RDHS Mental Health Library – Book Reviews
Robinvale District Health Services (RDHS) mental health library collection is designed to improve mental health understanding within our community. With the aim of explaining mental illness and reducing the stigma. Every month or so RDHS will provide you with a brief description of some of the titles that we have available.
Why did you Die? Activities to help children cope with grief and loss (Erika Leeuwenburgh & Ellen Goldring) (below)
The first section of this book is for adults, in which it describes a child’s grief process and what can be expected. The authors explain the grief and developmental stages of different age groups, along with recommendations which may assist in explaining death to the children. The latter section includes activities that you could do with your child utilising an art therapy approach. Different activities help the children express their difficult feelings and can assist in understanding the finality of death.
If you would like to see this book, or other picture books on how to explain death – please contact our Maternal & Child Health Nurse, Community Wellbeing Officer, Social Workers on 5051 8160 and they will assist you with the age appropriate book.
Living with dementia; a practical guide for families and personal carers (edited by Esther Chang & Amanda Johnson) (below)
This is an Australian book which provides information for both professional staff and for those caring for their loved ones in the community. It follows the journey of dementia and provides helpful information on a variety of topics; senses, personal hygiene, behavioural issues, sleep, pain, continence and medication to name a few. I especially like that this book also has two chapters dedicated to carers in the home.
This book is available in our Community Library and should you be caring for a loved one in a formal or informal role – we invite you to attend our Carers Group, which is held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in our Conference Room at 10am to 12.00 noon. For further details, please contact Sue Watson on 5051 8160.
