Daughters of the Elderly: Building Partnerships in Caregiving

This intelligent, well-organized book not only arms the reader with useful information and options on how to care for elderly parents but also offers intimate glimpses into the lives of those who have coped with this problem. Opening with personal narratives by ``primary caregivers,'' the chapters focus on various circumstances (``Supporting Independence,'' ``Dementia,'' etc.). An analysis by a professional health worker follows, which comments on the reactions and emotions of the caregivers and how they could better deal with a particular situation. In addition, practical advice and ``survival skills'' are suggested. For example, ``Make sure all their medications are checked as possible causes of the mental health problem''; ``Check drainage tubes to be sure they are draining and note if intravenous fluids or tube feedings are dripping when a parent is in the hospital.'' Also included are precautionary measures often overlooked: ``It is not normal to become `senile' . . . it should be investigated''; how to execute a living will. Special sections are devoted to men's issues and how to deal with the impending death of a parent. Most importantly, this work provides children taking care of their parents with the comforting realization that they are not alone. Norris is a registered nurse and founder of a support group for daughters of aging parents. (October)