Eldercare 911

by Susan Beerman and Judith Rappaport-Musson

Book Overview

Publishers Weekly hailed the first edition of Eldercare 911 as an "excellent, comprehensive guidebook." Today it continues to be the best "how to" book on the market for anyone facing the challenges... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 159102014X
• ISBN13: 9781591020141
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 450 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Essential for caregivers

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

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.

At long last, a realistic and practical guide for caregivers

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!

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.

A Powerful Roadmap

In a world where we read millions of reference books about home repair, child care and money management, it is about time we had a competent, insightful, treasure guide regarding coping with aging issues. Ms. Beerman and Ms. Rappaport are wonderful in both their knowlege of eldercare and in their ability to show sensitivity as they help guide and support the reader through thetwists and turns of aging. Eldercare 911 is without doubt the most powerful roadmap I have read regarding this sensitive topic which is surely to become a bible fore the aging boomer as we struggle with aging family members. Thank you!