Book Review:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Caring for Aging Parents by Linda M. Colvin Rhodes

Here is a guide to help caregivers, working or not, to cope with the complexities of caring for an aging family member.

Trying to master the challenge of caring for aging parents, along with the responsibilities of a demanding job, and other family and social obligations, while trying to find a little rest and relaxation to give us the strength to do all this often seems impossible.

Just trying to figure out and navigate the confusing maze of Medicare, home care, nursing home care, assisted living, eligibility for public programs for low income parents, not to mention the legal and financial entanglements that we discover when we become caregivers can make us feel... well... like an idiot!

But do not despair. There is help for all of us who feel, if not stupid, at least confused and in need of direction.

One of the best in the popular series of “Idiot’s Guides,” is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Caring for Aging Parents by Linda M. Colvin Rhodes. The book is presented in six easy-to-understand parts.

Seeing Aging Through Your Parent's Eyes gives you a solid understanding of common physical problems, heart attacks, brain attacks, cancer and Alzheimer's. You'll learn what to look for, when to act and what to do. Every part is chock full of excellent web sites and resources.

You're then taken through “The World of Geriatric Health Care,“ showing you how to be a patient advocate in the hospital, how to track down the most appropriate care for your parents and how to keep up on their medications in the Pills & Parents chapter.

Your parent has a lot more options than either living at home or in a nursing home. In Understanding Your Parent's Options you are shown a wide range of living arrangements, how to make contacts, consumer tips and how to make living at home safe. You're even given tips on dealing with one very tough parent topic: when should they give up driving?

If your Mom or Dad comes to live with you, Caregiving: Coming to Live with You, gives you all kinds of strategies on how to make it work for both of you. Learn about your rights at work, how to set up your home, where to ask for help and how to keep down the stress. Even if your parents don't live with you, check out the last chapter providing a frank discussion on hospice, advance directives, and how to talk to your parents about death and dying.

The final part, Financial and Legal Matters, navigates you through Medicare, Medicaid and the Veterans Administration. Get tips on managed care, Medi-gap polices, long term care insurance and how to keep a lid on out-of-pocket expenses. Learn the basics on living wills, durable power of attorney, wills, trusts, and guardianship. You're even shown how to have a productive conversation on these issues with your parents.

And remember, when you decide you need more than the wisdom of this well written book, it may be time to contact a Professional Geriatric Care Manager. To find one in your area simply go to www.caremanager.org and type in your state. This helpful web site will give you lots of information about how to find a professional to guide you and help you to balance this often overwhelming responsibility.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Caring for Aging Parents
By Linda M. Colvin Rhodes

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