Subjects:  1. Alzheimer's disease    2. Caregiving    3. Consumer Health    4. Diet / Health / Fitness    5. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    6. Eldercare    7. Gerontology    8. Home Care    9. Large type books    10. Medical    11. Patients    12. Senile dementia    13. Coping with illness    14. History / Europe / General    15. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology   

Reviews (1)

future we do not want
We who are aging do not do with with planning. I think we all hope to go with that heart attack in our sleep. We all expect to be like Moses, who was functional all the way to his death at 120. Unfortunately, as we age our frailty and difficulties increase without warning. At least, without warning which we heed. This book opens one's eyes. It is a must read for everyone who is getting older each day - that is all of us! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Caregivers    3. Case studies    4. Eldercare    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Frail elderly    8. Gerontology    9. Health & Fitness    10. Health Care Issues    11. Health/Fitness    12. Kane, Ruth,    13. Long-term care    14. Nursing Home Care    15. Older people    16. United States    17. Care of the elderly    18. Coping with old age    19. USA   

Reviews (4)

A wonderful guide for the Alzheimer's caregiver
This book is indeed "a practical guide" for not only getting through each day, but also making each one better than it might have been otherwise. The chapters on communication and cueing will help in developing skills that will help make each day more pleasant, as will the chapters on preventing stress and managing problem behaviors. I was especially impressed with the "What If" questions in chapter seven, for example "What if you went to bed and didn't know whether it was nighttime or daytime? What if you woke up from a nap in the afternoon and thought it was time for breakfast? What if you became frightened or lost in a darkened room?" (p. 62)--these questions help us to imagine what it's like for an Alzheimer's patient. All of this, plus the day-to-day, eating, sleeping, hygiene, and even exercise, is covered in this book by Barbara J. Bridges, an RN who spent fourteen years caring for both her parents. I highly recommend this book for all caregivers.

Nice mix of the professional, the practical, the personal.,
I read this book during the first half of my 9-year caregiving ordeal with an AD parent and found it useful in managing many immediate problems as well as preparing me for the inevitable. The author does not devote questionable space to vitamins, herbs, medications believed by some to retard the progress of the disease but concentrates on the human aspects, looking at things from the afflicted's perspective as much as the caregiver's. A qualified medical professional, she balances practical advice with expressing her own emotions about her personal relationship with her mother. I would have to qualify my endorsement of the book somewhat by observing that the disease can wreak greater havoc, can take a more unpredictable, disturbing course than that suggested by the author's experience, which is perhaps a bit on the "tidy" side. Also, I would have appreciated more specific warnings about the practices of nursing homes as well as suggestions about securing professional medical care for someone with AD, especially when the patient is too sick to go to a physician's office but not sick enough to be admitted to a hospital. Far too often individuals in this position are treated only for "behavioral" problems (ie. sedating drugs) at the expense of their overall health and physical condition.

Nice mix of the professional, the practical, the personal.,
I read this book during the first half of my 9-year caregiving ordeal with an AD parent and found it useful in managing many immediate problems as well as preparing me for the inevitable. The author does not devote questionable space to vitamins, herbs, medications believed by some to retard the progress of the disease but concentrates on the human aspects, looking at things from the afflicted's perspective as much as the caregiver's. A qualified medical professional, she balances practical advice with expressing her own emotions about her personal relationship with her mother. I would have to qualify my endorsement of the book somewhat by observing that the disease can wreak greater havoc, can take a more unpredictable, disturbing course than that suggested by the author's experience, which is perhaps a bit on the "tidy" side. Also, I would have appreciated more specific warnings about the practices of nursing homes as well as suggestions about securing professional medical care for someone with AD, especially when the patient is too sick to go to a physician's office but not sick enough to be admitted to a hospital. Far too often individuals in this position are treated only for "behavioral" problems (ie. sedating drugs) at the expense of their overall health and physical condition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caregiving    2. Eldercare    3. Health/Fitness    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Nursing - Nurse & Patient   

