Eldercare 911: The Caregiver's Complete Handbook for Making Decisions

by Susan Beerman M.S.W., Judith Rappaport-Musson

With the steady growth of the elderly population, it is estimated that approximately one-third of Americans will be providing care for an elderly person in the near future. This well-researched, compassionate, and comprehensive handbook will empower caregivers to be the best they can be without neglecting their own very legitimate needs. The authors use excerpts from a compilation of caregiver interviews to demonstrate the most common problems in eldercare.

Among the topics discussed are knowing when elderly people need help; how to intervene; finding and using support systems; handling burnout; managing medical, insurance, and benefits issues; overseeing medications; coping with Alzheimer's Disease and other serious illnesses; how to decide when hospitalization is necessary; detecting and dealing with abuse; working with eldercare professionals; setting up home care; making decisions and arrangements for alternate housing. The authors also examine rarely discussed, sensitive issues that affect family communication and relationships like parents' sexual behavior, dating and remarriage, and death and dying.

450 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[JasmineB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot say how much this book has helped me with my journey as a family caregiver. It helped me make sense of what I was going through, when I had no one to guide me. I only wish that we would have a similar book that outlines resources present in our country. (The book shares resources available in US and Canada.) I still keep this book on hand and refer to it from time to time as I continue with my role as family caregiver.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must-read for individuals who are caring for their elderly parents. It covers a wide variety of topics and gives practical advice.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great melding of practical advice and anecdotes from children of aging parents. I recommend this book for anyone negotiating throught the unfamiliar waters of caring for people 60+. It really explained a number of services and programs as well as basics about finances, mobility, healthcare, housing, etc.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The go-to book for questions about care for your elderly parents.