What do you think?
Rate this book
New Every Day: Navigating Alzheimer's with Grace and Compassion
Alzheimer's. It barges into your life, breaks your heart, bewilders your mind, disrupts your plans, impacts your finances, and consumes enormous amounts of time and energy. When someone you love has Alzheimer's, you need more than just information on the disease--you need a break. You need a laugh. You need a friend by your side who knows exactly what you're going through.
Award-winning humorist Dave M. Meurer is that friend. Packed with practical information--like how to get the DMV to take away the car keys or how you shouldn't insist on correcting your loved one's misperceptions--and plenty of true stories from his own experiences navigating life with a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's, New Every Day offers hard-earned wisdom and even some badly needed comic relief for readers journeying down this difficult road. With compassion born of experience, Meurer helps caregivers develop the ability to relax, adapt, and even sometimes laugh again.
Award-winning humorist Dave M. Meurer is that friend. Packed with practical information--like how to get the DMV to take away the car keys or how you shouldn't insist on correcting your loved one's misperceptions--and plenty of true stories from his own experiences navigating life with a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's, New Every Day offers hard-earned wisdom and even some badly needed comic relief for readers journeying down this difficult road. With compassion born of experience, Meurer helps caregivers develop the ability to relax, adapt, and even sometimes laugh again.
240 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2018
12 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 10, 2018
I have personal experience with Alzheimer's disease and dementia as we have cared for family members and I have friends caring for family members with this disease. I understand the toll it can take on caregivers so I try to read whatever I can about this disease and how to care for those who have it. New Every Day by Dave Meurer is full of compassion and great advice for those who are caring for a loved one with this disease.
New Every Day, according to Meurer, is not written in any particular order to sort of mimic what it is like to deal with the disease that often seems somewhat random in how it presents itself. Meurer give a lot of factual information on how to care for your loved one, how to pace yourself and not burn out, how to manage the financial and legal end of things, and a lot of other good information. At the same time, Meurer encourages caregivers to keep their sense of humor throughout the book.
I think New Every Day would be especially helpful to someone new to caregiving for a family member with Alzheimers. However, there is a lot of good information and reminders that could be helpful for someone who has been helping a loved one with dementia for awhile. I appreciated all of the helpful information in this book. I also thought it was good that Meurer encourages readers to have a sense of humor. He makes jokes and shares funny stories throughout the book. Even if you don't always appreciate his joke or humor, I think the reminder to laugh and enjoy as much time as you can with your loved one is a good one to keep in mind. I would recommend New Every Day to anyone caring for a loved with Alzheimers or another form of dementia.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
New Every Day, according to Meurer, is not written in any particular order to sort of mimic what it is like to deal with the disease that often seems somewhat random in how it presents itself. Meurer give a lot of factual information on how to care for your loved one, how to pace yourself and not burn out, how to manage the financial and legal end of things, and a lot of other good information. At the same time, Meurer encourages caregivers to keep their sense of humor throughout the book.
I think New Every Day would be especially helpful to someone new to caregiving for a family member with Alzheimers. However, there is a lot of good information and reminders that could be helpful for someone who has been helping a loved one with dementia for awhile. I appreciated all of the helpful information in this book. I also thought it was good that Meurer encourages readers to have a sense of humor. He makes jokes and shares funny stories throughout the book. Even if you don't always appreciate his joke or humor, I think the reminder to laugh and enjoy as much time as you can with your loved one is a good one to keep in mind. I would recommend New Every Day to anyone caring for a loved with Alzheimers or another form of dementia.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
December 2, 2018
Given the number of people diagnosed with this disease every year I felt compelled to learn more about the stages, symptoms, family strain and resources available for those that do. Author, Dave Meurer, accomplishes this and much more through his injection of humor and stories of his mother-in-law, currently in moderate stage Alzheimer’s.
New Every Day provides readers light resources on how to navigate the treatment and support of loved ones with Alzheimer’s. From Medicare, Medicaid, assisted living facilities and personal respite care, Meurer covers all the bases. His stories are relatable to those who have encountered this disease and the knowledge he provides is critical for family members new to caring for individuals affected. While the internet and your own research can often provide in depth guidance, this book gives the necessary encouragement and humor for those immersed in the disease.
For the full review, please visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...
*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
New Every Day provides readers light resources on how to navigate the treatment and support of loved ones with Alzheimer’s. From Medicare, Medicaid, assisted living facilities and personal respite care, Meurer covers all the bases. His stories are relatable to those who have encountered this disease and the knowledge he provides is critical for family members new to caring for individuals affected. While the internet and your own research can often provide in depth guidance, this book gives the necessary encouragement and humor for those immersed in the disease.