Reviews (7)

Vignettes blend with practical tip applications.
WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER HAS DEMENTIA: STEPS TO BECOMING A RESILIENT CAREGIVER teaches caregivers how to take advantage of their own unique inner resources to overcome the special challenges of dementia in a loved one. But it does more than encourage inner resilience: chapters provide specific tips and tools for developing inner resources and strategies, and offer five core principles which link these strategies to life. Vignettes blend with practical tip applications.
You'll read it again
This publication of this book could not have been more timely.Medical advancements and the aging baby boomers will result in families assuming greater responsibilities in caring for their relatives who are inflicted with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Worthwhile and accessible...
Susan McCurry chronicles with humor and compassion the pitfalls and rewards of caring for a loved one with dementia. Beautifully written in a style accessible by lay person or professional, this book offers hope and practical advice for the many of us living as caregivers of family members. Dr. McCurry's observations, interviews, and sage suggestions give one hope for maintaining personal balance in an everchanging, emotional, and oft times perplexing relationship. In reading this book not only did I find validation and support in caring for my father, many of the ideas are applicable to improving any relationship. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Care    2. Caregivers    3. Caregiving    4. Dementia    5. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    6. Eldercare    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Health & Fitness    9. Health/Fitness    10. Patients    11. Family & Health    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (4)

Readable, practical,
"Circles of Care" is one of a slowly-but-surely growing number of books exploring the blessings of honoring one's aged loved ones by providing in-home care. Reeve Lindbergh has considerable practical experience in this field, and this experience shows. The book is practical because it issues forth from the hands-on; the book is honest because it does not gloss over the rough aspects of caring for an aged loved one in the home. Reeve Lindbergh's "warts and all" approach to this subject matter is a high part of the book's appeal and value.
Indispensable Practical and Personal Advice
Circles of Care combines practical advice told through past experience that I can relate to with meaningful concepts of what caring is and how it can strengthen and deepen our lives.This combination elevates caring for a frail old person, and even being old oneself, from a stressful, "want to be avoided" crisis.Instead Ann Cason brings to the challenges of eldercare, based on her own extensive experience, a new view oriented to the reality of the relationships and needs that we have.She explains how caring for a loved one is an opportunity for personal growth.While showing what caring can be, she acknowledges all the frustrations, and difficulties it can create. Through very specific and realistic advice, based on the activities and routines that make us feel alive, no matter our age, she has shown me how to make up a plan of care for my parents.If you are a caregiver or have a loved one who is a frail elder and don't know what to do, are stressed out, or want to prepare for your own care, Circles of Care is what you need to read!

COMMON SENSE WISDOM ON AGING
Ann Cason's book, Circles of Care, is a guide to the terrain of aging. It is filled with insight, wit,practicality, and wisdom.From the assessing of an elder's needs, through the nuts and bolts of daily care, to end-of-life issues, Cason draws on her years of experience in the field to provide helpful guidelines for caregivers. Read more

Subjects:  1. Eldercare    2. Elderly    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Home care    7. Older people    8. United States    9. Care of the elderly    10. Family & Relationships / Eldercare    11. Home nursing & caring   

Reviews (3)

A Wealth of Ideas
"What kind of activities are there for the Alzheimer's patient?" is a question that comes up often. I always recommend this book. Carmel describes all kind of activities: music, exercise, food preparation, crafts, gardening, solo activities, family games, and reminiscence. I especially like the chapter on reminiscence--with the life collage, memory book, memory box, and more. Activities are very important, as is explained in this book's introdution: "The more involved patients remain with the world around them, the more resourceful they become at finding ways to keep that world for slipping away."

A goldmine of activity ideas
Thanks tothis book, I have found dozens of creative ways to keep my mother (who is in the middle stages of Alzheimer's) involved and free from boredom. The activity ideas we found in this wonderful little book have improved my mother's quality of life tremendously and havemade caring forher a lot easier and more enjoyable.

