The Handholder's Handbook: A Guide for Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's or Other Dementias

by Rosette Teitel

Book Overview

In a national survey, 19 million Americans said they have a family member with Alzheimer's, and 37 million said they knew someone who had it. But when Rosette Teitel found herself in the role of caregiver to her ailing husband, she could find no books that answered her practical needs: How do you give a 170-pound man a shower? How do you pick him up when he falls? What support networks are available? When is it time to consider a nursing home and how do you find one?While many books about Alzheimer's disease focus on the illness and the patient, Teitel draws on her own experience to tackle subjects rarely dealt with in other self-help books. She covers topics such as managing the expenses of long-term care through Medicaid, estate planning, and preparing for the patient's death and the loss of someone whose daily survival has been at the center of one's existence. The chapters contain information on diagnosis, treatment, and the progression of the disease; the physical and emotional changes involved with the day-to-day caregiving; support networks; nursing homes; finances; death of the patient; mourning, and life after the patient's death; and interviews with caring children of parents with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, Teitel provides a helpful list of frequently asked questions, scheduling and memory aids, and websites where readers can find resources.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813529409
• ISBN13: 9780813529400
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

What a wonderful book!

I can not say enough good things about this book! The author has given so much advice, both practical and emotional. You can tell this woman was a teacher as the chapters are clearly organized with a synopsis at the end of each and other sources of info. The index is excellent (and very useful). Best of all, she writes from the heart...she's been there and knows what the journey is like.

A Blessing!!!

Rosette Teitel is a gifted author. Her book is informative, helpful and full of PRACTICAL coping mechanisms, suggestions and resources. It is clearly written and is a guide on a difficult journey. My family and I found it to be invaluable . Mrs. Teitel addressed specific issues from many angles... all in one book!! THE HANDHOLDER'S HANDBOOK is a God-send... a MUST READ for caregivers of anyone with dementia/Alzheimer's. If you buy nothing else, BUY AND READ THE HANDHOLDER'S HANDBOOK!!