Customer Reviews

Caring for Your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide

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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.

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.

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.

I wish I had this book months before I really needed it. Although many points made in the first few chapters I've already applied to my aging parents, I'm still learning and applying what is mentioned in the remaining chapters.

One of the most important discussions includes caring for aging parents. All four of ours are gone now. We had to learn how to navigate complex Medicare laws, relate with dignity, allow as much independence as possible, communicate with siblings, care from a distance and up close. The sibling Balancing Act is worh the price of the book. This is a guide for the journey. When the gas tank gets low we have to fill up. Our perspective changes allowing us to love our parents, get the facts, choose wisely and eventually let go. The work sheets provide "talk points" for getting things done.

I bought this book to prepare for the time when I will need it for my mother. The book is informative and a good resource. I am glad that I bought it.

Highly recommended! Everything I wish I knew before I was thrust into being a caregiver to my elderly parents!

-Jacqueline Marcell, Author 'Elder Rage', International Speaker on Eldercare & Alzheimer's, Host 'Coping With Caregiving' Internet Radio Show at wsRadio

A very informative book. I bought one for myself, and one for a friend who is caring for her aging, and ill mother.