Caring for Your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide [Paperback]

Hugh Delehanty (Author), Elinor Ginzler (Author), Mary Pipher (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2006 | Series: AARP

Filled with inspiring stories from real people and packed with creative ideas, this thought-provoking book shows readers how to transform caregiving into an act of spiritual growth and personal discovery.

Drawing on AARP's deep wellspring of expertise in the topic, AARP's Caring for Your Parents explains how to help your elderly parents improve their lives-with a difference. By revealing the wealth of knowledge we stand to learn from other cultures-specifically, those that venerate elders as keepers of priceless wisdom-this eye-opening book guides readers through a new, creative approach to caregiving that turns familial duty into a journey of emotional development and resolution.

Based on a 32-page National Magazine Award-nominated special feature, Caring for Your Parents documents the innovative ways in which real people are coping with this age-old issue. Throughout the book you will also find useful, field-tested recommendations from AARP's staff of experts. Topics explored in depth run the gamut from locating quality health care to avoiding consumer scams to planning the disposition of an estate. There are also tips on designing your parents' house to make it more elder-friendly, navigating the hidden dangers of assisted living, and dealing with the invisible sibling issue. A resource guide in each chapter lists help lines, websites, and consumer action groups.

Thirty million Americans are looking for a new, more effective approach to eldercare. Caring for Your Parents is the answer. By including the wisdom of ancient cultures within the pages of this thoroughly modern guide, the editors of AARP The Magazine have provided lessons that can be adapted to any family situation in a profoundly personal way.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (April 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402735596
• ISBN-13: 978-1402735592
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #822,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Caring for Parents by Delehanty and Ginzler, June 26, 2006

By 

Joseph S. Maresca "Dr. Joseph S. Maresca CPA,... (Bronxville, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Caring for Your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide (Paperback)

This book is an excellent reference for adults with older parents
progressively requiring more care from their children and other
care-providers. Generally, the family provides up to 80% of care
for the elderly. In my experience, this is true due to the high
cost of nursing facilities and the personalized care many older
people prefer. The authors mention that advocacy for the elderly
requires strong organizational skills. This is the understatement
of the year. Keep medical records, descriptions of key health
issues, physician rosters and any materials which will assist
you in determining what level of care parents require.
Most states allow physicians and providers to discard records
after 6 or more years. With this data in hand, create a home
medical tracking system for physicians, medications, physical
therapy regimentation, diet etc.

The book lists some classic sayings by noted personalities. i.e.

- "Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born
at 80 and gradually age to 18. " Mark Twain

- "Raise children for old age as you store grain against famine."
Chinese Proverb

This book would be invaluable to children of old age parents
about to take on the role of caregiver or partial caregiver.
It lists some classic considerations many of us overlook in the
painful yet rewarding process of caring for elderly parents in
the twilight of life.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good reference, January 28, 2008

By 

John G. Tomlinson (Baton Rouge, LA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caring for Your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide (Paperback)

I bought multiple books of this type and found only two really helpful - this one and "The Eldercare Handbook: Difficult Choices, Compassionate Solutions" By: Stella Henry. Both are good references I turned to again and again. A good buy.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and Full of Practical Tips, July 20, 2006

By 

D Williams "www.southwestmedicals.com" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caring for Your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide (Paperback)

This book is full of helpful tips and inspiring, real life stories for anyone caring for an elderly parent. A useful and uplifting book. I am a legal aid hotline attorney and own a medical supply business. I both capacities, I frequently talk with seniors and their children who are caring for them. I and recommending this book to them.