Home Care Books

Jacqueline Marcell takes a very serious subject and writes about it with such a captivating, entertaining style that I couldn't put this book down. For those of us who have had the stressful experience of caring for a loved one with dementia, knowing that even with the best support system and planning, reality is that each day is about as predictable as herding cats. A sense of humor and resiliency are key to survival. Ms. Marcell not only survived, but went a step beyond and shares her experiences to help others.

If nothing is to be feared, only understood, this book is just the ticket for anyone dealing with a difficult parent. Written with great humor, I have recommended ELDER RAGE to friends, after realizing how validating and helpful it had been in my own situation.

Elder Rage was a salve for my raw emotional wounds. I didn't really think anyone else could comprehend the insanity of my situation. It was a comfort to know that someone else was a pioneer in dealing with physically and mentally ailing parents. I also appreciated the practical tips for dealing with the needs of elderly parents. The humor throughout the book was appreciated, but was a bit overdone and tedious at times. I would recommend this book to anyone who is suddenly thrust into facing the difficult situation of caring for elderly parents suffering from various form and stages of dementia.

"As I read Elder Rage I felt that I was right there going through every unbelievable twist and turn with Jacqueline. Her incredible indefatigable humor and pop culture references often brought laugh-out-loud relief to situations you'd never expect! She also includes extensive valuable suggestions and resources to help caregivers navigate their personal situations. As the son of an Alzheimer's sufferer, I know so well that having a loving advocate like Jacqueline in the family can make all the difference in the world. Thank you, Jacqueline, for educating and sharing a piece of your heart!"
--Dan Koffman, Author, "Simple Pleasures for Special Seniors Books" (for later stage dementia/Alzheimer's patients)

Jacqueline's book really hits home for anyone that has grandparents or elders in the home. This book with really help you understand dementia in depth and will give you many answers to care options and assistance.

This was a very sad and heart warming story about a small child and his struggles going in and out of foster care, and living with his dysfunctional family as he grows up.

I felt that the book was a rather good read, there were several parts that were heart wrenching and heart warming. However by the end of the book it feels like the events just kept repeating themselves. It was like the same events just kept happening over and over with only minor changes in each incident. I also felt that the end of the book happened too fast and was kept open with no closure at all.

I still would recommened this book for people to read, but unfortanitly it just wasn't one of my favorites.

They Cage the Animals at Night is a very heart- warming and intense story about a poor child not getting enough attention and love as he needs. His mother was too sick to take care of him and his dad wasn't there at all for him. Jennings had to separated from his entire family and was sent to numerous orphanages where they abused him and beat him up for no apparent reason. What also is sad is that this is a true story based on the author. No child deserves to be treated this way. I believe this is the best book I have read so far and I believe this book deserves an exellent review.

This book really touches the heart. Any person with a heart would love this book.

I cried after reading this book. It was so moving. Jennings, the main character, was amazing. I started reading ot right after it came in the mail and i finished it in one day. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a real book, one that makes you aware of the things going on in this world. After reading this book, I'm going to strive to be the best person that I can and not judge people by their looks. I'm going help as many people as I can. This book is just so inspirational. Please read this book. It will change your outlook on life for the better.

At times it was very difficult to read this true story due to my tears and heart stopping feelings. I think that this book should be required reading for the young people of today to let them know how blessed they are to have what they have. I hope our system has changed enough so that the things this young boy, and the many others in the book faced are not present today. My heart is still hurting from this story but I am glad that I continued with the read and finished Mr. Burch's story. I am going to pass this book on to my grandaughters to read and hope they share it with their friends.

This is a great book to read before you come home with your newborn if you are a first time parent. I would not call it comprehensive; it is more like a primer providing the essential information you will need as you head home with your baby. It is an easy, quick read...which you will need if you are already home with your newborn! I highly recommend The Happiest Baby on the Block, which is also recommended by these authors. The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer

This book offers solid advice w/o any judgment for first time parents. I found it very helpful and plain spoken -- just what every first time parents need.

I bought three books and this one was by far the best. I hate to read books and I had no trouble keeping focus. Simple yet informative.

