Review of The Comfort of Home for Stroke: A Guide for Caregivers (Comfort of Home, The) (Paperback)

I thought this book had a lot of good basic information (including sources for products) for someone taking care of an elderly stroke survivor at home. This book assumes you will be taking on the role of full time nurse/medical assistant and even gives instruction things like changing bed linens with the person lying in bed - like in a hospital. I did like the reminders that caregivers need to take care of themselves - this is vital not only to the caregiver but also to the patient, who will receive better care and I applaud the authors for giving this strong emphasis. I took of a star because of them extreme emphasis on elderly stroke survivors and dark view of recovery. There are many many younger people who suffer strokes each year - in my case a young adult sister. After her stroke I sought out information on strokes like a woman possessed - and this book would have frightened me unnecessarily. For example, the book states that docs say that all of the recovery that will take place will happen within the first six months. After this heartbreaking statement, the sidebar "tip" says that although the MOST gains occur during the first six months, recovery continues after that time period. They did a huge disservice to readers by presenting this information in that way. Other stroke books I consulted (and my own experience) indicate that recovery will continue for a very long time - more than 3 years for noticeable gains. Also, the book assumes that the person will never, ever return to his or her old job - incorrect information in my experience. Overall, it is a good basic book - but overly pessimistic on recovery. The first book you should read is Living With Stroke: A Guide for Families, 3E....then once things settle down and you are thinking about long term care you might try The Comfort of Home.

Product Description
This complete guide helps caregivers, family members, and stroke survivors understand the day-to-day issues faced by care providers. It guides readers through every stage of care, from explaining different kinds of strokes to understanding personality changes brought on by the illness. Other topics covered include how to prevent strokes from recurring, making the home safe and comfortable, returning to work after a stroke, and preventing caregiver burnout.

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Review of The Comfort of Home for Parkinson Disease: A Guide for Caregivers (Comfort of Home, The) (Paperback)

Now in a newly and substantially revised and expanded third edition, "The Comfort Of Home: A Complete Guide For Caregivers" continues to earn its reputation as the 'bible' for providing home caregivers to aged, ill or handicapped loved ones with a thoroughly 'user friendly' illustrated guide that covers everything necessary from daily living tasks to preparations for hospice care, to making funeral arrangements. This is a complete and superbly organized, 216-page, comprehensive 'how to' manual that will help the caregiver to develop their skills, expertise, and confidence, which will in turn enhance their peace of mind with respect to the quality of life they helping to afford their charge. Also available in a Spanish language edition, "The Comfort Of Home: A Complete Guide For Caregivers" is a 'must' for anyone having responsibility for helping another to continue to live in their home, prepare them for having to move into an extended care facility, or to help make final arrangements. Three other outstanding and highly recommended specialized manuals for professional home care from CareTrust Publications include: "The Comfort Of Home For Parkinson Diseases: A Guide For Caregivers" ; "The Comfort Of Home For Stroke: A Guide For Caregivers" ; and "The Comfort Of Home Multiple Sclerosis Edition: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide For Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers".

Product Description
This comprehensive guide to the day-to-day issues confronted by Parkinson disease patients and their caregivers covers every caregiving stage.It's all herein an illustrated, easy-to-read format, including the decision to provide home care, preparing the home, assisting with daily activities, financial management, and strategies for avoiding caregiver burnout. This guide also includes information on the specific issues that PD patients and caregivers face, as well as tips on purchasing equipment, travel, therapies, loss of motor skills, and communicating effectively with physicians.

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Review of The Comfort of Home: A Complete Guide for Caregivers (Comfort of Home, The) (Paperback)

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (8/07)

I was really impressed with the comprehensive material in this 3rd edition of "The Comfort of Home."As a Social Worker in a previous life, this would have been the book that I would have given to individuals who were considering becoming a primary caregiver.Nothing has been left out in this very well-written guide that a person needs to consider when undertaking this process.

"The Comfort of Home" is set up so that it can be read from beginning to end, or as a reference guide that a person can look up specifics.Oftentimes, taking on the task of a caregiver seems completely overwhelming.Meyer helps break the tasks down into manageable steps that include tips, questions that need to be asked and additional resources to follow up with.The author begins the book by helping the reader decide if home care is an option for them to consider.Her approach is honest and guilt-free for the person making this decision.Following this process, a person needs to decide what level of care is needed and whether this can be provided at home. I really thought that the section on paying for care through Medicare, Medicare part D, Medigap and the many other types of benefits was easy to follow.

As a proponent of long-term planning, I especially liked the section for setting up a care plan.Following these suggestions will make it easy to have someone step in as a temporary caregiver to give the primary caregiver a break, reporting to medical staff and in helping the caregiver not to make mistakes.Being a caregiver can be exhausting and keeping records on the patient, especially with important medication schedules.There are so many chapters that cover every aspect of a person's life such as exercise, diet, nutrition, special challenges and daily activities.Each area is thoughtfully addressed and ends with other available resources in dealing with that area.

The author does an excellent job throughout "The Comfort of Home" in reminding the caregiver to take care of themselves.She even includes a whole section on how to avoid burnout and ends with dealing with funeral arrangements and the grieving process.I would highly recommend this guide to anyone who is considering becoming a caregiver.


Product Description
Burnout -the complete drain of physical, spiritual, and emotional reserves -occurs when a caregiver slips into exhaustion or depression. More and more frequently, the responsibility of caring for the chronically ill child, the disabled spouse, or the aging parent falls on a family member. From the decision to be a caregiver to dealing with day-to-day activities, this guide provides help with every aspect of home care. Also included in this edition are a checklist of tasks, a chapter on self-care and avoiding caregiver burnout, a glossary, and list of helpful resources.

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