Eldercare for Dummies

From the first page to the last, this guide offers practical, hands-on tips for navigating the maze of eldercare. As our population ages, more and more people find themselves thrust into the role of caregiver for aging relatives--often parents---usually with little or no background to prepare them for this role. Eldercare for Dummies is easy-to-understand, engaging and witty, not overly technical or bogged down with research. Targeted directly to readers who face caring for an aging loved one, it guides them through assessing the current needs of the senior, choosing and arranging for appropriate care, ensuring safety, and helping to maintain happiness and quality of life.

I made my holiday trip to the bookstore last week. I purchased a copy of Eldercare for Dummies, by Rachelle Zukerman, PhD. The book is packed with light humor and also great tips. I especially liked Chapter 2 with the section on how to help when help is refused.It's great.

I recently met Rachelle at a healthcare meeting and was fasinated after hearing she had written her book. As an owner of a "free" senior placement service, I was anxious to read it and see how else I could advise my clients on such tough matters as eldercare. The book is with me wherever I go. Over the holidays I found myself counseling my own family members on how to talk to their in-laws when they begin to notice the ever changing physical events in their lives. I've only started, so there is so much more to learn. In the meantime, I never open the book without a highlighter in hand. Many thanks Rachelle!

As a gerontological social worker and teacher of future social workers, I know how very important it is for family members to understand and cope with the issues facing their aging relatives. This book offers current and comprehensive information on all relevant topics, and it's written in a style that will be accessible to every reader. I strongly encourage people to add this to their home libraries ASAP!

There are a number of references in the eldercare space to choose from. Some are social service case study oriented and can be a little "mushy." Others are highly technical involving legal, financial and tax strategies. "Eldercare for Dummies," however, covers the full issues of aging landscape in an informative, easy-to-read and humorous format. I consider it a "must read" for my clients or for anyone facing the challenges of aging with a family member or loved one.