For the full review, please visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...
*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 20, 2018
Meurer’s book more appropriate for caregivers of loved ones in early onset of Alzheimer’s
With my step-mom’s passing from Alzheimer’s just weeks ago, I’ve had very mixed emotions about a book that takes a light-hearted and even humorous approach to this awful disease.
Granted, when I first received Dave Meurer’s new book, “New Every Day: Navigating Alzheimer’s with Grace and Compassion,” to review, my step-mom hadn’t taken a turn for the worse and I was hopeful of having at least a few more years with her, which is why I decided to review it.
But more I read, the more disappointed I became. After all, having a noted humorist like Meurer write a book about this devastating disease seemed extremely inappropriate and very insensitive.
Published by Revell Reads, Meurer’s 240-page book covers about every angle: from health care to hospice care – and everything in between, such as whether or not a family member or friend is the right person to care for your loved one, to facing the reality of the dementia and not living in denial of it (you or your loved one), as Chapter 12, “The Ebb and Flow of Dementia,” points out.
Written in short chapters, the book covers important subjects, although it was hard to get through without thinking about what my step-mom had gone through the last three years as the awful disease gradually took her mind, health and (ultimately) her precious life.
While Meurer makes some valid points, “New Every Day” would be more appropriate for caregivers of loved ones in the early onset of Alzheimer’s – not for those of us who have had to watch our loved ones lose their battle for life in the final stages of this dreadful disease.
Although I believe Meurer meant well, his book struck a very wrong chord with me – especially since my family is still going through the grieving process of losing our loved one to Alzheimer’s.
I gave it a 2 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Bloggers Program of Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2018 by Doug S., M.A.
With my step-mom’s passing from Alzheimer’s just weeks ago, I’ve had very mixed emotions about a book that takes a light-hearted and even humorous approach to this awful disease.
Granted, when I first received Dave Meurer’s new book, “New Every Day: Navigating Alzheimer’s with Grace and Compassion,” to review, my step-mom hadn’t taken a turn for the worse and I was hopeful of having at least a few more years with her, which is why I decided to review it.
But more I read, the more disappointed I became. After all, having a noted humorist like Meurer write a book about this devastating disease seemed extremely inappropriate and very insensitive.
Published by Revell Reads, Meurer’s 240-page book covers about every angle: from health care to hospice care – and everything in between, such as whether or not a family member or friend is the right person to care for your loved one, to facing the reality of the dementia and not living in denial of it (you or your loved one), as Chapter 12, “The Ebb and Flow of Dementia,” points out.
Written in short chapters, the book covers important subjects, although it was hard to get through without thinking about what my step-mom had gone through the last three years as the awful disease gradually took her mind, health and (ultimately) her precious life.
While Meurer makes some valid points, “New Every Day” would be more appropriate for caregivers of loved ones in the early onset of Alzheimer’s – not for those of us who have had to watch our loved ones lose their battle for life in the final stages of this dreadful disease.
Although I believe Meurer meant well, his book struck a very wrong chord with me – especially since my family is still going through the grieving process of losing our loved one to Alzheimer’s.
I gave it a 2 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Bloggers Program of Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2018 by Doug S., M.A.
February 24, 2019
I never thought that a book on Alzheimer’s would make me laugh, but this one did. (If in doubt, turn to the chapter titled ‘Driven to Distraction’!)
This is a warm and engaging book filled with practical wisdom, hard-earned as the author and his wife Dale have walked the paths of caring for both of Dale’s parents. Dale’s father has passed away, but her mother Karin is still living with the challenges her disease brings both to her and those who love her.
Karin is described wonderfully throughout this book and her personality shines through, even in her confused state of mind. Much useful detail comes across as Dave describes the various stages of her illness, but Karin always comes across as a person of value, and not simply as a case study.
There are a number of chapters of detailed practical information. Although some of the specifics in these don’t relate to the UK systems (such as details of Medicare), the general issues do translate over here too. As someone who in the last twelve months has set up a Power of Attorney for a close family member, I can relate to the advice given about this, even though the ‘how to do it’ is slightly different over here, for example.
