And Thou Shalt Honor The Caregiver's Companion

by McLeod, Beth Witrogen; Carter, Rosalynn

• ISBN13: 9781579545581
• ISBN10: 1579545580
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-09-21
• Publisher: Rodale Books

Summary

In the groundbreaking PBS specialAnd Thou Shalt Honor, producers Harry Wiland and Dale Bell bring to light the challenges facing today's caregivers. This companion volume picks up where the show leaves off, providing the kind of information and practical support essential for anyone in a caregiving situation. More than 54 million American families are involved in the care of loved ones who are elderly or ill. And millions more will be affected in the years to come. If you're a caregiver, or you expect to become one,And Thou Shalt Honor: The Caregiver's Companionoffers help and hope. Page after page of useful advice draws on the expertise of the nation's top caregiving researchers and advocates, as well as the real-world wisdom of caregivers just like you. You'll find insights and answers on all aspects of providing care, including: - Reaching out to a loved one in need of help - Managing day-to-day caregiving tasks - Accessing public and private caregiving resources - Navigating the legal and financial maze - Assembling a caregiving support network - Understanding the changing family dynamic - Surviving and thriving in the caregiver role Complete with action plans and checklists for key caregiving issues, plus a comprehensive directory of essential caregiving resources,And Thou Shalt Honor: The Caregiver's Companionreaches out to all caregivers--and to those they love. Make it your companion for the caregiving journey.

Author Biography

Beth Witrogen McLeod is a consultant, lecturer, journalist, and author whose book Caregiving: The Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss, and Renewal was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. She also wrote and produced an award-winning series called The Caregivers for the San Francisco Examiner. Her articles on eldercare and on spirituality and health have appeared in a variety of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Self, Family Circle, and Health, as well as on Web sites such as ThirdAge.com and WebMD.com. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the University of California, Berkeley, she currently resides in the San Francisco Bay area.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xi
Preface	xiii
Introduction	xv
Part One: Caregiving: A Rite of Passage
Continuing the Tradition	3	(13)
Profiles in Caring	16	(11)
Part Two: When a Loved One Needs Care
``Should I Intervene?''	27	(12)
Building Bridges	39	(9)
The Conflict of Caring	48	(10)
In Sickness and in Health	58	(9)
A Family in Transition	67	(10)
Part Three: Preparing to Care
Your Caregiving Support Network	77	(15)
No Place Like Home	92	(10)
Taking Stock	102	(13)
Relationships Redefined	115	(12)
Part Four: Giving Care
Easing the Transition	127	(14)
Good Health Matters	141	(16)
Managing Illness	157	(32)
When Drugs Don't Mix	189	(10)
Adaptations for Daily Living	199	(12)
Caring for the Bedridden	211	(10)
The Family That Plays Together	221	(10)
Part Five: Reaching Out for Help
Community Based Caregiving	231	(15)
Helping Hands for the Caregiver	246	(14)
Housing Options Beyond Home Care	260	(23)
Part Six: Securing the Future
When to Call in the Pros	283	(8)
Managing Finances	291	(15)
Wading Through the Benefits Maze	306	(20)
Legal Aspects of Caregiving	326	(21)
Part Seven: Caring for the Caregiver
Feeling Bad about Feeling Bad	347	(9)
``What About Me?''	356	(9)
Protecting Your Private Time	365	(7)
Caring for Yourself	372	(17)
Working 9 to 5 Caring 'Round the Clock	389	(10)
Preparing for Your Future	399	(28)
Part Eight: Resources
And Thou Shalt Honor Companion Web Site	413	(1)
Other Web Sites	414	(2)
Books	416	(1)
Organizations	417	(10)
Index	427