Caregiving Basics: A Resource List

Caregiving Basics

1. 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide To Caring for Persons With Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life. 3rd ed.

Mace, N.L.;. Rabins, P.V. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. 1999. 352 p.

Available from the Johns Hopkins University Press. 2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. (800) 537-5487; FAX: (410) 516-6998; WEB: www.press.jhu.edu. PRICE: $44.00 plus $3.00 shipping (hardback), ISBN: 0801861489; $13.95 plus $3.00 shipping (paperback), ISBN: 0801861497. Also available in large print paperback, $19.45, ISBN: 0801865212.

This practical and detailed reference book provides a wealth of information to families on giving care to patients with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. The book presents background information on dementia, brain disorders and the causes of dementia, and recent research on the pathology of dementia. Beginning with the problem of getting medical help (both accurate diagnosis and treatment) for the impaired person, the book gives practical suggestions and advice on how families and caretakers can deal with problems in independent living; problems arising in daily care; medical problems; problems of behavior and mood; getting outside help; children and teenagers; financial and legal issues; nursing homes and other living arrangements; and how caring for an impaired person affects the caretaker. Appendices list pertinent health and support organizations; where to buy or rent supplies; U.S., state, and protectorate agencies; and the rights of hospital and nursing home patients. 43 references. (AZBK07887)

2. Alzheimer's Home Companion. [Newsletter].

Reno, NV: Eymann Publications, Inc. 1998-. Monthly. [4 p. average].

Available from Eymann Publications, Inc. PO Box 3577, Reno, NV 89505. (800) 354-3371; FAX (702) 358-1476; E-mail: order@care4elders.com. PRICE: $24.95 for a 1-year subscription.

This newsletter, published monthly, is designed to offer practical advice and information to caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). A typical issue might include information about dealing with distraction; why the person does embarrassing things; the benefits of exercise for people with dementia; the use of validation therapy as a behavior modification tool; warning signs of AD; and communication problems in AD. The newsletter comes with a set of 10 activity idea cards for people with AD. (AZJA06719)

3. The Book - Alzheimer's Disease: Caregiver's Home Management.

Rogge, R.H. Chapel Hill, NC: Longleaf Press. 1996. 307 p.

Available from SDK Media Specialists. 2832 S. Lansing Way, Aurora, CO 80014. (888)737-4134; FAX (303)751-4379; WEB: www.sdkmedia.com. PRICE: $34.95 plus $4.50 shipping/handling. ISBN: 1570871825.

This book is both a personal journal that chronicles the 12 years that the author cared for his wife, a patient with Alzheimer's disease, and a caregiver's resource guide with strategies for effective caregiving at home. The first part of the book is the detailed journal that the author kept from the onset of his wife's first symptoms and diagnosis in 1982 through her death in 1993. Part II focuses on the needs of the caregiver, including maintaining physical and mental health, financial considerations, social support systems, and respite care. Part III sets forth an overall strategy for at home care. This section offers suggestions for activities and equipment, and a sample at-home schedule. Part IV is the transcript of a presentation made by the author at a geriatric care conference. (AZBK05846)

4. Care That Works: A Relationship Approach to Persons With Dementia.

Zgola, J.M. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press. 1999. 256 p.

Available from The Johns Hopkins University Press. 2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363. (800) 537-5487; FAX: (410) 516-6998; WEB: www.press.jhu.edu. PRICE: $19.95 (paperback), ISBN: 0-8018-6026-1; $50.00 (hardcover), ISBN: 0-8018-6025-3.

This book for family and professional caregivers focuses on building and improving the relationship between the caregiver and the person with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The author provides information to help caregivers develop their own approaches and evaluate their effectiveness. She discusses establishing a safe and nurturing environment and providing meaningful activities for the patient with AD. Other topics include communication, behavioral issues, support groups, and visiting patients in a nursing home. Ideas and experiences in this book are designed to be helpful both at home and in a nursing home setting. 48 references, index. (AZBK07694)

5. Caring for a Person With Memory Loss and Confusion. Helping You Help Others: An Easy Guide for Caregivers.

Santa Cruz, CA: Journeyworks Publishing. 2002. 32 p.

