Testimonials

“I found Karen’s monthly newsletters to be useful during my Alzheimer journey with my husband. I also purchased her book and found it helpful.” ~ Catherine J.

“Cracking the Dementia Code taught me how to break through my frustrations by exploring the core of my loved one’s challenging behaviors.  Karen Tyrell’s caring nature demonstrates how I can cope by using tact, positive input, and above all, empathy.” ~ Yvonne Poulin, R.M.T., E.P.C.

“Just sending a quick note to THANK you Karen for printing and writing the book on Dementia!! Has come in real handy the past month as my mother has major issues regarding memory etc. Have passed the book on to my brothers and sister so they can see what we are up against!! Thank you again and wishing you all the best!!” ~ Peter Kauhausen

“An absorbing debut book.  Very informative, compelling and easy to digest.” ~ Val Peterson

“I started reading your book, Cracking the Dementia Code, in a doctor’s office while waiting for my Mom’s appointment….but I had to put it down…It brought tears to my eyes in the very first chapter….you said something like “thank you  for all that you do”.  That hit me hard, as I really think what we do as caregivers is basically a thankless job. Many – even family members – don’t really understand all that we go through. I have had one member of my family say sarcastically “thank you, thank you, thank you.”  like that was all that was required. I really needed some understanding and some help…which wasn’t forth coming…so it was really nice to hear a heartfelt thank you from someone like you. I really appreciated it and it brought tears to my eyes then and now.” ~ Brenda H.

“This book is written like having a conversation with a friend. You don’t have to be an expert on dementia or work in the industry to understand the content. My father suffers from dementia (not caused by Alzheimer’s) but by going without oxygen. The behaviours he exhibits are very similar to those affected by Alzheimer’s. This book offered practical advice and solutions. The very best part for me was that I felt that finally someone understood what we were going through; this author’s compassion for those with dementia shines through from the very first page. A definite must-have for anyone struggling to cope with this horrible disease.” ~ Bonnie W.

“Caregivers of those with dementia often face day-to-day tasks that seem overwhelming and daunting. Assisting families and individuals with dementia for 15 years, Karen Tyrell’s new book provides insight into how caregivers can ‘crack the code’ to approach dementia care in a more effective and stress-free way.” ~ Susan Borax, President of Good Riddance Professional Organizing/Practically Daughters

“Karen’s passion and dedication towards helping those affected by dementia is remarkable.  Her practical tips and methods will certainly benefit all caregivers who read it.” ~ Dr. Justin Davis, Scientific Director, Nognz Brain Fitness

“A simple, but thorough, guide to understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and how to manage behaviours with dignity and grace.” ~ Wendy Scott, RN, Owner of Nurse Next Door, Burnaby/New Westminster/Tri-Cities

“Karen is a very knowledgeable trainer and resource person. She is a talented, highly skilled professional who goes the extra mile. In this book she offers her expert support and advice. Thank you Karen for all your assistance.” ~Valerie Ostara, Clinical Hypnotherapist

“Karen Tyrell above all is a compassionate and dedicated healthcare specialist. Working with Alzheimer patients and their families is her calling. She is an effective communicator, sharing her skills through this book, through the Certified Dementia Practitioner training program and through her “Cracking the Dementia Code” presentations.” ~ Mike Oakley, Owner of Home James Services for Seniors

“Karen’s simple, caring and calming approach to dementia care is an inspiration to all those caring for individuals with dementia. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping others to make this often difficult journey as positive as it can be.” ~ Julie Bernard, BTR, Recreation Therapist – West Vancouver Adult Day Centre

“Karen demonstrates keen insight and experience into behaviours relative to dementia in this book. Her course content and teaching on this topic are sound and instructional; Karen makes learning about dementia fun and engaging. Karen is truly passionate about her work with families and people with dementia.” ~ Cheryl Guenther, CDP, General Manager, The Royale-Pacifica Resort Retirement Residence/Leisureworld Seniors Care Corp.

Karen Tyrell’s “Cracking the Dementia Code” provides clear, easy-to-understand information about dementia. Using situations gleaned from the experiences of the participants, Karen demonstrates how to deal with difficult behaviour brought on by dementia. “Cracking the Dementia Code” is beneficial for anyone living or working with people with dementia. Family members and professionals can learn new techniques to improve their skills and the lives of those living with dementia.” ~ Margaret Hansen,
Coordinator of Volunteers, New Vista

“This book offers very practical advice to help caregivers understand how to communicate with your loved one’s suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s. The common sense advice on the “PhACTS” of Dementia is such a simple and easy way to remember how to communicate better. Once you understand why they are behaving the way they are behaving, rather than asking “how” to stop them doing something, you will find your relationship so much easier and enriched. When I first heard the concept of the “onion” and the way the Dementia sufferer keeps going back in time as the disease progresses, it explained a lot of the misconceptions I had about the disease and why it was so difficult to communicate. I’ve heard many caregivers say you can not “reason” with a Dementia patient, but this book clearly shows the path to successfully do exactly that. Thank you Karen for helping millions of people understand how to love and care for their relative suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia.” ~ Julie A. Salisbury