Hi,

Any good books out there on this subject?

My parents are in their late 80's and still mentally sharp. But I want to be prepared for whatever the future holds.

Rose, it's a difficult thing to think about, isn't it? Good for you for wanting to plan ahead.

There's a 19-page get started booklet that AARP has, you'll need Adobe Reader for it: http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/articles/foundation/aa66r2_care.pdf

This is the one that the social workers use at the nursing home where I volunteer. It's older, but it's still good information. Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Care-Aging-Parents-Virginia-Morris/dp/1563054353

There's a caregiver's forum on PBS, too. Maybe someone there could give you ideas, too.

Best wishes.

Les

Thanks so much, Les!

I did  print up the  AARP Guide...thanks for the tip.

I have this on my bookshelf:

Caring for Elderly Parents :: James Dobson    audiocassette

I noticed that, Tammy, when  I  did a search, but was  wondering if some of the practical advice (financial, etc.) might be outdated.  What do you think? Is that a large part of it?

Rose

I would highly recommend the book "Complete Guide to Caring for Aging Loved Ones" by Focus on the Family.  It takes you all the way from the early care needs, what to watch for, financial decisions, resources, etc.  Also "Sunset Decisions" published by College Press (I just ordered this on PBS to replace a copy I gave away).  It has valuable advise on caring for elderly parents and the importance of helping them maintain independence.  It sounds like your parents are very independent now! 

Good luck!

Thanks Debby. I  found it  on Amazon. Will check on PBS again under title "Caring for Aging  Loved Ones".

Nope, not on  PBS, even under "all books". So I'll just go to Amazon. Thanks for the tip. I love the things that Focus puts out.

Rose,

I don't know how much the Caring for Elderly Parents cassette focuses on practical advise...I haven't listened to it and in fact it's still wrapped in plastic.  It's dated 1992 so I don't know how much it would have about say long-term care insurance, home care, etc.  It says the first part though is three people who care for their parents and talking about the day to day stuff that they deal with.

Tammy,

I wasn't thinking clearly...but since I bought  my new car this summer, I only can play CD's. I completely forgot that, so the cassette's won''t work for me. But I do love whatever Focus on the Family  makes, and I was ready to order it...until I realized I don't have an easy way to hear it.

Thank  you so much for taking the time to explain it to me.

Rose

Rose, there is a Caregiver's Forum listed in the main page of forums.  You might want to pop in there and ask them - I am sure some of the sweet people in there have good recommendations.

I'd highly recommend the following book. It's written with humor, but contains a lot of practical advice - especially about preparing to take over their finances and knowing details about insurance and medical details.

When Roles Reverse: A Guide to Parenting Your Parents
by Jim Comer (Author)
ISBN-13: 978-1571745002

I don't think there are any copies in the system here at PBS, but it's not too expensive. $12-$13 on Amazon. You can get it cheaper than that on some of the other "Buy it New" sites, but I don't know what shipping runs.

Jo,

I took your advice and ordered When Roles Reverse: A Guide to Parenting Your Parents by Jim Comer, used from B&N website.

Posted this request on many forums and no luck.

The book does look good, and I  want to thank  you for the tip.

Have a great day!

Rose

Still open to other suggestions, and especially to books. Doesn't anyone have any to post??

Jo,

I just received the book you recommended, and it is wonderful...realistically compassionate, and very practical, as well as humorous.

"When Roles Reverse; A Guide to Parenting Your Parents" by Jim Comer 2006/Hampton Roads Publ. ISBN 1571745009

Thanks again for the suggestion.

Rose