Contents
1. Providing Eldercare for a Loved One
Your Biggest Concerns Regarding Eldercare
Recognizing Your Role as a Family Caregiver
Understanding the Legalities of Caregiving
Managing Your Loved One’s Needs
Juggling Your Own Needs with Caregiving
Understanding Caregiver Burnout
3. Easing Caregiver Concerns with Proactive Behavior
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs
Identifying Stages of Dementia
Seeing Your Loved One in Today’s Reality
Twelve Signs It’s Time for Assistance
Consulting with Health Care Professionals
Complicated Issues for Family Caregivers
4. Nurturing Your Loved One’s Mind, Body, and Spirit
The Mind: Understanding Changes in Your Loved One’s Brain
The Body: Understanding What’s Happening Physically to Your Loved One
The Spirit: Keeping Your Loved One’s Inner Light Shining
5. Considering Options for Care Needs
The First Option: Family Caregivers
The Role of a Health Care Advocate
Choosing Between Professional Home Health Care Agencies and Private Caregivers
6. Paying for Your Loved One’s Care
Understanding Average Costs of Care
Determining Needs and Budgeting for Costs of Care
Identifying Ways to Pay for Care
7. Having the Difficult Discussions
Developing a Strategy for Your Discussion
Deciding Who Makes the Final Decision
9. Special Considerations for Care
The Special Care Needs of a Younger Person
Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias
Parkinson’s Disease and Similar Conditions
Feeding Tubes, Tracheotomy Tubes, and Other Medical Devices
10. Final Words of Advice After Any Change
Common Mistakes Made During the Transition
Suggestions for a Successful Transition