Finding Rose

by Angelia Brigance

"...(a) tender novel that handles dementia with compassion and practicality through its story... with a Hallmark movie quality to characters' interactions... the story becomes a meaningful way to educate the audience about dementia." -- FOREWORD CLARION REVIEWS Rose is delightful, flamboyant and a widow. Having just lost her husband, Rose's daughter steps in to find Rose increasingly disoriented and forgetful. Even as a nurse, Maureen does not recognize the early signs of her mother's dementia - a diagnosis that changes her mother's life and those close to her. The contrast between the reality of Rose's condition and the "Casablanca Style" in which she lived is stark yet beautiful. The story follows Maureen and Rose as Maureen learns skills to open communication with her mother through her mother's confusion, being open to stories from the past that may be new to her, how to work through being part of the Sandwich Generation and understanding family conflict arising from a dementia diagnosis. Through Maureen, you will learn practical skills to understand and communicate with someone with dementia at the early and middle stages. It gives insight into what it feels like to have dementia and how to answer difficult questions without using reality orientation or the therapeutic lie such as "Where is my husband?" when they have passed away - maybe a long time ago. It helps families understand they are not alone. This book parallels Still Alice's medical description of the illness but picks up where Still Alice leaves off. Finding Rose provides practical application for how to stay connected with your loved ones. "...(a) tender novel that handles dementia with compassion and practicality through its story... with a Hallmark movie quality to characters' interactions... the story becomes a meaningful way to educate the audience about dementia." -- FOREWORD CLARION REVIEWS Rose is delightful, flamboyant and a widow. Having just lost her husband, Rose's daughter steps in to find Rose increasingly disoriented and forgetful. Even as a nurse, Maureen does not recognize the early signs of her mother's dementia - a diagnosis that changes her mother's life and those close to her. The contrast between the reality of Rose's condition and the "Casablanca Style" in which she lived is stark yet beautiful. The story follows Maureen and Rose as Maureen learns skills to open communication with her mother through her mother's confusion, being open to stories from the past that may be new to her, how to work through being part of the Sandwich Generation and understanding family conflict arising from a dementia diagnosis. Through Maureen, you will learn practical skills to understand and communicate with someone with dementia at the early and middle stages. It gives insight into what it feels like to have dementia and how to answer difficult questions without using reality orientation or the therapeutic lie such as "Where is my husband?" when they have passed away - maybe a long time ago. It helps families understand they are not alone. This book parallels Still Alice's medical description of the illness but picks up where Still Alice leaves off. Finding Rose provides practical application for how to stay connected with your loved ones.

250 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2019

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story beautifully illustrates a family's struggles navigating the trials and tribulations of helping a family member with dementia. Angelia Brigance artfully shows, rather than tells, the reader helpful tips and insightful information through the palatable events and circumstances in the book. A relatable and captivating read that both my father and I picked up and could not put down until we had finished.

[OjoAusana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read but ive seen a dog get quilled and there is no way id get close to a porcupine and when i say close i mean i can see them idc if its a mile away. Nope. If you've never seen it, beware but google quilled dogs. Spending 4 hours picking quils out of a dog is no fun.

[Debbie Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching must read for anyone who has a loved one with dementia and memory issues. I wept as i read it and didn't feel so alone anymore. Beuatifully written

[Lisa Hammitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for the sand which generation to cope with aging and dementia.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide to how to speak with a person with dementia. Wish I had read it when my grandmother was still alive. Okay

[Danielle McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read to understanding the caregiver role with dementia. The fictional story brings a feel of understanding and reassurance of the struggles.

[Donna Lundy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative, but it reads more like an anecdotal medical record than a novel.