The Eldercare Handbook: Difficult Choices, Compassionate Solutions,   ISBN:9780060776916

Customer Rating: 

I really enjoyed the case studies in this book. They illustrated the emotional issues that often come up when a loved one needs care that can't be provided at home. There are other books that deal better with the financial issues and Medicaid. This one focuses on how, in some circumstances, the most loving choice is a nursing home. It also is very informative on how to research a home and how important it is to do this BEFORE a loved one needs it, since many people, about 50%, are admitted with 24 - 48hrs notice after a hospital stay.

Customer Rating: 

After my siblings and I decided that it was time to find an assisted living community for our mother, I came upon this book by accident. I wish that I had read it months before the fact. It was a comfort to read suggestions and stories about dealing with a loved one with dementia as we hopped onto the emotional roller coaster of making hard decisions. I bought 2 copies of the book for my brother, sister, and I to share. The readings opened up a line of communication that I doubt we would have come to had we not read this book. Many questions and concerns were addressed, as well as topics that we had not thought about. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

Customer Rating: 

6+ stars****** My parents recently moved into an assisted living facility. I wish I had read this book before instead of just after so I could have acted sooner. It gave me strength as my mother cried to know that this too shall pass and it is truly the wisest, safest, and healthest action to take. Each day is a little better. If I had read the book earlier I would have not made excuses for the mounting behavior changes, seen through her intelligent masking of memory loss, and helped my Dad make the difficult decision earlier, probably making the move easier for both of them. Stella's gift to us of her experience through the stories makes it an easy and pleasent read. As every pregant woman reads "What To Do When You're Expecting" so should every adult with 70+ parents read "The Eldercare Handbook". At least then you'll know it's normal and can make loving, practical decisions.

Customer Rating: 

I bought several books of this type and this one is by far the most helpful and informative. It was invaluable in my visits to assisted living and nursing home facilities - letting me know what to look for and what questions to ask. But there is so much more to this book than just that. If I could only buy one book to help me understand how I can help my parents this would definitely be it.

Customer Rating: 

We baby boomers may have thought we were the most informed generation of all time, but no one I know was prepared to deal with aging parents. Stella's book is a gentle study of the process physically, emotionally and spiritually, full of forgiveness and gratitude along with information you can use right now. It has been extremely helpful to me and my family, and I've given "Eldercare" to many friends who share my appreciation. Thank you, Stella.