Available from Journeyworks Publishing. PO Box 8466, Santa Cruz, CA 95061. (800) 775-1998; FAX (800) 775-5853; WEB: www.journeyworks.com. PRICE: $3.95 plus $0.40 shipping. Item number 5059. ISBN: 156885059X. Also available in Spanish, ISBN: 1568852894.

This booklet provides guidelines for caregivers of people with cognitive and memory disorders. It includes techniques for handling basic activities of daily living, personal care, bladder and bowel problems, meals, sleeping, wandering, emotional outbursts, and safety. (AZBK09287)

6. Caring for Someone With Alzheimer's Disease.

South Deerfield, MA: Channing L. Bete Co., Inc. 1995. 15 p.

Available from Channing L. Bete Co., Inc. 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373-0200. (800) 477-4776, (413) 628-7611; FAX (800) 499-6464; WEB: www.channing-bete.com. PRICE: $1.10 for 1-99 booklets plus $7.00 shipping. Quantity discount pricing available. Stock number: 39271.

This illustrated patient education booklet reviews issues, concerns, and challenges involved in caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease (AD). It considers the physical and emotional consequences of AD for both the caregiver and patient. The booklet advises the caregiver to: attend mutual help and support meetings, learn as much as possible about AD, keep surroundings and schedules simple, and establish and maintain a safe environment for the AD patient. Specific suggestions for attending to each of the activities of daily living are included, such as bathing, eating, dressing, exercising, and sleeping. Basic guidelines for addressing problematic behavior, communication, incontinence, wandering, depression, and self-care are provided. (AZBR06248)

7. Caring for the Alzheimer Patient: A Practical Guide. 3rd ed.

Dippel, R.L.; Hutton, J.T.E. (editors). Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. 1996. 219 p.

Available from Prometheus Books, Warehouse and Fulfillment Center. 59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197. (800) 421-0351; (716) 691-0133; FAX (716) 691-0137; WEB: www.prometheusbooks.com. PRICE: $21.00. ISBN: 1573921084.

This book is designed to educate and assist family members of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to assist professionals who provide direct care to those with AD. Seventeen chapters offer information about various aspects of dementia caused by AD. The chapters discuss the importance of exercise and proper diet for patients; nursing care; and providing optimal living environments. Other chapters explore techniques for enhancing memory, the patient's sense of orientation, the ability to talk with others and behavioral management techniques, and selecting the appropriate nursing home. Several chapters deal with the treatment of families of older people with neurological impairments, including a discussion of support services available for families and the legal and ethical considerations they face. (AZBK06100)

8. Dementia Guideline Series for Families.

Steele, C.; Kopunek, S.P. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neuropsychiatry and Memory Group. 1999. 16 p.

Available from the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. PO Box 8250, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250. (800) 438- 4380; FAX (301) 495-3334; WEB: www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov. PRICE: Free.

This set of detailed guidelines is intended to help family caregivers provide care to loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD). The first section focuses on dementia; causes of dementia, conditions that mimic dementia, and the relationship between dementia and AD are discussed. The next section defines and discusses four common symptoms of AD: amnesia, aphasia, apraxia, and agnosia. The guidelines also address the following topics: eating; dressing; bathing; getting to the bathroom; structuring activities; communication; taking medications; dealing with hallucinations and delusions; depression; driving; task break-down; and taking inventory. To make each topic or activity more manageable for the caregiver, each section includes suggestions and step-by-step instructions. (AZDC07787)

9. Lost in the Mind: The Mystery of Alzheimer's Disease.

Washington, DC: Don Lennox Productions. 1997. (videocassette).

Available from Don Lennox Productions. 2727 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20008. (202) 265-4800; FAX (202) 265-4888;PRICE: $24.95 plus $6.00 for shipping.

This documentary provides an overview of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by interviewing researchers, family members, and people with AD. It discusses the history and the future of AD. Animated graphics are used to show how healthy brain cells communicate and what happens to those brain cells when a person has the disease. The researchers describe the three stages of AD, current treatments, and experimental treatments. In addition to describing the scientific aspect of AD, this videotape focuses on the social effects of AD. It includes interviews with caregivers and patients; and with some of the couples, a follow-up interview two years later is used to show how the disease has progressed. The videotape addresses such important caregiving issues as: coping with losing a loved one slowly, placing a loved one in a nursing home, role reversal between parents and adult children, the stress of caregiving and how it affects the caregiver's health, and the importance of using services such as respite care, adult day care, and support groups. (AZAV06602)

10. Rush Manual for Caregivers. (6th ed.)

Chicago, IL: Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center. 2004. 116 p.

