The Unofficial GuideTM to Eldercare  by Adamec, Christine;

Short description:

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.

Long description:

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.

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.

Table of Contents:

The Unofficial Guide Reader's Bill of Rights.

The Unofficial Guide Panel of Experts.

Introduction.

I. An Eidercare Overview.

1. The Growing Need for Eldercare.

2. Who Needs Eldercare?

3. Determining the Level of Care Required.

II. The Human Side of the Eldercare Decision.

4. Denial and Other Emotional Issues.

5. Strategies for Coping.

III. Getting Organized.

6. Organizing Your Elder's Finances.

7. Organizing Your Elder's Medical Affairs.

IV. Options in Eldercare.

8. When There's No Place Like Home.

9. It's a Family Affair.

10. Assisted-Living Facilities.

11. When Long-Term Care Is Needed.

V. The Financial, Legal, and Social Realities of Eldercare.

12. Managing Eldercare Costs.

13. Protecting Your Elder's Legal Rights.

14. Eldercare, Your Elder, and You.

A. Glossary.

B. Resource Directory.

C. Further Readings.

D. Important Documents.

Index.