This is an exceptionally helpful book
This excellent book provides dozens of ideas for keeping the person with Alzheimer's involved and stimulated. The focus is on using activities such as music, exercise and reminiscing to enhance quality of life. Family andprofessional caregivers can use these activities and many of the ideasoutlined truly work wonders. This is undoubtedly the most useful bookavailable on using activities with people with Alzheimer's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alzheimer's Disease    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Family & Relationships / Eldercare    4. General    5. Hospital care    6. Long-term care facilities    7. Neurology - Alzheimer's Disease    8. Patients    9. Psychology    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Illness    11. Psychotherapy - Counseling    12. Recreational activities    13. Eldercare    14. Family relationships    15. Medical / Nursing    16. Mental Illness   

Reviews (2)

Inspiring and Full of Practical Tips
This book is full of helpful tips and inspiring, real life stories for anyone caring for an elderly parent.A useful and uplifting book.I am a legal aid hotline attorney and own a medical supply business.I both capacities, I frequently talk with seniors and their children who are caring for them.I and recommending this book to them.

Caring for Parents by Delehanty and Ginzler
This book is an excellent reference for adults with older parents
Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult children of aging parents    2. Aging parents    3. Care    4. Caregiving    5. Eldercare    6. Family & Relationships    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Family relationships    9. Family/Marriage    10. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    11. Family & Relationships / Eldercare    12. PETS - DOGS TRD HC   

Reviews (1)

Invaluable resource
This book helped us so much deal with caring for our elderly parents and grandparent both at home and in nursing homes.It explains the psychology of the elderly and the children who must care for them.Don't make any decision before reading it. It will make a very difficult decision easier and more informed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eldercare    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. General    4. Nursing Homes    5. Long Term Care   

Reviews (4)

Eldercare from the Heart
What an eye opener!Through this book, Stella Henry holds the hand of the reader and says, "I've been there, what you feel is normal, you can do this, and here's how."Gently, she explains the joys, challenges and pitfalls of caring for the elderly.She unfolds the changing relationships between parent and child and illuminates shifting sibling roles.Perhaps most importantly, she tells the caregiver (usually a wife, daughter, or daughter-in-law) when it may no longer be safe to care for a loved one at home--when creating a hospital at home still cannot give a loved one the care he or she needs.At the same time, she warns that not all nursing homes and assisted living facilities are created equal and that we need to become sophisticated, knowledgeable consumers in order to choose an appropriate care center.The Eldercare Handbook answered questions before I even thought of them.I have already given this book to six friends.

GREAT DETAILED HANDBOOK ON CURRENT AND FUTURE ELDERCARE PROBLEMS
Five "Well-Prepared" Stars. No, make that Six Stars!! This book belongs on the shelf or a CD disc of any family with elderly parents, relatives, or friends. Or those approaching elderly status. The Eldercare Handbook arrives just as we are informed there are over 22.4 million households caring for elderly relatives or friends, with that number expected to explode as the 'boomers' begin living longer than previous groups. That's ONE IN FOUR households and that's why this book needs to be read now by everyone and kept on the shelf or on digital media for future use. We're all on the clock.
All-Star Help
This book, has been extremely helpful. I had the honor and pleasure of reading it prior to its release. I believe that this will be a book that will help millions of people and generations to come. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aging parents    2. Care    3. Caregiving    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Family Relationships    5. Eldercare    6. Family & Relationships    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Family/Marriage    9. Gerontology    10. Long-Term Care Of The Aged    11. Older people    12. Parent and adult child    13. Social Gerontology    14. United States    15. Christian Interest    16. Family & Relationships / Eldercare    17. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (1)

