The Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver's Helpbook: 101 Tips, How-To's & Great Ideas to Help a Mildly Impaired Loved One Live 'independently' Longer

Packed full of more than 101 practical and useful tips and how-to's - a truly helpful idea book for the caretaker of a parent or loved one impaired by Alzheimer's or dementia. The focus of the book is how to help a loved one continue to live independently as long as possible (with a physician's approval). Contains advice on how to improve your loved one's comfort, safety, and well-being; how to safeguard and organize documents and finances; information on legal concerns; checklists. Written in a lively readable style. CONTENTS: Introduction ADVICE FOR CAREGIVERS COPING WITH EARLY TO MODERATE ALZHEIMER'S BEHAVIORS Coping with the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's / Dementia Coping with Early to Moderate Alzheimer's Behaviors How to Create a Helpful "Memory Center" for Your Loved One Maximizing Safety and Security for an Impaired Parent Living Alone To Do's When You Visit a Parent Who Still Lives Independently When to Take the Car Keys Away / How to Provide Alternate Transportation The Role of Long-Distance Caregivers Knowing When to Place Mom / Dad in a Care Facility, and How Best to Do It Tips on Visiting Your Parent in a Care Facility Sharing Information on Your Parent's Condition Educating Others OTHER PRACTICAL MATTERS (LEGAL, FINANCIAL) Managing Your Parent's Bills, Taxes, Financial Records, Etc. Handling Legal Issues Handling the Costs of Alzheimer's / Dementia Care ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S What You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's Key Facts about Alzheimer's Some Thoughts on Alzheimer's / Dementia APPENDIX: CHECKLISTS 1 - Key Documents Checklist 2 - Financial Information Checklist 3 - Independent Living Aids Checklist 4 - Safety/Security To Do's 5 - Home Safety Checklist 6 - When Visiting Parent: Checklist 7 - Doctor Visit Checklist 8 - List of Prescriptions / Medications 9 - List of Parent's Physicians 10 - Care Facility Checklist Jessica Hatchigan is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in the "Detroit News" and the "Detroit Free Press," and in "The Writer" and "Writer's Digest" magazines.