Available from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center. 710 South Paulina Street, Suite 8 North, Chicago, IL 60612-3872. (312) 942-4463. E-mail: info@alz.org. Website: www.rush.edu/rumc/page-R12399.html or www.rush.edu/Rush_Document/CaregiversManual.pdf. PRICE: $14.95 for printed version, and free online access.

This manual provides an overview of the issues that family members with relatives with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may need to address to cope with dementia. Chapters describe dementia and give the stages of AD; communication difficulties experienced and suggests ways to bridge the communication gap that dementia creates; the needs of the family in coping, including children and legal matters that may need attention; guidelines for providing daily care (hygiene, home safety, mobility and exercise, and nutrition); and important considerations when handling health and behavior problems. The manual's final chapter addresses ways to obtain outside help, such as from community-based and government resources, and considerations to be addressed when selecting a nursing home or hospice care. The manual concludes with lists of selected readings for families with a member who has dementia, and for professionals, concerning such areas as activities, public policy, and nursing home care. (AZBK04965).

11. Steps for Caregivers: Caring for Persons With Alzheimer's Disease.

Chicago, IL: Alzheimer's Association. 1998.

Available from the Alzheimer's Association. 919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611-1676. (800) 272-3900; (312) 335-8700; (312) 335-8882 (TDD); FAX (312) 335-1110; WEB: www.alz.org. PRICE: $4.00.

This audiotape, narrated by Shelley Fabares, provides guidance and support to people caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The audiotape is divided into four sections. The first section explains how to identify dangerous situations in the home, and offers suggestions for transforming the home into a safe and supportive environment. The next section helps caregivers understand the different communication disorders that affect people with AD, and offers suggestions for improving communication between caregivers and AD patients. Next, advice is given to help caregivers structure the day with safe and appropriate activities. Suggestions for responding to difficult behaviors exhibited by people with AD, such as aggression, repetitive actions, suspicious thoughts, and recognition difficulties conclude the audio cassette. Print versions of individual sections are also available through the Alzheimer's Association. (AZAV07764)

12. Understanding Alzheimer's Disease.

Cutler, N.R., Sramek, J.J. Jackson, MS: University Press of Mississippi. 1997. 151 p.

Available from University Press of Mississippi. 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211-6492. (800) 737-7788; (601) 982-6205. PRICE: $21.00 (hardcover); $19.00 (paperback) plus $4.00 for shipping. ISBN: 0878059113.

This book about Alzheimer's disease (AD) is intended for people with AD, family members, caregivers, and health care and human service professionals. It describes the course of AD from early to advanced stages, including behavioral changes and medical problems that typically are seen at each stage, and discusses the procedures that currently are used to aid in the diagnosis of AD. It reviews the normal functioning of the brain and various theories about the causes of AD. It discusses the care of people with AD; and includes suggestions to help families care for the AD patient at home, find respite services, select a nursing home, and handle legal and financial matters. The book also reviews available treatments for the psychiatric, behavioral, and cognitive effects of AD; and describes current research efforts to better understand AD and develop more effective therapies. Appendices contain diagnostic criteria for AD; summaries of selected drug treatments; suggestions for further reading; and lists of print, audiovisual, and Internet resources for additional information and support. (AZBK06353)

13. Understanding Alzheimer's Disease. An Overview From A to Z.

Radium Springs, NM: Geriatric Resources, Inc. 1995. (videotape)

Available from Geriatric Resources, Inc. PO Box 239, Radium Springs, NM 88054. (800) 359-0390; FAX (505)524-0254; WEB: www.geriatric-resources.com. PRICE: $136.00; Rental fee is $75 per month.

