Often thrust suddenly into new roles caring for elderly loved ones, caregivers may find themselves overwhelmed and underprepared. This guidebook directs present and future caregivers to valuable sites that guide exploration of a variety of available options; assist in planning ahead; enhance communication with medical staff, the patient, and other loved ones; assess the caregiver’s personal responsibilities and resources; enable coping with emotional and physical stress; help prevent burnout; and increase understanding of end of life issues. Five appendices include related publications from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Cancer Institute.

Charles C. Sharpe, a retired clinical nurse specialist and nursing educator, is the author of several books on medical issues, geriatric topics and the internet. He lives in Pennsylvania.

Charles C. Sharpe
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 199
Bibliographic Info: glossary, appendices, suggested readings, index
Copyright Date: 2010
pISBN: 978-0-7864-5941-4
eISBN: 978-0-7864-6018-2
Imprint: McFarland

Preface      1

Caregivers      5

Caregiver Stress      10

Family Issues—Stresses and Conflicts      16

Respite Care—Care for the Caregiver      20

Evaluating Health Care Information on the Internet      25

Online Resources      31

Metasites      31

End of Life Issues      42

Legal Issues      49

Medical and Health Care      51

Residential or Housing      63

General      66

Appendix A—Because We Care: A Guide for People Who Care      97

Appendix B—So Far Away: Twenty Questions for Long-Distance Caregivers      138

Appendix C—Caring for the Caregiver      158

Appendix D—Tips for Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s Disease      164

Appendix E—Glossary      176

Selected Readings      189

Index      191

“the writing is clear and easy to understand…recommended”—ARBA.