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

Customer Reviews

An essential for every caregiver

2008-09-23
The 2008 updated, revised edition of Eldercare 911 is an incredibly comprehensive guide to any issue you could imagine relative to caring for an aging loved one. It is well researched and full of illustrating stories that help readers apply the concepts. This guide moves past theory into the practical day to day realities of communicating with seniors, the ins and outs of caregiving, deciding when/where to move an older adult, dealing with medical issues, finding services and more. I have worked with eldercare for 10+ years and I wouldn't be without this book--I find something new each time I turn to it to help me with a problem situation. It's a key resource for professionals and family caregivers.

Packed with practical information

2008-08-09
Very good book for anyone who is faced with the heartbreaking decline of a beloved (or not so easy to love) parent. From the first chapter entitled "You are not alone" followed by when to know when your parent needs help and practical information as to where do I go from here. Includes multiple references for geriatric social workers and elder law attorneys.
I found this book both supportive and useful.

Essential for caregivers

2003-04-24
This highly detailed and easily read volume seems to cover every consideration and situation that could arise in caring for an elderly person. The emphasis is on in-home maintenance of the elderly, specifically parents, although one chapter is devoted to selecting and monitoring a nursing home. The book gives the impression of being able to prepare the reader for any situation and to help him cope with whatever comes up.

The point is made throughout that caregivers need to avail themselves of the many resources that exist to help them with information and hands-on help. The idea that taking on the responsibility for an ailing or aging parent means that the caregiving offspring do everything by themselves, while simultaneously continuing to meet the demands of their own lives and families, is shown to be destructive to the caregiver as well as in many instances impractical.

One element in successful eldercare is keeping up with exactly what is happening with the elderly person and how to cope with the problems it may present. Thorough documentation of everything is stressed, such as physical conditions and medications, prescriptions, diet, etc. Forms are presented to simplify this, along with checklists of things to do in various situations.

A liberal inclusion of anecdotes from caregivers around the U.S. reveals the many difficulties and rewards experienced by those engaged in looking after their elders. Web sites and addresses are given for various agencies, as well as the authors of the book.

That sounds like my story 2003-03-24
There were many anecdotes in the book that sounded like they were taken from my own personal experience. It was comforting to know that there are others with similar issues. I came away with many new ideas to try and make my situation more tolerable. I would recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves in a comparable situation.

my review of eldercare 911 2002-12-14
This book ia all you need to know about eldercare and elder caregiver responsibilities and options before, during and after any sort of institutional or home care considerations. The personal insights given by people from around the country was also very helpful and informative. Eldercare 911 is required reading if you're considering or are actually in an eldercare mode.

At long last, a realistic and practical guide for caregivers 2002-11-09
As a health care professional in the field of aging for the past 17 years, I found "Eldercare 911" to be concise, clear and most of all, realistic about the area of caring for an aging parent or relative. I believe the authors have an excellent sense of what really goes on between adult children and their parents--the good and the bad. They are also not afraid to tackle the area of resistance--what should you actually do when your loved one says "No! I don't want that home care worker!" or, "What do you mean you want me to stop driving?" This book offers real solutions for the real world. I would recommend this book for caregivers and professionals in the field of aging. It is an invaluable resource

A Must Read for Caregivers! 2002-11-05
If you are giving care to an elder or you are contemplating taking on this task, you must read this book. If you know anyone caring for an elder, do them a BIG favor and tell them about this book, or better yet, give them a copy. Even in the best of times, caregiving can be overwhelming. This book is full of information vital for improving quality of life for both the elder and her/his caregiver. Another great contribution is the COMFORT the book offers caregivers -- reading it is as good as getting a hug from the authors, who are obviously experts who care.

Great Handbook! 2002-10-25
As a social worker in the field, I found this handbook to be an excellent tool in aiding my clients and their adult children in need. As a daughter of elderly parents, I felt as if the book were written directly for me. The book was not written with technical jargon; it was easy reading and still informative.

The Best Reference Book For Elder Care 2002-10-24
Thank you for finally writing a reference book on elder care that is easy to read and extremly informative! This book makes a difficult situation much easier on the care giver with insightful guidance for virtually any topic relating to elder care. You will find yourself referring to this book often, both for instruction as well as comfort.

A MUST FOR ANY CARE GIVER 2002-10-24
With the responsibility of having to take care of a 91 year old mother-in-law, I have been searching for an extremely long time for a care giver's manual to assist me. THIS IS THE BOOK TO ANSWER MY PRAYERS ! In the short time I have had this book it has continually aided me in the decision making process of how to deal with day to day problems associated with care giving to an older family member, as well as determining which of the problems I encounter are abnormal and need special attention and which are not. THIS BOOK IS EASY TO READ, UNDERSTANDABLE AND A MUST FOR ANY CARE GIVER.