HOW TO CARE...FROM A to Z!
by Gail K. Kachnycz 09 March 2024
Just a little over a week ago, I was out walking with a friend. We came across one of those little boxes that contain books, free for the taking. "I want to check for children's books to read to my neighbor's kids," said my friend. As we looked into the box, I saw the book How to Care for Aging Parents by Virginia B. Morris. Both my parents have passed away, but I thought it might be a good resource for this blog. I was amazed! This book is written in lay terms and contains so much contact information for agencies, organizations, and government programs that provide assistance to older adults. The author also addresses mental health, family dynamics, and many other issues that impact families trying to support their parents in various ways. I have recommended it to at least half a dozen people already. My copy was published in 1996, but I searched online and there are updated editions available for only about $5 if purchased used. I will list the Chapters and Contents. If you are a caregiver, I'm sure you will find something useful.
1. GET READY, GET SET: Talking to Your Parents about Tough Issues-Gathering Essential Documents-Organizing Your Own Life-Caring from Afar
2. YOUR PARENT AND YOU: Adapting to New Roles-Knowing When to Intervene-Resolving Old Struggles-Managing Day-to-Day
3. CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER: Setting Limits-Emotional Minefields: Guilt, Anger and Depression-Support Groups-Gaining a Healthy Mindset: Friends, Laughter and Tranquility
4. DOCTOR DO'S AND DON'TS: Rx for the Elderly-A Geriatric Assessment-Finding a Good Doctor-Being an Informed Advocate
5. THE BODY IMPERFECT PART I: Vision and Hearing-Insomnia-Overmedication-Alcohol-Temperature Regulation-Dehydration-TLC for Skin, Legs and Feet
6. THE BODY IMPERFECT PART II: Osteoporosis and Arthritis-Incontinence-Digestive Disorders-Depression-Delirium-Anxiety
7. ON THE FIFTH FLOOR: Entering the Hospital-Questions about Tests, Treatments and Surgery-Dealing with Hospital Staff-Your Role as an Advocate-Preparing for Discharge
8. TIPS FOR DAILY LIVING: Steps to a Safer Home, Bathing and Dressing-Eating Right-Setting Up the Bedroom-A Question of Driving-The Importance of Exercise-Quality of Life
9. GETTING HELP; COMMUNITY AND HOME-CARE SERVICES: What's Available and How to Find It-Companions-Meal Programs-Transportation-Senior Centers-Adult Day Care-Home Health Aides and Nurses-Geriatric Care Managers-Hiring and Overseeing Workers-Respite Care
10. HOME AWAY FROM HOME: When It's Time to Move-Should Dad Move In?-Shared Housing-Senior Apartments-Assisted-Living Homes-Continuing Care Retirement Communities
11. A GOOD NURSING HOME: Making the Decision-What to Look For in a Nursing Home-Getting In-A Plan of Care-Moving Day and Beyond-Your Role as Visitor and Advocate-Getting Adjusted
12. THE INNER CIRCLE: Sharing Care with Siblings-A Family Meeting-Spouses-The Sandwich Generation: Aging Parents and Young Children-Balancing Career and Caregiving
13. PAYING THE WAY: Talking About Money-What Medicare and Medicaid Really Cover-Medigap and Long-Term Care Insurance-Financial Planning-Homes as Collateral-Tax Tips-Hiring Financial and Legal Counsel
14. LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: Helping Yourself: A Clear Perspective and a Little Humor-Helping Your Parent: Simplicity, Routines and Diversions-Tips for Eating, Dressing, Communicating and More-Coping with Special Problems
17. IN THE END: Broaching the Subject of Death-Caring for Your Parent in the Hospital-Choosing Hospice Care-Medical Treatment: When Enough is Enough-Making Advanced Directives Stick-Saying Good-bye-The Face of Death
18. GOOD GRIEF: The Necessity of Mourning-The Surviving Parent-Growing From Grief
APPENDICES (A) State Units on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsmen (B) Yellow Pages of Useful Organizations (C) A Patient's Bill of Rights (D) The ABC's of Diet (E) Catalogues: Where to Find What (F) Checklist for Touring a Nursing Home; A Resident's Bill of Rights (G) Funerals and Burials
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