How do you know when it’s time to move your mother out of her home? What do you do when your father can no longer bathe himself? For the largest generation in American history--Baby Boomers--questions like these are both common and urgent. Seniors 85 and older are the fastest growing segment of the population, and nearly 80% of them are cared for by family members. Drawing on years of research and interviews, award-winning author Virginia Morris knows how daunting it can seem to become a parent’s caregiver. Morris is a nationally recognized authority on parentcare; she was the only expert featured on Oprah’s show on caregiving, and has spoken on the subject of eldercare on Good Morning America, CBS’s The Early Show, NPR, CNN and at various national conventions. Now, she has completely revised and updated her bestselling book, HOW TO CARE FOR AGING PARENTS. Called “indispensable” by AARP and widely considered the caregiver’s bible, HOW TO CARE FOR AGING PARENTS has been expanded from 450 to over 700 pages, and covers all the emotional, legal, financial, medical, and logistical issues in caring for the elderly.
Yet, even with its stockpile of invaluable information, HOW TO CARE FOR AGING PARENTS is more than a caregiver encyclopedia. It’s also a 24-hour support group that guides caregivers through the emotional roller coaster of parentcare. Personal stories and quotes from caregivers around the country bring empathy and compassion to the medical, financial, and legal discussions and decisions. And Morris tackles even the touchiest issuessuch as talking about money and wills, how and when to take away the car keys, and even how to prepare for the endwith sensitivity and a positive attitude.
The book’s revised sections include new information on housing options, alternative therapies, advice on balancing career and caregiving, sex and dating among the elderly, male caregivers, dealing with difficult parents, and more. Brand-new chapters address the newfound independence of seniors, the importance of healthy aging, and caring for parents with Alzheimer's. There's also a new final chapter titled "You're Next" with advice for Baby Boomers about preparing for their own aging now.
HOW TO CARE FOR AGING PARENTS also features the essential “Yellow Pages of Help.” Printed on yellow paper for easy reference, this section has over 100 pages of hard-to-find resources, services and government and community help for the eldercare industry. HOW TO CARE FOR AGING PARENTS is the only book to gather all these resources in one place, and includes information on the following:
· Home care, assisted living and other housing options
· Caregiver guilt, resentment and depression
· Paying for long-term care
· Shifting parent/child roles
· Helping the frail elderly remain active and involved
· Caregiving from a distance
· Balancing career and caregiving
HOW TO CARE FOR AGING PARENTS helps readers sort through options and choices, enabling them to make informed decisions and handle stressful situations, while keeping a focus on family ties and relationships. From finding good medical care to knowing when to intervene, this book should be required reading for anyone who is or expects to be a caregiver.
© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com