Eldercare 911: The Caregiver's Complete Handbook for Making Decisions (Revised, Updated and Expanded)

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   March 24, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

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   December 14, 2002
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

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   November 9, 2002
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

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