In this videotape, a speaker presents information on Alzheimer's disease (AD) to a group of AD caregivers. The 90-minute video opens with information on the diagnosis, treatment, progression, and prevalence of AD. AD progressively destroys brain tissue, which leads to changes in behaviors and abilities. The speaker offers suggestions for understanding and managing difficult behaviors, such as confusion and agitation, and explains how changes in each half of the brain lead to deterioration of different abilities. The speaker uses the Global Deterioration Scale of Assessment for Primary Degenerative Dementia to describe seven stages of dementia and the clinical characteristics associated with each one. An explanation of the correlation between functional assessment stages in AD and normal human development follows. A section on caregiving concludes the video; topics discussed include caregiving goals and planning care. Handouts complementing the video are provided. (AZAV07830)

14. When Someone You Love Has Alzheimer's: A Practical Guide for Caregivers.

Cypress, CA: Medcom Inc. 1995. (videotape).

Available from Medcom, Inc. 6060 Phyllis Drive, PO Box 6003, Cypress, CA 90630. (800) 877-1443; (714) 891-1443; FAX (714) 891-3140; WEB: www.medcominc.com. PRICE: $99.00 first copy, $35.00 each additional copy.

This videotape features interviews with health professionals and family members of patients who share their perspectives of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Topics include the symptoms, stages, and risk factors of the disease; dealing with the dangers of driving, wandering, and gun possession by patients; coping with repetition, non recognition of the caregiver, and role reversal; and easing caregiver burden by using support groups and day care. This videotape also includes short, dramatic depictions of what living with AD may be like for patients. (AZAV05365)

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Caring for a Person with AD at Home

15. Comfort of Home: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide for Caregivers. 2nd ed.

Meyer, M.M.; Derr, P. Portland, OR: CareTrust Publications LLC. 2002. 364 p.

Available from CareTrust Publications LLC. PO Box 10283 Portland, Oregon 97296-0283. (800) 565-1533, (503) 221-1315; FAX: (503) 221-7019; WEB: www.comfortofhome.com. PRICE: $23. ISBN: 0966476700. Also available in Spanish, ISBN: 0966476735.

This book for caregivers is an illustrated, step-by-step guide to caring for an ill or debilitated person at home. The first part of the book offers information about care options, working with the health care team, getting in-home help, paying for care, financial planning, advance directives, home modifications, and equipment and supplies. Next, the authors offer a guide to the various aspects of daily care, including activities of daily living, therapies, diet and nutrition, emergencies, body mechanics, the dying process, funeral arrangements, and grieving. One chapter addresses the symptoms and stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), communicating with the AD patient, and dealing with special challenges such as agitation, hallucinations or delusions, sundown syndrome, and wandering. The book concludes with definitions of common abbreviations, medical specialists, and terms. A bibliography and index also are included. (AZBK07742)

16. Complete Guide To Alzheimer's Proofing Your Home.

Warner, M. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press. 1998. 443 p.

Available from Purdue University Press. 1207 South Campus Courts-E, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1207. (800) 247-6553, (765) 494-2038; FAX (765) 496-2442; WEB: www.thepress.purdue.edu. PRICE: $29.95. ISBN: 1557532028.

This book is intended to guide families in modifying their homes to facilitate caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The first chapter discusses planning strategies and provides detailed information about how to modify interior and exterior spaces, including all types of rooms, hallways, stairs, doors, windows, storage sheds, garages, patios, decks, and the yard. The remaining chapters suggest modifications to help with various AD related problems such as cognitive impairment (including memory loss, difficulty finding things, disorientation to time and space, misinterpretations, fears, and depression), behavioral problems, difficulties with activities of daily living, wandering, incontinence, and mobility difficulties. One chapter suggests ways of preventing access to potential dangers without overly restricting the person's freedom, and another suggests modifications to prevent household accidents. The book includes a directory of products and manufacturers, a glossary, list of suggested readings, index, and appendix outlining stages of decline in AD. (AZBK06935)

17. Home Modifications: Responding to Dementia: A Manual Describing Changes Families Can Make to Homes To Ease the Demands of Caregiving.

Calkins, M.P. et al. Chardon, OH: Research Center, Corinne Dolan Alzheimer Center at Heather Hill. 1990. 31 p.

Available from Dementia Services and Integrative Therapies, Corinne Dolan Alzheimer Center at Heather Hill. 12340 Bass Lake Road, Chardon, OH 44024. (800) 926-8273, (440) 285-7040 x2212; WEB: www.heatherhill.org. PRICE: $7.00 plus $2.00 shipping.