Interesting Guide
This slim little book is an ideal guide for anyone working with older adults, particularly Alzhiemer's patients.It suggests that by reminisincing people find a sense of self identity and can better traintheir mind to retain memory and boost self-confidence.An interestingtherapeutic approach. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aging    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - Alzheimer's & Dementia    4. Family & Relationships / Aging    5. Family & Relationships / Eldercare    6. Health/Fitness    7. Healthy Living    8. Medical    9. Neurology - General    10. Aging parents    11. Caregiving    12. Eldercare    13. Family & Relationships    14. Home care    15. Services For The Aged   

Reviews (7)

Extremely good place to start
I am a psychiatrist who has referred this book to many families to help provide examples and insights regarding the care of parents with dementia. This is not a "perfect" book with cookbook instructions of what to do and when to do it. This is initially a painfully frank discussion of the author's experiences with her mother's illness and the author's ambivalence regarding the illness. Valuable, practical guide to caring for Alzheimer's parent
Sherry Bell's Visiting Mom is a practical guide to caring for a person with Alzheimer's, including coping with the difficult decision to institutionalize a parent.Sherry's concern for her mother's well-being and happiness is evident throughout the book, and she offers some very specific suggestions for making the visit more productive and more pleasant for all members of the family.Her agonizing over the ultimate decision to put her mother in a nursing home is a reminder that this action induces guilt in everyone, no matter how hard they have worked to maintain a good quality of life and to look out for the parent's best interests. Hate to be the lone dissenting voice here...
...but the book was a wee bit of a disappointment for me.Read more

Subjects:  1. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    2. Eldercare    3. Family & Relationships / Motherhood    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health & Fitness / Diseases / Nervous System (incl. Brain)    8. Health Care Delivery    9. Health/Fitness    10. Reading Group Guide   

Subjects:  1. Adult children of aging parents    2. Aging    3. Aging - General    4. Aging parents    5. Care    6. Eldercare    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Family relationships    9. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    10. Self-Help    11. Care of the elderly    12. Coping with old age   

Reviews (4)

Initial dissapointment - 2 stars for now
I know next to nothing about long-term elder care, so I bought this book as an introduction. I have just started reading it (I am through page 71) and it is introducing a number of terms and concepts that appear to be very useful. However, I was startled by the sloppy financial analysis example on page 66. Entitled "Pay Now or Pay Later", it has the tone of sales material from a provider of long term elder care insurance.
Awesome Book -- A Must Read For Every Baby Boomer
This book is excellent, and opens your eyes to the very real possibility of encountering a serious 'health event', now, or in years ahead, and with no plan for financing this near certainty.As a nation, we mistakenly have believed that Medicare or Medicaid will be there for us.WRONG!Phyllis Shelton is leading the pack in helping to cast light on this all important subject.This book can arm you with the right questions to ask, and the right direction to look.You won't be disappointed.

Detailed and Informative
This is a very detailed report on what happens when you get ill later in life and Medicaid or Long Term Insurance are necessary. The book has a great deal of facts, but is somewhat hard to follow and very complicated - just like Medicaid actually is. If you want to prepare yourself for very possible situations in your (or your parents') senior years - this is the book for you. Just make sure you have enough time to read and understand it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aging parents    2. Business & Economics    3. Business/Economics    4. Care    5. Consumer Health    6. Eldercare    7. Finance, Personal    8. Health Care Delivery    9. Health Care Issues    10. Long-term care    11. Older people    12. Personal Finance - General    13. United States    14. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (3)