I would highly recommend this to the UK reader. Even with the elements which are very US specific taken into account, there is much here of use to anyone facing the journey of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. The humour within the book is perfectly placed. It is never over the top, and never points fun at either sufferer or carer. But it lifts the book, and made me laugh out loud several times, while at the same time educating me. While not shying away from the stresses and sadness of the progress of this disease, Dave talks a lot about finding the positives ‘in the moment’, and there is mention of Karin’s faith and certainty of where she is going after her death. That said, this is not a book which pushes religion to vulnerable people, and would be of value to many, Christian or not.
(For transparency, I work with Revell in the UK, but I was not obligated to write a positive review of this book.)
This is a warm and engaging book filled with practical wisdom, hard-earned as the author and his wife Dale have walked the paths of caring for both of Dale’s parents. Dale’s father has passed away, but her mother Karin is still living with the challenges her disease brings both to her and those who love her.
Karin is described wonderfully throughout this book and her personality shines through, even in her confused state of mind. Much useful detail comes across as Dave describes the various stages of her illness, but Karin always comes across as a person of value, and not simply as a case study.
There are a number of chapters of detailed practical information. Although some of the specifics in these don’t relate to the UK systems (such as details of Medicare), the general issues do translate over here too. As someone who in the last twelve months has set up a Power of Attorney for a close family member, I can relate to the advice given about this, even though the ‘how to do it’ is slightly different over here, for example.
I would highly recommend this to the UK reader. Even with the elements which are very US specific taken into account, there is much here of use to anyone facing the journey of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. The humour within the book is perfectly placed. It is never over the top, and never points fun at either sufferer or carer. But it lifts the book, and made me laugh out loud several times, while at the same time educating me. While not shying away from the stresses and sadness of the progress of this disease, Dave talks a lot about finding the positives ‘in the moment’, and there is mention of Karin’s faith and certainty of where she is going after her death. That said, this is not a book which pushes religion to vulnerable people, and would be of value to many, Christian or not.
(For transparency, I work with Revell in the UK, but I was not obligated to write a positive review of this book.)
January 3, 2019
This book has given me much to think on. It takes the question of caring for the elderly among us and offers options, opinions, and gives a much needed bout of laughter in many of the chapters.
I chose to review this book because the topic of elder care is very dear to my heart -- it is something I am passionate about, and I am always trying to learn something new. Being a caregiver can be stressful -- I've heard stories from several others who are full time caretakers who will tell you as much. But it doesn't have to totally focused on the stress. This book teaches you to focus, not on the tasks, or onto disease, or the circumstances, but to focus on what's important: the person in front of you who is trusting you to care for them in the best way you possibly can.
I enjoyed the humorous anecdotes that were speckled throughout the pages. The chapters onto topic of medicare/medicaid, and assisted living facilities/skilled nursing facilities/long term care facilities were extremely helpful and informative, without being dry and boring. It was the first time I can say that I kind-of-sort-of understand the basics of all the technicalities.
The format and the progression of the book was well done, and the content was informative. I really enjoyed it and am already planning on purchasing additional copies to give to different people whom I think would be encouraged by it. Because this is an extremely encouraging book. It's like sitting down with a friend who understands (the author has been caring for his mother-in-law for several years now) and just being able to talk.
I would ((obviously)) recommend this book to anyone, especially for those who are caring for someone else, but also for those who know people who are, as it would give you a better understanding of what they are going through.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to enjoy the book, just to give my honest opinion.*
I chose to review this book because the topic of elder care is very dear to my heart -- it is something I am passionate about, and I am always trying to learn something new. Being a caregiver can be stressful -- I've heard stories from several others who are full time caretakers who will tell you as much. But it doesn't have to totally focused on the stress. This book teaches you to focus, not on the tasks, or onto disease, or the circumstances, but to focus on what's important: the person in front of you who is trusting you to care for them in the best way you possibly can.
I enjoyed the humorous anecdotes that were speckled throughout the pages. The chapters onto topic of medicare/medicaid, and assisted living facilities/skilled nursing facilities/long term care facilities were extremely helpful and informative, without being dry and boring. It was the first time I can say that I kind-of-sort-of understand the basics of all the technicalities.
The format and the progression of the book was well done, and the content was informative. I really enjoyed it and am already planning on purchasing additional copies to give to different people whom I think would be encouraged by it. Because this is an extremely encouraging book. It's like sitting down with a friend who understands (the author has been caring for his mother-in-law for several years now) and just being able to talk.
