Thomas J Rillo

Caring for Joan Thomas J Rillo

Joan and Tom Rillo have been a married couple for over sixty years. When Joan was diagnosed with having early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) Tom was challenged with her care. The challenges that he faced motivated him to write this small book as a source of information and guidance for other caregivers of persons with brain disorders such as Alzheimer's. He chronicled her progression through the various stages of AD. Realizing his ineptness as a caregiver he searched for help. What he found was lots of material both on the internet, and from various organizations focusing on AD.

What he wanted was an account written by a caregiver with actual experiences. He found one book titled: Caring for Carolee by Howard D. Mehlinger, a former Dean of the School of Education, Indiana University. Ironically this was also Tom's university. The book emphasized caring for a spouse at home for 13 years. Tom's book goes beyond just home care and includes institutional care. Tom wanted to share his insights about coping with Joan's AD.

The reader will find the section on Anger and Depression especially helpful . Also, the sections on Anger and Aggressive Behavior, Tips for the Caregiver, Defining and Understanding AD, Identifying the Various Symptomatic Stages of AD, Care for the Caregiver, Quotes that Foster an Understanding of AD, Reflective Thoughts on Caregiving, Spirituality: My Spiritual Lifeline, and Resources Helpful with Alzheimer's.