The Arc of Conversation by
Amy Shaw, PA
“I’ve read a number of books about dementia, but none have come close to providing the practical, understandable guidance I found in The Arc of Conversation. I would highly recommend this book to anyone caring for a loved one with dementia.”
— Family caregiver
A practical guide for navigating difficult dementia conversations
Caring for someone with dementia inevitably brings hard conversations—about decline, changing needs, medical decisions, and what matters most as the disease progresses.
The Arc of Conversation: A How-to Guide for Goals of Care Conversations offers a clear, compassionate framework for navigating these moments with confidence and clarity.
Originally written to address gaps in medical training, the book has become an invaluable resource for family caregivers who want to better understand the dementia journey and communicate effectively with healthcare teams.
Why This Book Matters for Dementia Caregivers
Dementia does not follow a straight line. Changes can feel sudden, confusing, and emotionally overwhelming. This book helps caregivers:
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Recognize patterns of change and understand what may lie ahead
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Prepare for conversations about care goals, safety, and quality of life
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Understand hospice eligibility and when supportive care may be appropriate
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Navigate advance directives and code status with greater confidence
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Communicate more effectively with clinicians and care teams
The goal is not to rush decisions—but to help you feel prepared when those conversations arise.
A compassionate, grounded approach
Rather than focusing only on medical interventions, The Arc of Conversation centers what matters most: aligning care with values, dignity, and the lived reality of dementia.
Inside the book, caregivers will find:
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Clear explanations of the dementia disease trajectory
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Practical guidance for engaging in complex medical conversations
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Insight into how care decisions evolve over time
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Support for advocating thoughtfully and confidently
This is not a technical manual.
It is a practical guide for real people facing real decisions.
Available now
The Arc of Conversation: A How-to Guide for Goals of Care Conversations is available through Springer.
How this fits into Better Dementia
Many caregivers begin with The Arc of Conversation as a way to understand the bigger picture of dementia and decision-making. Some later seek additional guidance as their loved one’s needs evolve.
If you are looking for ongoing support or personalized guidance, you can learn more about working with Amy below.
If you would like thoughtful guidance and caregiver-focused education delivered to your inbox, you are welcome to join the Better Dementia newsletter.