I would ((obviously)) recommend this book to anyone, especially for those who are caring for someone else, but also for those who know people who are, as it would give you a better understanding of what they are going through.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to enjoy the book, just to give my honest opinion.*
January 15, 2019
After finishing this book, I couldn't help but think "what a wonderful resource". It's evident from the beginning that the author approaches the subject with a lot of compassion, as well as humor. I've had some experiencing within my church family, members suffering from dementia. I think it's one of those things that most of us worry about as we age. Because we don't want to be a burden on our family or friends. We don't want to annoy them with the same question we'd asked a dozen times before, that same day...sometimes within a few minutes.
Recently, a friend mentioned someone close to her had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I mentioned this book, which she immediately took an interest in. I will be happily sharing this with her, as well as the family going through this. And while society tends to lose patience, I'd urge each and everyone that goes about on their daily routine to learn patience. It's not something that comes easily, I know. And there are days that patience is low on the list. How scary and frustrating for those that are just starting to suffer the effects of dementia. They could use all the compassion, grace and help possible. I highly recommend New Every Day as a resource for families (and even friends) of individuals going through dementia. Dave Meurer does a brilliant job giving us a little bit of humor while at the same time noting the difficulties and challenges that come with the diagnosis. Dave offers information on Medicare vs Medicaid, assisted living vs nursing care, the importance of an advanced directive, or why experimenting on your relative with dementia isn't a good thing and more. As I said, there is humor throughout. I received a complimentary copy from Revell. The thoughts and honest opinions in this review are my own.
Recently, a friend mentioned someone close to her had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I mentioned this book, which she immediately took an interest in. I will be happily sharing this with her, as well as the family going through this. And while society tends to lose patience, I'd urge each and everyone that goes about on their daily routine to learn patience. It's not something that comes easily, I know. And there are days that patience is low on the list. How scary and frustrating for those that are just starting to suffer the effects of dementia. They could use all the compassion, grace and help possible. I highly recommend New Every Day as a resource for families (and even friends) of individuals going through dementia. Dave Meurer does a brilliant job giving us a little bit of humor while at the same time noting the difficulties and challenges that come with the diagnosis. Dave offers information on Medicare vs Medicaid, assisted living vs nursing care, the importance of an advanced directive, or why experimenting on your relative with dementia isn't a good thing and more. As I said, there is humor throughout. I received a complimentary copy from Revell. The thoughts and honest opinions in this review are my own.
December 4, 2018
This is a wonderful book. Whether you know of someone personally who current has Alzheimers or someone on the peripherals, this is a book well worth reading. My mother-in-law's mom had Alzheimer's and I know that this book would have been perfect for her. She would agree with everything mentioned within it's pages.
Each day is a new journey, and it reminds me of that movie with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, called Fifty First Dates. It was a laughing matter for the movie, but when you think about it that is the life of an Alzheimer's patient and their family.
Dave was very honest and straightforward in his writing, a cozy read as though he is your best friend giving tips on how to survive. I really liked his third chapter in which he interjects the explanation for the rest of the book. His apologies in adding this chapter just before print, and his reasonings for it. You just go with the flow, just as it is on a daily basis with your loved one.
Each day is faced with grace and compassion, just as the tagline says. It is one, where I see how those who are not directly affected with Alzheimer's could help out families of those who are. It is a very tiring process and it's never ending.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone to read, not only those with Alzheimer's in the family but those without. It brings forth a new awakening and knowledge.
I received this book from Revell Publishing and was happy that the publisher gave me the opportunity to read it.
Each day is a new journey, and it reminds me of that movie with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, called Fifty First Dates. It was a laughing matter for the movie, but when you think about it that is the life of an Alzheimer's patient and their family.
Dave was very honest and straightforward in his writing, a cozy read as though he is your best friend giving tips on how to survive. I really liked his third chapter in which he interjects the explanation for the rest of the book. His apologies in adding this chapter just before print, and his reasonings for it. You just go with the flow, just as it is on a daily basis with your loved one.
Each day is faced with grace and compassion, just as the tagline says. It is one, where I see how those who are not directly affected with Alzheimer's could help out families of those who are. It is a very tiring process and it's never ending.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone to read, not only those with Alzheimer's in the family but those without. It brings forth a new awakening and knowledge.
I received this book from Revell Publishing and was happy that the publisher gave me the opportunity to read it.