This manual for family caregivers of dementia patients was developed to suggest a variety of modifications for a house or apartment that can increase the safety and autonomy of such patients, making caregiving less stressful. Most of the modifications are inexpensive and easy to install. The manual is divided into four sections: modifications to manage wandering; modifications to manage incontinence; modifications for safety and independence; and modifications to reduce havoc and confusion in the house. Each section begins with a brief summary of the research and then presents the environmental modifications made by caregivers. The information in this manual was developed from a telephone survey of 59 caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. The questionnaire focused on two broad aspects of caring with such patients: coping with common problematic behaviors (e.g., wandering, incontinence, disruptive behaviors); and insuring the safety while maintaining the independence of the confused person. The questionnaire covered the major living areas (living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, stairs, and entrances). (AZBK01458)

18. Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center. Revised 2002. 31 p.

Available from the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. PO Box 8250, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250. (800) 438- 4380; (301) 495-3311; FAX (301) 495-3334. WEB: www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov. PRICE: Free. Also available in Spanish.

This booklet is for people who provide in-home care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. The booklet is organized to help caregivers make each room in their home a safer environment for their Alzheimer's disease patient. The objective of the booklet is to help caregivers to cope with some of the caregiving challenges they face each day and to utilize creative solutions for the well-being of both caregiver and patient. Following a brief discussion of the nature of Alzheimer's disease, the booklet describes some of the caregiver problems associated with the disease and general safety considerations. The text then focuses on home safety on a room-by-room basis (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, laundry room, entry way, outside approaches), home safety behavior management (wandering, rummaging/hiding things, hallucinations/delusions, impairment of the senses), driving, and natural disaster safety. References for further reading and information about Alzheimer's disease organizations in the San Diego, California area are appended. This brochure is also available in Spanish (see AZBR05276). (AZBR01822)

19. Steps To Enhancing Your Home: Modifying the Environment.

Chicago, IL: Alzheimer's Association. 1998. 19p.

Available from the Alzheimer's Association. 919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611-1676. (800) 272-3900; (312) 335-8700; (312) 335-8882 (TDD); FAX (312) 335-1110; WEB: www.alz.org. PRICE: $1.00.

This brochure is designed to help the caregiver of a patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) identify potentially dangerous situations in the home concerning safety and accessibility. The caregiver then is able to respond with modifications that transform the home into a safe and supportive environment. When considering safety, caregivers should focus on prohibiting entrance to dangerous areas, limiting the use of potentially harmful appliances, equipment, and substances, preventing falls, and supervising activities of daily living, such as eating and bathing. Changes in lighting must be made to accommodate the visually impaired. The creation of an environment that encourages physical and mental stimulation and access to the outdoors is essential for the well-being of the AD patient. A safety checklist focusing on potentially dangerous areas of the home concludes the brochure. (AZBR07754)

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Caring for Aging Parents

20. Do I Know You?: Living Through the End of a Parent's Life.

Moskowitz, B.A. New York, NY: Kodansha International. 1998. 184 p.

Available from Oxford University Press - USA. 2001 Evans Road, Cary, NC 27513. (800) 451-7556; FAX (919) 677-1303. PRICE: $20.00. ISBN: 1568362102.

This book is a first-person account of a parent's aging and cognitive decline by an adult daughter. The author tells the story of her mother, who moved to Florida after her husband's death and spent 10 happy years there before her health and memory began to fail. The book is not intended to be a practical guide to caregivers, but rather to offer support to other families trying cope with the emotional strain of watching a parent age while handling their care. The author addresses such questions as when to become the parent to one's own parent, and how to protect the dignity and independence of older people while keeping them safe. She explores these issues as she describes the telltale signs of her mother's mental decline, the difficult decision to move her to a nursing home, and the pain and humor of her life there. (AZBK07124)

21. How To Care for Your Parents: A Practical Guide to Eldercare.

Levin, N.J. New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Company, Inc. 1997. 271 p.

Available from W.W. Norton and Company, Inc. 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110. (212) 354-5500; FAX (212) 869-0856; WEB: www.wwnorton.com. PRICE: $22.00 cloth; $11.00 paperback. ISBN: 0393039870 cloth; 0393315266 paperback.

