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Living with Grief: Alzheimer’s Disease. Kenneth J. Doka, Ed. (2004). Hospice Foundation of America, Washington, DC, www.hospicefoundation.org. $24.95. One in a series of Living With Grief books available from HFA. Professionals working with individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, who want to better understand the grief and loss their clients must deal with, will appreciate this book. It describes the profound process of loss from both patient and caregiver perspectives. Chapter Three is dedicated to caregivers. Understanding and assessing caregiver grief and its impact is a necessary part of providing quality services to those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, for whom grieving may begin long before death occurs. In order to address the psychological needs of caregivers, professionals must understand the impact of grief throughout the caregiving period. The book also provides insight into diversity issues such as how cultural outlook, ethnicity, past history, and other factors affect the grieving process and coping strategies.
The Eldercare 911 Question and Answer Book. Susan Beerman and Judith Rappaport-Musson. (2005). Prometheus Books, Amherst, NY, www.prometheusbooks.com. $20.00. This is a follow-up to Eldercare 911: The Caregiver’s Complete Handbook for Making Decisions. Presented in very readable style, the questions in this book are posed in letters and notes received by the authors following publication of their first book, and cover a range of caregiving issues. Each situation is dealt with authoritatively, with step-by-step instructions where appropriate. Several worksheets, a resources section, and a glossary are included. There is a strong emphasis throughout on self-care, and on feeling good about yourself and the care you provide as a caregiver. Good advice, with an affirming, empowering and therapeutic tone.
Louie, Louie: A Portrait in Parkinson’s. (Video). Cynthia Salzman Mondell. (2005). Media Projects, Inc., Dallas, TX, www.mediaprojects.org. Inquire for pricing. This lovely short documentary offers a unique window on Parkinson’s caregiving. Combining home movies and still photos from the past with contemporary documentary video and interviews, this engaging film details the struggle of Louis Salzman as he copes with advancing Parkinson’s disease, and how his increasing disability challenges his wife and adult children. A sympathetic film for families facing Parkinson’s disease, this is an intimate and insightful film that will strike a chord with many non-Parkinson’s audiences as well. Family members talk candidly about caregiving issues they confront, such as Dad’s independence and sharing (or not) the burden of caregiving. Mr. Salzman’s wonderful sense of humor throughout is a treat.
The New Politics of Old Age Policy. Robert B. Hudson (Ed.) (2005). Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD, www.press.jhu.edu, $22.95. This new text delves into a variety of complex policy issues in the field of aging. The contributing authors do an excellent job of dissecting and illuminating the many policy options involved in current national debates. The New Politics of Old Age Policy offers a variety of perspectives on these policy issues, including theoretical approaches to age-based policy, population dynamics and how growing diversity within the older population may affect these policies. Issues surrounding major age-based programs such as Social Security and Medicare are covered as well. The book is a valuable resource for students and professionals in the aging field.
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