A Real Find for Both Clinicians and Caregivers
Author Barry Jacobs has done his homework well and speaks of his subject matter with both expertise and the human touch of one who knows this territory first hand from having lived it both personally and professionally. As a practicing clinician, I have recommended it to many patients who are struggling with issues around the aging and declining health of their parents. Jacobs provides a prospective that steers a middle course between acknowledging the guilt that adult children feel around the need to take care of themselves while taking care of their parent, and the real physical and emotional demands of caretaking. Besides all that, he is a good writer and tells us about the central lessons of caretaking through the story of two sisters facing the serious illness of their mother. This subject is one most of us have to face sooner or later, and Barry Jacobs gives us an excellent guide as to how to navigate the terrain as well as possible.
a book that all caregivers and professionals should read
Barry Jacobs has written an excellent book not only for caregivers of aging medically ill parents but for professionals who work with patients and families coping with chronic illness. Several things stand out in this book. First is the approach which involves following a ficionalized pair of adult sisters who are caring for and coping with an ailing mother. Jacobs writes this account with great depth and creativity and is able to capture the kinds of feelings and describe the kinds of patterns that are often missing in other 'self help' books. Second, Jacobs also utilizes his own expereince, personal and professional, including advice columns he has written over the years. Third, the book covers evrerything from how to decide how much care you can provide to how to consider spiritual and other issues. Fourth, along the way are plenty of very valuable "how to" suggestions that will be of great benefit to any reader. If you are looking for even one caregiving book for your bookshelf, choose this one. Excellent read. Excellent resource.

A really good and powerful story
The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers is an amazing book focused around the difficulties faces by two sisters taking care of their ailing mother.Real people can relate to the characters and their struggles are real to many people across America and the rest of the world.I think that anyone who is a caregiver should definately read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult children of aging parents    2. Aging parents    3. Care    4. Caregivers    5. Caregiving    6. Eldercare    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Family Psychology    9. Family relationships    10. Long-Term Care Of The Aged    11. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    12. Psychology    13. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    14. Care of the elderly    15. Family & relationships    16. Psychology & Psychiatry / Family Therapy   

Reviews (1)

Just what we need!
Thank you to the authors for preparing this one of a kind resource for us baby boomers.More and more of us are facing this issue of long term care.This is an excellent guide as you deal with monitoring the care for or helping to move a loved one into a nursing home but its also a good idea to look at it now to know what to anticipate should you be thrust into this situation.Advance planning cannot happen too soon and this will prove to be an invaluable resource to many. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby boom generation    2. Eldercare    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. General    7. Health Care Delivery    8. Nursing Homes    9. Nursing home care    10. Popular works    11. Coping with old age    12. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (2)

Walking My Own Mother Home
I cannot tell you how much this book has helped me.My own mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four months ago.It's almost eerie how some of the author's own experiences mirror mine as well.I gave the book to my sister and brother who are with me "waking mother home."My sister read it all the first night I gave it to her.She cried through most of it, but it helped her and us so much.Thank you, Rita Bresnahan!

Gifts received in the Midst of Pain
Walking One Another Home is a book not only for people dealing with Alzheimers in their family, but for everyone who has to walk a loved one home.Rita's openness in sharing her feelings on this pilgrimage, are not only touching but so very honest.It is in sharing her frustrations, and consequent revelations gained, that the author helps the reader learn how to let go of past and be present and aware of the gifts offered, often unknowingly, by their loved one.This book is a must for those who are caring for dying loved ones, for those whose loved ones have already passed and are struggling to make sense out of their loss, and for all of us whose parents are aging and soon will find ourselves walking this journey. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alzheimer's disease    2. Caregiving    3. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    4. Eldercare    5. Family relationships    6. Family/Marriage    7. Health Care Delivery    8. Home care    9. Inspirational    10. Inspirational - General    11. Medical    12. Mental health    13. Mothers    14. Patients   

Subjects:  1. Adult children of aging parent    2. Adult children of aging parents    3. Aging parents    4. Care    5. Death, Grief, Bereavement    6. Eldercare    7. Family & Relationships    8. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    9. Family relationships    10. Family/Marriage    11. Parent & Adult Child    12. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    13. Reference    14. United States    15. Estate Planning    16. Family    17. Family & Health   

Reviews (5)

