A Dignified Life: The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care, A Guide for Family Caregivers by Virginia Bell and David Troxel is an excellent resource. You can find more information about this approach at the website http://www.bestfriendsapproach.com/ and information about other books by these authors at Health Professions Press.
I attended the Best Friends™ training for caregivers that is based on the work of Bell and Troxel in October 2003. During this training program I cared for my father 48-60 hours/week, spending 2 to 2 ½ days each week at my parents’ home and sharing caregiving duties with my mother and twin sister. The Best Friends™ approach encourages caregivers to develop a so-called “bullet card” or list of details about the person that will inform those helping with care. Here is the list that I developed for my father’s care.
I strongly recommend the Best Friends™ training for all caregivers of people with dementia. These training sessions are offered regularly in Maine at various locations around the state. For further information contact Jan Halloran via e-mail at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or by phone at