The Unofficial Guide to Eldercare [Paperback]

Christine Adamec (Author)

Book Description

Series: Unofficial Guides | Publication Date: June 15, 1999

Just when working families thought they had enough on their plates, many of them are now faced with having to make decisions regarding the health and well-being of their aging parents. Do they need care? Should they be in a nursing home? What does it cost? Is it clean? Is it safe? What if they don't want to go? And what other options are available? The Unofficial Guide to Eldercare meets these complex issues head-on, offering friendly, unbiased advice on this sensitive topic. It shows them how to wade through the anxiety and conflict to make informed decisions about their parents' needs; the elements of caregiving; living wills and other legal elements; how to balance their own lives in terms of work, family and caregiving; and how to get emotional support their families so desperately need.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The inside scoop…for when you want more than the official line! These days, Americans can look forward to a healthy and vibrant old age never dreamt of by previous generations. But despite their increased longevity, most seniors eventually become incapable of living on their own. If you are caring for an aging parent, you want to help him or her live a comfortable, fulfilled life. You want to choose the best residential options, from nursing homes to assisted living. You need to arrange your elder's financial, medical, and legal plans. You may need support for yourself to handle the stresses of caring for your parents while caring for your own family. You want the inside scoop. The Unofficial Guide^™ to Eldercare is designed to give savvy caregivers like you a foolproof appraisal of what works and what doesn't — the good deals and the bad ones — with unbiased recommendations that are not influenced by any company, product, or organization. This book, like every Unofficial Guide,^™ is intensively inspected by The Unofficial Panel of Experts, a team of highly respected health-care experts. They ensure that you are armed with the most up-to-date insider information on eldercare and are told exactly what the Official establishment doesn't want you to know. Vital Information that other sources can't or won't reveal about eldercare living options, including an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of each one. Insider Secrets from caregivers who've found the best strategies for making this experience a rich and rewarding one for both themselves and their parents. Money-Saving Techniques that help you find the financial resources you'll need to meet your parent's needs. Time-Saving Tips that let you handle your eldercare responsibilities without giving short shrift to your other work and family obligations. The Latest Trends in elderlaw, including a detailed analysis of the policies and programs currently available. Handy Checklists and Charts that help you and your elder select the best approach in light of his or her specific needs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028624564
• ISBN-13: 978-0028624563
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,193,555 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A reliable and clearly-written guide for eldercare givers, August 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Unofficial Guide to Eldercare (Paperback)

This book is a lifesaver. I've been providing eldercare for several months, and I've looked for books to help me deal with a range of caregiving issues. Many books treat the reader like an moron. This one treats you like an intelligent adult. It starts with an overview of eldercare, then deals with organizing finances and records, different options for where your elder can live, and legal and social issues. What I liked best, though, was all the human elements it discussed. I've been able to get the legal information elsewhere. But only here have I seen a really helpful discussion of how tricky it is to deal with exhaustion, anger, and stress, and especially how to deal with other family members! Eldercare is not just about the caregiver and elder--there are a lot of personalities involved, and by reading this book, I realized someone else out there understood this and was willing to give good advice. I've recommended the book to friends who are facing what I'm going through--that's the highest praise I can give.