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Still Alice Summary

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Still Alice In this assignment, I have the opportunity to write a three page review on the book called “Still Alice”. It is indicated that this review is not intended to be a summary of the book, but a critical analysis of the aging issues presented in the work. Therefore, each book review should make relevant connections to information discussed in class or found in the reading. The book is about a woman named Alice Howland who has a great life that she has built for her and her family. However, after her 50th birthday, she declines straight into an early-onset of Alzheimer’s disease and she begins to become increasingly disoriented and forgetful. Further, the book is about how Alzheimer’s disease changes her life, her relationship with her …show more content…

The kids are all arguing over whether their mother should be trying to remember something or not. For example, her son tells her not to worry about it because he thinks that she does not need to know about something that she is not even going to. Her older daughter thinks she should be exercising her memory whenever possible and her younger daughter thinks that they should just let their mom know information and can do whatever she wants to do. It is indicated that this is pretty common in families where someone they love has Alzheimer’s disease. In the book, it shows that they are all fighting and hurting one another’s feelings and never come to a solution, all in front of Alice. It is sad to know that it is common for people to talk about people with Alzheimer’s disease right in front of them, as if they are not there. Furthermore, in class I learned what the social worker’s role with someone who is diagnosed in the early stages. I learned that the most important aspect is treating everyone with dignity and respect, even if someone who has Alzheimer’s disease. In fact other aspects that social workers can provide is helping them face fear, grief, loss, and make decisions for their future care and also it is important for social workers to advocate for the clients. Additionally, respect the person’s autonomy, speak directly to the client when possible, be clear in verbal and body language, be …show more content…

In the book, readers learn that Alice’s mother gave her a butterfly necklace when she was younger. Further, when Alice was a small child, she cried over the idea that butterflies have a really short lifespan. However, Alice’s mother felt that a short life did not mean a depressing one but a beautiful one. Therefore, in Alice's mind, she would be like the butterfly, she would have a short life but a beautiful life. In class, I learned about caregivers and the roles that they play. In the book, readers understand the conflict that Alice’s husband, John, is experiencing when offered a new position at a different university and his responsibilities to Alice as a caregiver and husband. Therefore, in class we learned that the biggest challenge with spouse’s caregiving is adjusting to end of parenting, retirement schedules, financial adjustments, and health changes like dependency, long established roles, and new demands. In the book, it showed that John largely abandoned his wife to the care of their daughter Lydia. It was Lydia, Alice and John's youngest child and the one who had a difficult relationship with her mother in the beginning, who had great compassion and care for her mother. It was also surprising and amazing that Alice's disease brought their relationship back on track. Therefore, some children’s caregiver

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