Get another book too
I recommend "Retirement Nightmare" ISBN: 1573927961 . To avoid a guardianship in the State of Florida, and other states, should be of paramount importance. Find out how to protect yourself and your loved ones with alternatives: health care surrogate, durable power of attorney, mediation and more. Consider that if you leave your parents to fend for themselves, and ignore the deterioration associated with aging, a guardian can gain a guardianship over them and their assets, without informing you. That guardianship will nullify the most meticulous of plans. To really cover your aging parents, make sure they create a "Pre-need" guardianship and name someone they trust, this is the only way predators in the retirement homes will not be able to force guardianship on them. Also create an irrevocable trust.

some contact numbers wrong
Basically a great book. Unravels the confusion that you face when trying to plan care for your parents. But I found a few of the phone contact numbers to be wrong. For instance: on page 157: The Transit Hotline Number. This turns out NOT to be a number forconsumers but for agencies. Highly recommende!
Everything you will need to figure out how to take care of a senior is here. The many contact numbers are very useful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Care    2. Consumer education    3. Eldercare    4. Elderly    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Health - General    9. Health Care Issues    10. Long-term care    11. Older people    12. United States    13. Family & Relationships / Eldercare   

Reviews (6)

A Must Read Guide to the 'end game' of life
Karen Shoff produced a guide that did not exist before.This should be required reading as a part of everyman's life education: like how to swim,how to be a decent parent,how to do CPR and how to prepare for end of life infirmity. Let's face it:Modern medicine, safer cars, non-smoking and weight watchers are all conspiring to help us live longer.Great! So when we all succeed, then what? Read this book.It answers the question.

A Must Read Guide to the 'end game' of life
Karen Shoff produced a guide that did not exist before.This should be required reading as a part of everyman's life education: like how to swim,how to be a decent parent,how to do CPR and how to prepare for end of life infirmity. Let's face it:Modern medicine, safer cars, non-smoking and weight watchers are all conspiring to help us live longer.Great! So when we all succeed, then what? Read this book.It answers the question.

This Book will change your life
Where will you spend your old age? Will you live in a nursing home? Will they take you for walks when you want to go out? Will they help you reposition yourself in bed every couple of hours to help you avoid getting bedsores? Will they be able to get to you on time when you need assistance using the facilities? Will you miss you home? Read more

Subjects:  1. Aging    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Consumer education    5. Eldercare    6. Family/Marriage    7. Nursing homes    8. Personal Finance - Retirement Planning    9. Family & Health    10. Home care    11. Insurance, Long-term care    12. Long-Term Care Of The Aged    13. Study Aids / General   

Reviews (8)

BK Loren is an INCREDIBLE Author
There is something about the writing of BK Loren.As I read through the story of her and her mother, my heart and mind filled with emotions.As I think of what she wrote while I write this, tears return to my eyes.This is when you know that an author is good.She makes you feel what she feels and leaves you knowing that the world is a good place although it is hard.I really look forward to her next novel.SHE IS GREAT!

FYI for the reviewer looking for BK Loren book
Just wanted to let you know, since you mentioned looking for a book by BK Loren, that her first book, The Way of the River, will be published in May 2001.

A STRONG AND MOVING COLLECTION
This is certainly a strong collection of nonfiction about daughters and their parents. "Taking Care of Charlie," by Cathleen Calbert, is gripping, with some humor too.And "Chocolate," by Mary AnneMaier is the most moving piece of all.I admire it for its content andimpeccable form, and I reread it periodically.Maier takes us with her ona quest to come to terms with her mother's death, but along the way we aregiven insight into the author as a daughter and as a human being. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aging - General    2. Aging parents    3. Biography    4. Care    5. Caregivers    6. Caregiving    7. Daughters    8. Eldercare    9. Family & Relationships    10. Family relationships    11. Health/Fitness    12. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    13. Psychology    14. United States    15. Coping with old age    16. Home nursing & caring    17. Marriage, family & other relationships