The Caregiving Wife's Handbook: Caring for Your Seriously Ill Husband, Caring for Yourself

by Diana B. Denholm

Overview

A month after proposing marriage, Diana Denholm’s husband was diagnosed with colon cancer and later congestive heart failure. Following a heart transplant several of her husband’s body systems began failing forcing Diana to become his primary caregiver for more than a decade. The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook is a step-by-step communication guide to help women maintain emotional, physical and financial health in their unique role as caregivers to their dying husbands.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780897936101
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	08/31/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	168
File size:	325 KB

About the Author

Diana Denholm, PhD, LMHC, holds a doctorate in psychology and became a board certified medical psychotherapist following her doctoral studies at the University of Connecticut. She has been a practicing therapist for over thirty years and while working with clients originated and developed the methods taught in this book. Diana has been a pioneer in converting esoteric methods into practical and easily understood tools. She has successfully used these methods in her work with her many clients and for herself as the primary caregiver during the 11 1/2 years of her late-husband's illness. Diana lives in West Palm Beach, FL.

Editorial Reviews

"Denholm provides psychological insights and practical advice about how to keep mind and body healthy while negotiating some of the most difficult challenges one can face in a marriage. If you are supporting a husband who is terminally ill, this is a must-read." — DAVID L. SHERN, PhD, President and CEO, Mental Health America

“Kudos to Diana Denholm for writing this important new resource for spousal caregivers who are the unsung heroes of our time.”— JAMES P. FIRMAN, EdD, President and CEO, National Council on Aging

“Our AARP members tell us that one of the most difficult challenges they face is caring for a spouse or loved one who has become disabled or terminally ill. In The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook, Dr. Denholm provides the tools and practical advice caregivers need to navigate these rough waters and to emerge at peace with themselves and their loved ones.” —A. Barry Rand, CEO, AARP

From the Publisher

Practicing psychotherapist Denholm uses her own experience and that of other caregivers to provide direction for handling the myriad problems involved in the life-altering position of taking responsibility for a spouse's health. This comprehensive book covers a wide variety of topics, including methods for raising difficult questions, coming up with "understandings" to share with one's partner, which roles to take on and which to avoid, what's normal in terms of feeling and thinking, and specific dos and don'ts that will make life easier. Denholm discusses financial and legal matters as well as how to handle difficult social and familial issues. Not only will those in caretaking positions find practical suggestions from this book, they'll discover they are not alone in their struggle.

Library Journal