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If you count yourself among the ostriches when it comes to facing the gritty truths about what to expect for yourself or parent or loved one as Father Time comes calling, you may find yourself resisting these book selections – “Time for that later…” “It’s too depressing…” – you know the drill. But knowledge is empowering and knowing what to anticipate, as well as having strategies for dealing with it, can only serve you well. So take a deep breath and read on.
The Real Truth About Aging
A Survival Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers
By Neil Shulman, MD, Michael A. Silverman, MD, MPH,
Adam G. Golden, MD, MBA
Written by three experts in geriatric medicine, this authoritative but user-friendly guide targets the issues that most people will encounter as they age and offers specific strategies for understanding and managing them. Divided into four parts, it deals with what to expect physically as you age; how to interact with the healthcare system most effectively; caring for a frail senior and what plans you should put in place before it is too late. The practical tone and wealth of detailed information make this an excellent reference. Prometheus Books, 422 pages, $21.95.
The Complete Legal Guide to Senior Care
By Brette McWhorter Sember
Directed at caregivers, this guide is far from the dry textbook that the title might imply. It actually offers an excellent roadmap through the many challenges associated with caring for an aging loved one and consistently folds emotional issues and concerns into the equation. In addition to legal resources and cautions, the author addresses all different facets of housing and healthcare hurdles that caregivers might encounter. Sember also includes an array of useful forms, a helpful glossary and state-specific resources at the end of the guide. Sphinx Publishing, 395 pages, $22.95.
An Insider’s Guide to Better Nursing Home Care
75 Tips You Should Know
By Donna M. Reed
This one is going to be the toughest to read, but if you have a parent or loved one in a nursing home, it will be the most valuable. It is an unvarnished, no holds barred guide to the realities of nursing home care and what you as an advocate for your loved one should know and do to improve their care in that setting. The author, an attorney who spent ten years working as a nurse in nursing homes, compares regulations with actuality and doesn’t sugarcoat the disparity between the two. More importantly, she gives readers excellent advice and specific tips on how to work around or within the system to reduce errors and improve compassionate care. Prometheus Books, 221 pages, $17.95.
Get the Blues
Though budgets may be stretched, the desire to freshen your dÈcor doesn’t necessarily go away. You may just have to get a bit more creative! DIY projects are a great way to express that creativity and update your home at the same time. The Indigo Dye Kit from Jacquard Products provides all the ingredients to create striking fabric prints using centuries old natural indigo dying methods. Included in each kit is a packet of pre-reduced indigo, reducing agent, gloves, rubber bands, 2 wood blocks, quick start instructions and a full-length instruction booklet with dye patterns, plus an historical and cultural overview of indigo dye. Each kit will dye up to 5 lbs. of natural fabric. Available at Wet Paint on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. More info online at www.jacquardproducts.com/products/kits/indigodyekit/. $19.95.
Nothing Like a Nice Hot Bath
Making “senior friendly” modifications can facilitate aging in place, but too often these changes can make a home feel somewhat institutional. The bathroom is one area that can be particularly dangerous or difficult to negotiate when mobility becomes a problem, but modifications here often sacrifice comfort for functionality. For about the same price as traditional whirlpools, Safety TubsÆ walk-in tubs offer an attractive solution. Guaranteed watertight for life with an effortless no-step entry, Minute Drain fast draining solution, in-line heater and multi-level massage jets, these tubs make bathing not only safe, but luxuriously comfortable. They are designed to fit existing spaces and plumbing and also offer a hand held shower and easy to use, no-scald controls. More at: www.safetytubs.com.
Depression Screening
Some describe the “golden years” as a time to slow down and enjoy life. However, for many these years can also be a time of loss and health concerns. While everyone feels sad or unhappy at times, persistent sadness may be a sign of depression. In the United States, depression affects 15 out of every 100 adults over the age of 65, but depression is not a normal part of aging. Mood disorders are common and treatable at every age, yet they often go undiagnosed. National Depression Screening DayÆ, held on October 8th at thousands of sites nationwide, offers the opportunity to take an anonymous test to see if you might be suffering from depression or a related disorder and speak with a mental health professional about what to do next. Visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org to take a screening online or to locate a site near you (beginning September 1, 2009).
Disabled Veterans Eligible for Free Transit
Minnesota’s disabled veterans are now able to use public transportation throughout Minnesota at no charge. Disabled veterans simply need to show the proper identification card to bus operators of any fixed-route service in the state, including Metro Transit and suburban transit providers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area as well as regular-route services in Duluth, St. Cloud, Rochester, Moorhead, East Grand Forks and Mankato.
In the Metro area, this benefit is also available on the Hiawatha light-rail line and on the Northstar commuter rail line, which will begin operations late this year between Big Lake, MN, and downtown Minneapolis.
The free ride benefit also extends to a personal care attendant who may be assisting a disabled veteran as they travel.
To qualify for the free rides, disabled veterans must show a Veterans Identification Card, or VIC issued by a VA Medical Center with the words “Service Connected” or the initials “SC” below the photo. The cards are
available at the VA medical centers in Minneapolis and St. Cloud. For information call 612-467-1991 or www.va.gov/healtheligibility/application/IDCard.asp.
www.parentgiving.com
In support of the challenging role of being a caregiver to aging parents, this site is packed with information and resources on all facets of caregiving, plus it offers access to service providers, shopping for support products and interactive blogs and forums.
www.elderlawanswers.com
This innovative site offers a variety of informational topics, available as short (4-11 minute) podcasts. Find answers to diverse issues such as when to use a reverse mortgage, what you need to know about your skilled care coverage rights, and many more. Click on the Elder Law Radio icon to begin.
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