I am seven months pregnant and found this book a great resource in preparing for the baby. I am certain I will refer to the information in this book many times once the baby arrives. A must read for new moms & dads!

My husband and I found this book to be very helpful. We read it before the birth of our first child, and referred back to it when she was 0-3 mos old. Very practical, concise information. We both had experience with younger siblings and babysitting, but this book explains all the "day to day" questions a new parent will have.

Rozetta Mowery's writing, catches your attention from the "very first page." It was written in a way that will, get your attention and keep it. It is a true to life story, that "needed to be told."

Athens Tennessee, is a very small town, and Tin Can Holler is a real place, that still thrives, today. Athens could be my hometown or your hometown. It could be your family or my family. This book is about a family's "dysfunction" that was carried on through generations.

Rozetta Mowery opened up a can of worms, when she started asking questions about her Mother's death, and doing research. She discovered domestic abuse, child abuse, neglect, mental illness, and cold blooded murder, mixed in with everything else.

They say that you are "as sick as your family's secrets." Rozetta made a choice to expose her family's secrets and let the truth be told. She is an advocate for domestic abuse and child abuse, and does speaking engagements to share her knowledge.

Rozetta has written this book, and told her story, so those of us that are being abused or have been abused, get the courage to get out and get help. There is no need to carry the shame of abuse with you, through out your life. Rozetta's story, is well written and captivating. There is a light at the end of that dark tunnel, and she is living proof of it.

[...]

Rozetta takes you down a road of tragedy,beginning with her Serial Killer Grandmother, A wealthy grandfather that never stepped up to the plate for his family, A father....who murdered her precious Mother and the aftermath of what domestic violence leaves in it's path.

You can't put this book down until it's finished. Simply the best book I have ever read. You will be horrified, sad, angry and then empowered by the strength Rozetta has shown through her whole life . She has broken the cycle of violence in her family, and is a shining symbol of hope and inspiration for victims of domestic violence. Well written, a MUST READ.

This book is great. It is based in the area I am from so I feel a connection to the location but the events are unimaginable. Great book!

Tragedy in Tin Can Holler is a 'must read' book for anyone seeking to understand the devastating and de-humanizing consequences of domestic abuse. An incredibly detailed, personal and revealing testament of the daily, weekly and monthly toll of systematic domestic abuse both physical and psychological, with its associated control over victims, and involvement of a whole extended family, it reveals the human toll of a sustained long term abuse. Abuse cast a shadow the length of a lifetime over children. Victims and especially children have no say in this at all. Rozetta's story gives a real insight that abuse is going back in history, past on from one generation to the next. This silent crime behind closed doors stalks victims the world over making no allowances for race, greed, gender, age or wealth. Rozetta shows courage and strength having overcome such harrowing trauma in both her childhood and as a very young mother and woman, she proofs there is life after abuse. She also reminds one that it isn't over once you have left such abusive relationship. There is an aftermath a whole load of emotions to deal with. Rozetta wants to see generational abuse broken and innocent children set free from this destructive cycle. Her credibility will speak to victims of domestic abuse because she has already walked a mile in their shoes. She has proved it is possible to walk in freedom both physically and emotionally and a large part of that release has been the ability to forgive those who abused her. It is a powerful chronicle of resilience, of highs and lows, and ultimately of the triumph of good over supreme adversity. Tragedy in Tin Can Holler is a must read especially for those who may yet be trapped within domestic violence. It is a great eye opener for those who may need to be made aware of the continual existence of domestic violence all around the world
I commend it for its insight and confidence for a better future.

I have read this book twice now,the first time in two days because I just couldn't put it down. My husband picked it up and he couldn't put it down either. It is a must read for anyone who has ever been in a domestic situation or if you know someone who has.It will help you understand behaviors of someone who is being or who has been abused. I think that writing this had to be very hard on Rozetta and uncovering all that she found out about her families past! I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading a TRUE STORY... NOT FICTION! I am sure these things happen or happened more than any of us really know!This is so wrong and should not go on and why we all should speak out against it.I commend Rosie for standing up and doing what is right. She is a wonderful Christian lady and I pray that she will continue to be successful in getting her story out!

This was recommended to me by my friend who is a psychiatric nurse when I asked her for references regarding vascular dementia. This book was much more informative than When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide for Caregivers by Joy A. Glenner, Jean M. Stehman, Judith Davagnino, Margaret J. Galante, and Martha L. Green. It contained much more information about the whys and wherefores of Alzheimer Disease and other dementias. I found it much more helpful regarding things to do to help Mother - or, more exact, to put up with her behavior. The book lists other things that can cause the symptoms - including schizophrenia, other forms of brain damage, and TIA (transient ischemic attack). The book was well-written and informative.

It was shipped really quickly and the quality of the book was even better than the description.

I've read this book twice...once when my mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimers and then again for my mother-in-law who is in the throes of the disease right now. This book helps care givers understand the confusion Alzheimer's patients deal with from their perspective. It provides sound recommendations ie;how to redirect their attention and deal with the constant repetition you must deal with. It also provides a look through the eyes of the Alheimer patient ie; the terror some patients experience and confusion of taking simply taking a shower. This book helps you to understand that the Alzheimer patient DOES RECOGNIZE YOU....they just don't know how you FIT ie; my wife? husband? son? daughter? relative? They do know WHAT THEY FEEL for you...love, safety, fun, joy, etc are all in there.The Alzheimer patient can experience feelings of "DELIGHT" for the rest of the day after a half hour visit from you. They just don't remember that "YOU" were there but you made their day as they continue to be "upbeat" for the rest of it ;-) This book makes it easier to cherish every special moment and to empathize with the terrible cross of confusion the Alzheimer patient experiences

I work for a neurologist and we recommend this book for our patients and their family members. It has an easy to read format, excellent referrence and resource guide and supportive information. It gives a thorough overview of the different causes of memory loss and how each may manifest and progress in the life of your loved one. It provides this information in a comapssionate yet down to brass tacks manner that will encourage the care giver. It is an excellent resource if you are starting this journey with someone.

I purchased this book for a friend whose husband is in the throws of a degenerataive dementia journey. She had heard of this book and wanted a copy. I told her I could get it through Amazon.com. She has just begun to read it but she knows it will be a constant handbook for her, suggesting ways to cope with her husband's impending journey into this frightening world and it will give her words of encouragement and suggestions for his saftey and her sanity.

If you like The Complete Eldercare Planner, you'll love the revised and expanded 2009 edition of the book. To be released, April 2009. You can order copies of the book today.

New lost-cost and free resources, more chapters including in-home caregiving technolody, finding local low cost in-home assistance, caregiving from a distance, the mature driver assistance, and so much more.

Type "The Complete Eldercare Planner, Joy Loverde" in the Amazon search box.

"Am I doing the right thing?" Every adult child of a family member requiring eldercare asks this question. The Complete Eldercare Planner will help today's busy caregivers with medical, financial, and personal issues by condensing hours of research into a concrete plan of action. In one volume, readers will learn about emergency preparedness; how to tell when your elder needs help; talking about sensitive subjects; sharing the care; long-distance assistance; money and legal matters; health and wellness; insurance; housing; safety; transportation; maintaining quality of life; aging with a disability; death and dying; and more.

This carefully designed guide also presents material in an unusually accessible way, with dozens of checklists, step-by-step mini-planning guides, lists of low-cost/free resources, website index, questions to ask with places to write down answers, spaces to record elder's vital medial, financial, and personal information, and more.

This book is full of clear, common-sense talk, just the thing I needed when I bought it. Dealing with an aging parent can be tricky in the best of circumstances, and at worst can threaten the whole family structure. The level-headed advice in this book can help to keep things on track, and can help family members to develop the best plan for dealing with their particular situation, as it did with us.

I did a "speed-read" of the book in the 24 hours before a family conference. I did note a fair amount of repetition of ideas in the book, but that is not necessarily a bad thing: if you're reading just the chapters that seem most relevant, then that's where those ideas need to be mentioned. One bonus: reading the book made it clear to me that I need to be doing some elder planning for myself, and with my own children, to make things easier for them later.

For those who have been, or will be, managing the health and financial welfare of your elderly parents, this book provides very helpful and detailed guidelines on how to do this with tact and compassion, as well as providing numerous resources. I ordered copies for all of my siblings. Best resource I found on the subject.