December 18, 2018
New Every Day: Navigating Alzheimer's by Dave Meurer is a book I'll be keeping on my shelf. I currently struggle day-to-day with a family member who suffers from AD. It's hard not feel frustrated at times. I have gotten to used to my grandma being the way she was. That seeing her now, it's hard to accept. This book is like medicine to us, caregivers. Each page helps me get through the struggles, relax, and breathe. It's going to be okay. We're not alone. There are so many who are suffering from AD and helping those with AD. It's like adopting a newborn at the age of 50. Sometimes I just feel like there's no energy left and other days, it's like I can do this. This book has all the information I needed to know. From advice to humor, this is one read I recommend to all readers.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
July 18, 2024
New Every Day is a book to read, to share, to re-read in various circumstances. Alzheimer's is a tragedy to cope with - for the one who has it or worries about what may be coming, for the caregiver, for anyone who loves someone involved with it. Surprisingly, Dave Meurer combines his own experience as caregiver with useful information and resources for others with such good humor that one must laugh in spite of the unhappy situation. It's a great book. I've read it and shared it over the years as hospice volunteer and as friend. When a brain MRI procedure does not result in diagnosis of the awful A, but rather in triple AAA, which is "Age appropriate atrophy", Dave Muerer's sense of humor would likely translate this as "Old lady forgets." Don't forger to read and share it. Make a note so you won't forget.
December 20, 2018
New Every Day Navigating Alzheimer's with Grace and Compassion by Dave Meurer is a great book. This is an encouraging and uplifting book that anyone with family or friends with Alzheimer should read. Using personal experience, the author has give a lot of good suggestions and information. He has written this book with humor, which keeps it easy to read. I really appreciate the helpful information he gives to help navigate the medical system and suggestions for when to get outside help and how to pay for it.
This book is so encouraging. I truly feel everyone who is going through this condition with someone they know will greatly benefit from this book.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers. This is my honest review.
This book is so encouraging. I truly feel everyone who is going through this condition with someone they know will greatly benefit from this book.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers. This is my honest review.
February 21, 2022
Not another book about Alzheimer’s, right? Same old, same old. But that is not the case here. Meurer, a comedy writer, has combined the story of caring for his mother-in-law, Karin, with a ton of helpful advice. It is the voice of a friend sharing his experience. And yes, there are occasional smiles because sometimes what is said and done in the midst of dementia is truly funny. Anyone dealing with parents who have dementia can benefit from this book and the clear instructions it contains. There’s a good bit of Christian preaching in here. If that bothers you, don’t read it. My one complaint is that Meurer assumes the patient is your aging parent. In many cases, including mine, the patient is one’s spouse or someone else close to you.
August 29, 2025
“No, you didn’t sign up for this. But it’s a big part of your life now. You can’t wish it away or pray it away. And because you’re a decent person, you don’t run away, even though there is sometimes a powerful impulse to do precisely that. We all feel it.”
This was one of the best books I’ve read so far concerning Alzheimer’s. Not only does it make you feel understood with what happens to your loved one who is going through this awful disease, but to you as the caregiver yourself. This book was like a shoulder to cry on/hand to hold during very difficult times❤️
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:34-40)
This was one of the best books I’ve read so far concerning Alzheimer’s. Not only does it make you feel understood with what happens to your loved one who is going through this awful disease, but to you as the caregiver yourself. This book was like a shoulder to cry on/hand to hold during very difficult times❤️
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:34-40)
November 19, 2018
This book was very inspiring and compelling to read with that also provided of some helpful information, pointed you in the right direction and if you have the person with Alzheimer in your family or with someone you know similar issues this will giving you more very useful ideals and passion more love, joy and care about and always being there for your love one. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Revell Reads Books for this review”.
October 8, 2020
Read this, even if you have no experience yet with the subject matter
This should be required reading for EVERYONE, regardless if you know someone with Alzheimer’s or not. The book is a tremendous resource for lots of ideas and hints we need to provide for in our own lives to prepare for the unknown but most especially for anyone who has a friend or loved one with memory issues.
This should be required reading for EVERYONE, regardless if you know someone with Alzheimer’s or not. The book is a tremendous resource for lots of ideas and hints we need to provide for in our own lives to prepare for the unknown but most especially for anyone who has a friend or loved one with memory issues.
June 22, 2019
New Every Day is beautifully written, full of compassion and helpful advice but also a touch of humour. Meurer guides the reader through the ins and outs of caring for someone with dementia and knowing what to expect. An excellent resource!
February 26, 2023
Great first person account of a loved one walking through Alzheimer's. The author balanced stories and research to give a good perspective for someone just starting to learn what this might look like. I will be reading a second time to take notes to get me started on more research.
November 26, 2018
This will make you laugh and thankful all in one. This book has some great insight and tips in how to live well with dementia.
August 31, 2021
Pretty basic overview of dementia and Alzheimer's. Good information to the newbie in the process.
February 26, 2023
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews