking for "how to" I was hoping to really read about a method but this only told me what I already knew, more "why" than -how-to .
It explains a lot about the a,b,c than how really is to get from a to b: example for you to be able to accomplish being actually heard and seen when communicating with you elder, you need to be one step away, by their visual area, making eye contact and touching any part of their right side of the body gently. Even if you do the right Q without the interaction of other sense and your right body language, the communication will remain vague.
At the end of the book I felt more like needing to visit the website for an actual method so it was more like watching a 2 hour commercial.
April 14, 2020
Informative
As in previous books I have read on dementia I learned things that were new to me. I understand why people with dementia act the way they act and do the things they do which makes it easier for me, my husband's caregiver, to get through each day without an explosion of some sort. I will definitely review it again from time to time as I progress through my husband's dementia with him. I highly recommend it as a source for anyone dealing with dementia.
As in previous books I have read on dementia I learned things that were new to me. I understand why people with dementia act the way they act and do the things they do which makes it easier for me, my husband's caregiver, to get through each day without an explosion of some sort. I will definitely review it again from time to time as I progress through my husband's dementia with him. I highly recommend it as a source for anyone dealing with dementia.
June 23, 2018
Very insightful book on how dementia affects abilities. I wish I would have had this book when my grandmother was experiencing dementia. This book helps you make the mind shift needed in order to appreciate the person and approach their care in a positive way that focuses on the abilities that they retain.
April 22, 2020
4/2020 Excellent philosophy and ideas for providing person-directed care for people with semitic. The focus is not on what is lost, but what still remains for dementia sufferers. First book I've read on dementia or Alzheimer's that provides some positives for taking care of loved ones with the disease.
November 10, 2025
Excellent overview of symptoms and practical effects of dementia. Although it has whole section about advice for caregivers wish it had more practical tactics for caregivers for patience at different stages. Very good book overall and a must read if taking care for someone with dementia is in your near future.
April 23, 2018
Dementia
I suppose this book could be useful to someone without a clue. I am already doing most of the things they suggest. This book gives the impression that this can all be lovely. It's not lovely. I was looking for more actual solutions to problems
I suppose this book could be useful to someone without a clue. I am already doing most of the things they suggest. This book gives the impression that this can all be lovely. It's not lovely. I was looking for more actual solutions to problems
May 17, 2018
Excellent read and full of helpful information to allow me to keep my mom home with me where we both want her to be.
Institutional care is just as tiring if I am wanting to make sure my mom is getting the right care in there.
Institutional care is just as tiring if I am wanting to make sure my mom is getting the right care in there.
May 30, 2022
great help
Liked the positive side of the illness and suggestions on how to “use my memory to help the patient recall things from her memory and thus give her a gift of pleasurable conversation.
Liked the positive side of the illness and suggestions on how to “use my memory to help the patient recall things from her memory and thus give her a gift of pleasurable conversation.
February 1, 2018
Food for thought
A very interesting perspective helpful and compassionate . A very good manual for those of us who are trying to care for aging parents.
A very interesting perspective helpful and compassionate . A very good manual for those of us who are trying to care for aging parents.
September 14, 2019
Caregivers
I found this book a very easy read. It is more for a caregiver than a daughter looking for more in depth knowledge of what is happening to my Mom.
I found this book a very easy read. It is more for a caregiver than a daughter looking for more in depth knowledge of what is happening to my Mom.
November 1, 2019
This book is amazing!
If you are a care giver for a person with Dementia, this is a must read! It's the best thing you can do for your loved one!
If you are a care giver for a person with Dementia, this is a must read! It's the best thing you can do for your loved one!
December 29, 2019
An excellent Guidepost
I am purchasing multiple copies of this book - for the daughters and the occasional caregivers of my wife so we can give her a fulfilling elder experience.
I am purchasing multiple copies of this book - for the daughters and the occasional caregivers of my wife so we can give her a fulfilling elder experience.
April 26, 2020
Wish it was longer
August 23, 2020
Helpful
Very helpful book to help you understand, deal with and how to care for someone with dementia. Much needed clarity.
Very helpful book to help you understand, deal with and how to care for someone with dementia. Much needed clarity.
December 4, 2025
very dry
February 25, 2021
My Dad
I am the care taker for my dad of 91. I've been with him since June 15 2016. I've been reading every book on dementia and this one has opened my eyes.
Thank you
I am the care taker for my dad of 91. I've been with him since June 15 2016. I've been reading every book on dementia and this one has opened my eyes.
Thank you
October 7, 2021
This book had some practical examples of things you can do to communicate with or make things easier for your loved one that has mild to moderate dementia. These, along with the discussion of what is lost vs what is not lost were the parts of the book I found most helpful. The author focuses on trying to care for the patient as long as possible at home. It is an easy read and not too technical so also a good introduction to the topic. It does not really address the issues that occur with advanced alzheimer's.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews