Carer's Guide, A

Every day in Australia, tens of thousands of people care for loved ones at home. This is often a difficult road for volunteer carers, particularly when the illness is a debilitating and progressive one such as dementia. Most carers find themselves thrust into the role ill-prepared and intimidated by a multitude of troubling questions. A Carers Guide combines useful information for all carers with a touching personal odyssey by Rosette Teitel, who nursed her husband through vascular dementia until his death. Specific information on requirements in Australia and New Zealand have been added by Sharon Wall, an Australian health professional, author and aged care consultant who draws on twenty-five years' experience in the aged care sector. Experiences of carers who describe their daily challenges in an honest and direct way are included throughout the book. A Carers Guide is a practical guide for carers that combines information on:  

• the diagnosis and progression of dementias as well as treatments and alternatives  
• the effects of the disease and how to cope as a homecarer  
• giving and receiving help  
• sources of strength and courage  
• residential care  
• the last chapter in your loved one's life  
• scenes from a marriage with dementia  
• reflections on new beginnings after the stress of being a carer  
• the experiences of children of dementia sufferers  
• and frequently asked questions about dementia.  

Useful appendices include medication charts, a care facility checklist, explanations and samples of relevant legal documents - an Advance Directive (a 'Living Will')and a Power of Attorney form.