This book is designed to assist adult children in caring for their aging parents (some of whom may have dementia) without undermining their dignity or independence. The book explains how to get organized by identifying specific problems and needs, creating personal and financial profiles, and learning about available support networks and community resources. It provides a primer on community resources, and explores the possibilities and pitfalls of accessing information about eldercare on the Internet. A sampling of eldercare Internet addresses is given, including Alzheimer's disease websites. The book also offers suggestions for helping parents make decisions, and discusses preventive measures to avoid catastrophe with health insurance, to plan for paying for long-term care, and to ensure decision-making authority in the event of incapacity. Advice is offered on securing parental safety at home, housing options, and juggling obligations. Appendices provide information about self-help group clearinghouse helplines, contact information for the State senior health insurance counseling programs, eldercare Internet addresses, and suggested resources and source materials. Living will and health care proxy document samples are included. (AZBK06625)

22. Long-Distance Caregiving.

Toronto, Ontario: Alzheimer Society of Canada. 1992. 8 p.

Available from Alzheimer Society of Canada. 20 Eglinton Ave. W, Suite 1200, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8, CANADA. (416) 488-8772; FAX (416) 488-3778; WEB: www.alzheimer.ca. PRICE: $0.30 each for 50 or more copies.

This brochure provides information about long-distance caregiving for a relative with Alzheimer's disease. The brochure addresses the concerns that are often faced by adult children who live far away from their aging parents. The first section outlines the advantages and disadvantages of moving the parent into the adult child's home and suggests issues to consider before deciding to move the parent. The second section discusses the importance of maintaining regular communication with the parent, with the parent's doctor, with someone who lives closer to the parent, and with other family members. The third section suggests ways of arranging care for the parent using resources that are available in the parent's community. The brochure also describes how the Alzheimer Society of Canada can assist in long-distance caregiving and provides a listing of its local chapters. This brochure is also available in French (see AZBR03862). (AZBR04484)

23. My Turn: Caring for Aging Parents and Other Elderly Loved Ones. A Daughter's Perspective.

Haymon, S.W. Tallahassee, FL: Magnolia Productions. 1996. 169 p.

Available from Magnolia Productions. PO Box 13705, Tallahassee, FL 32317. (888) 265-3243; (904) 894-9676. PRICE: $19.95 plus $4.95 shipping. ISBN: 0965296504.

This book is intended for adult children who have to make decisions about how to care for their aging parents who no longer are able to care for themselves. Written in an interview format, this book is based on the author's own experience and discusses the many problems one may face in making the switch from child to caregiver. The author answers questions about the following topics: confronting denial about whether one's parents can live alone safely; planning for the future by making choices about accepting or withholding various medical procedures; using advance directives (legal documents) to specify and record those choices; choosing appropriate living arrangements to suit parents' needs and level of functioning; understanding Medicare, Medicaid, and other assistance programs; handling emotional issues and making clear decisions; and dealing with death and grief. The book includes a red flag checklist of early warning signs that older parents may be losing the ability to function safely on their own. It provides a Resource List of more than 250 agencies and organizations that may help adult children in making care decisions. This book also comes with an emergency medical kit of forms that include important health care directives and other forms including: health care surrogate designation, do not hospitalize order, consent to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation, durable power of attorney, medical information release, living will declaration, and essential emergency medical information. (AZBK06354)

24. Residential Care: A Guide for Choosing a New Home.

Chicago, IL: Alzheimer's Association. 2001. 25 p.

Available from the Alzheimer's Association. 919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611-1676. (800) 272-3900; (312) 335-8700; (312) 335-8882 (TDD); FAX (312) 335-1110; WEB: www.alz.org. PRICE: Free.

This brochure is intended to educate caregivers about the types of residential care available for people with dementia, and to help them assess the quality of care provided in each one. The brochure opens with a description of the four major types of residential facilities: housing only; room, board, and minimal assistance; 24-hour care with skilled nursing services; and continuum-care retirement communities. A thorough evaluation of the patient's condition and special needs assists the caregiver in choosing a facility that provides the appropriate level of care. When selecting a home, caregivers should seek out specialized Alzheimer's disease and/or dementia programs, a well-trained and experienced staff, opportunities for family involvement, a stimulating activity program, and a safe and comfortable environment. A list of questions to discuss with staff of prospective facilities concludes the brochure. (AZBR07743)

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