Aging Parents, Aging Children: How to Stay Sane and Survive

Miriam K. Aronson and Marcella Bakur Weiner
Rowan & Littlefield Publishers (2007)
ISBN 9780742547469
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/07)

 

Drs. Miriam K. Aronoson and Marcella Bakur Weiner have written “Aging Parents, Aging Children” for the average person faced with a care-giving challenge.  The book is filled with practical examples and dramatic scenarios to help the reader identify with others who have, or are experiencing, similar problems or challenges.

Early chapters include helpful information pointing out diversity among families, differences in philosophy, beliefs, personality traits, and family dynamics. These all play a part in the approach chosen to provide the best possible care.

As changes in physical health, emotional stability, or mental faculties, take their toll, it is important to begin an assessment process. This will help the family or caregiver size up the current condition through diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and aftercare needs. Excellent charts and tables provide an overview and checklist for this assessment and setting up a plan of care. Once this has been done immediate concerns, logistics, legal issues, and finances all come into play.

I especially appreciated the chapter dedicated to discussing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and the suggestions for placement versus home care. Symptoms, causes, and treatments are all considered in this informational and helpful presentation.

A concern often overlooked is the care and welfare of the caregiver. This chapter is of particular importance to everyone reading the book. Self-care is an important part of the process of renewal, nurture, and balance.  The final chapter titled “Demystifying the Maze” is a helpful glossary of important elder care language.

Internationally acclaimed as experts in the area of elder care, Aronson and Weiner, collaborate to bring the reader insight, confidence, compassion and hope in caring for their loved one.  The authors assist the reader faced with navigating the maze of systems and services, the challenge of relationships, resource limitations, and expectations of family and the importance of self help.

Thorough in presentation, written in an easy-to-understand style, “Aging Parents, Aging Children” is a practical prescription for an escalating pandemic of eldercare challenges.

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