Reading for Caregivers and Professionals
The Aphasia Handbook: A Guide for Stroke and Brain Injury Survivors and Their Families. Edited and adapted by Martha Taylor Sarno and Joan F. Peters. (2004). National Aphasia Association, New York, NY, www.aphasia.org. $29.95. This clear, comprehensive guide is written for those living with aphasia, but caregivers will also find it very useful. Recognizing that people with aphasia may absorb information in different ways, the book uses a clever, attractive format with colors, pictures and simple—though not childlike—prose to convey the material. Topics covered include communication techniques, therapies, public benefits and relationships, among others. Also included are some useful cards to be carried and shown to people to help them understand how to communicate with the person with aphasia.
The Sunshine on My Face: A Read Aloud Book for Memory-Challenged Adults. Lydia Burdick. (2005). Health Professions Press, Baltimore, MD, www.healthpro press.com. $19.95 Large, easy to read print and, warm friendly illustrations, are featured in an oversized format to fit across two laps. It sounds like a children’s book, but it’s not. Author Lydia Burdick created this book to read with her mother who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. An introductory page gives the person who will be “reading” the book with the person with dementia hints on how to gain his or her attention and engage them in a reading activity. Included at the end of the book is a list of handy conversation starters associated with each illustration to encourage reminiscing happy times. It is a thoughtful effort from a daughter to her mother and may be of interest to other caregivers looking for activity ideas to use with loved ones.
Alzheimer’s Disease: A New Hope Through Understanding. (2004). Models of Hope, Inc., Oakland, CA, www.modelsofhope media.com or (866) 890-HOPE. $24.95 This educational video, issued in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, briefly explains the major signs of Alzheimer’s and the importance of receiving a thorough diagnosis. The video also informs the audience of the benefits of appropriate medications. Both people with Alzheimer’s disease and professionals who work with this group are interviewed. Due to the short length of the video (20 minutes), topics are not covered in great depth; however, this is a useful, quick introduction to topics like diagnosis and medication. The video is well-suited for use during caregiver home visits or in support group settings.
How to Hire and Retain Your Household Help: A Household HR Handbook. Guy Maddalone. (2004). GTM Household Employment Experts, Clifton Park, NY, www.GTM.com or (888) 432-7972. $19.95 For caregivers interested in hiring in-home help, this book provides detailed information about all aspects of being a household employer. Some caregivers might find the book a bit daunting at 240 pages, however, it is clearly laid out, allowing the caregiver to read only the sections of particular interest. While the book emphasizes hiring nannies and other childcare help, the information is equally pertinent to caregivers who need to hire eldercare attendants. Topics include hiring, establishing a work agreement, planning wages, and managing payroll and taxes.
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