ELDERCARE FOR DUMMIES

As our relatives get older, it is important that they live out their golden years in comfort, free of stress and worry about their health and finances. Although some seniors are able to maintain their independence and care for themselves, many others need the help of family and friends. Eldercare For Dummies, (Wiley; May 2003; $19.99) by Rachelle Zukerman, PhD offers friendly, practical advice for readers responsible for aging relatives so they can cope with any legal, financial and medical issues that may arise. Dr. Zukerman is a gerontologist and associate professor of social welfare at the UCLA School of Public Policy and Social Research. She has counseled many family caregivers on how to keep their elderly loved ones functioning, active and upbeat, despite the challenges.

It is estimated that 10 million older people require some assistance from family members to conduct their day-to-day activities. This can include anything from paying bills, running errands, and doing grocery shopping, to housecleaning and getting bathed and dressed. Eldercare For Dummies addresses all of this and more. Dr. Zukerman says, This book covers a lot of ground. It covers eldercare in the home, in the community, and in an institution. It addresses chronic health problems and disability, financial and legal issues, and intricate family relationships. The tips, techniques, and strategies on these pages are for part-time caregivers, long distance caregivers, and 24-hour-a-day caregivers." Readers will learn:
•   How to recognize some telltale signs that an elderly person needs help. Depression, confusion, bruises on body (signs of falling), or a disheveled appearance are just a few.
•   The housing options available for seniors who need supervision: nursing home, assisted living, or having mom/dad move in with the family - and how to determine which is right for each family.
•   How caregivers can avoid stress and burnout" by making time for themselves, or reaching out to family members, professionals or community services for help.
•   Helpful tips on what to look for (and watch out for) when choosing a nursing home, home companion or home health aid.
•   How to manage the distressing behavior, anxiety and emotions of confused or depressed elderly persons.
•   How to pay for healthcare and take advantage of retirement and income benefits.
                              -over-

Like all For Dummies books, Eldercare For Dummies offers The Part of Tens," including Ten Tests to Help You Assess a Nursing Home" (The Respect and Dignity Test; The Administrator Test; The Location Test; The Safety Test) and Ten Ways (More or Less) That Elders Hide Their Feelings" (Denying the Truth; Complaining of Aches and Pains; Exaggerating Helplessness; Remembering Selectively). The handy Cheat Sheet includes helpful tips such as Twelve Ways to Reduce Caregiver Stress", How to Get Your Elder to Accept Help" and Getting the Most Out of Doctor Appointments".                               
Eldercare For Dummies has all the information readers need to make sure their loved ones enjoy their golden years.

About the author:
Rachelle Zukerman, PhD is Professor Emeritus of Social Welfare at UCLA, a gerontologist, and a licensed clinical social worker. She is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Hong Kong and a Fulbright Scholar. For the past 20 years, her teaching, research and writing have been fixed on the goal of helping make the later years the best years. Dr. Zukerman is a sought-after lecturer and speaker for seminars and workshops in the United States and abroad. She is a frequent and lively guest on television and radio talk shows.

ELDERCARE FOR DUMMIES
By Rachelle Zukerman, PhD
ISBN: 0-7645-2469-0
$19.99, 356 pages
Publication date: May 2003