Family Caregiving. A Manual for Caregivers of Older Adults.

This manual provides caregivers with practical knowledge and suggestions that could be of help to them in this important role. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the volume and tells how to use it. Chapter 2 identifies who caregivers are, what they do, and what changes have taken place in their lives since they became caregivers. Chapter 3 begins with a discussion of the sources of stress, its symptoms and stages, and its consequences and then describes techniques to reduce stress or its effects. Discussion in chapter 4 focuses on communication in the family, including such topics as information sharing, changing nature of relationships, need for support systems, and patterns of communication. Chapter 5 focuses on techniques for aiding communication with those with impaired hearing or vision, stroke, or neurological deficits. Chapter 6 describes important changes in the body and major age-related diseases. Chapters 7 and 8 provide information about the changing nutritional needs of older adults and about different types of exercise. Topics in chapter 9 concern the psychology of aging. Chapter 10 describes the various types of living arrangements in terms of the needs of the older people they accommodate. Chapter 11 covers legal and financial matters. The final chapter introduces a variety of agencies and their services that may be helpful in meeting the needs of caretakers and their older relatives. Recommended readings and references for each chapter are listed. (YLB)