7-22-05 -- Recently I found myself along with 3 other siblings and spouses thrust into new uncharted waters in a totally new season of our lives. Suddenly and without any training we were and continue to this day having to take care of my aging parents. I for one will freely admit that as a child I was never trained, prepared, nor exceptionally gifted to undertake such a task. It is just not the type of thing that you can ever really get to a line and say ready...set...go...and do it very well. Elderly health care in 2005 does not always afford us the luxury of any long preparation either emotionally or financially.

Suddenly unmercifully and usually without warning you hear over the phone in the midst of a busy American routine those words you dread. It's Cancer, a stroke, or replacement surgery, just minor or major operations which means weeks of homecare and hospitalization's, etc., You are suddenly no longer swinging a few bats warming up in the on deck circle there in safety at a bit of distance. But you find yourself thrust into the batters box. You are no longer the stand by just in case fill in player who dressed for the game just in case you would or might be needed. But suddenly with a phone call, you find yourself thrust without any prior warning into the batters box. You are to take charge with 3 others voices and votes, your parents primary healthcare.

Now, if you call a frantic call for "HELP" in the middle of the night when just the week before things were okay a warning, well then, you're doing better than we were. You find yourself suddenly up at the plate with bases loaded, two outs, bottom of the ninth your teams behind 3 runs. To top it off you're facing a 94mph fastball pitcher who also throws a mean slider called the reality of life. You have never been good at hitting these kinds of pitches. Much less being the homerun hitter the team needs at this moment and are all looking to you now for. Then you hear through your wife there is a book available on just such a thing. It allows you to calmly and logically check out all of your options. It tells you in simple language just how you go about walking through this difficult mine field you've been thrust into without training or any real prior warning. It tells you how to do this without losing your mind, your family unity, and most of all your parents dignity.

I found myself literally reading the pages of Joy's, "Elder Care" wonderful "How TO" book on the plane going headed to Florida. I was then going there for my Dad's 80th B-day party as well as a visit to help out for 10 days at my elderly parents. Little did I know then, that I would see those 10 days turn suddenly into 46 long and hectic days I ended up spending there. Little did I realize as I paged through this how to book on Elderly Care that it would be like a daily Bible to me. I was literally reading a chapter ahead of the events as they unfolded in the next days. It was giving me the answers to question I had not yet asked, but found myself doing so in the next days to follow.

As a former Eagle Scout, USMC SGT., Police Officer, Business owner, 20 years as a Lay Minister and being Happily Married to the same woman for over 26 years now, I'd received lots and lots of great training. Even you will have to admit that this background covers a lot of diversified and really good training. But nothing, absolutely nothing, but my Faith prepared me emotionally, physically, or all of us financially for the events that would suddenly and totally unwelcomed show up in the middle of the night. They just seem to attack you without ceasing on these issues when it's "Your Mom or Dad."

Thank you Joy, for the time it must have taken you and the wealth of information this book contains. I personally know that it was truly a Godsend at a time of crisis in our lives. It still today continues to guide us along these slippery slopes. But because of this well timed work of Mercy and Grace, we have maintained as a family, and continued to allow my parents their Dignity and somewhat their independence. I believe this book will help answer the question of the heart on elderly care and give you practical and timely information to steer you to through the minefields of elderly care life. You should have a copy on the shelf in your own homes and be reading it now, if your parents are near or reaching retirement age.

We waited and it caught us totally by surprise. But it didn't catch Joy by surprise...I personally believe that she was obedient to the Spirit of God to produce this work for a time such as this. Our generation will Thank Her one day I believe for her unselfish actions in writing this Elder Care "How To Bible" for the uniformed. The Word of God says that "...my people perish for a lack of knowledge..." I believe that this book is full of knowledge that will help us all in our moments of crisis and bring life and health to all who read it.

Thanks for listening to my lengthy review and a very special Thanks to You Joy. You just keep on writing Joy and we will keep getting filled with the great knowledge we all need and can practically use for our loved ones. God Bless you and again... Thank you from our families hearts to yours.

God Bless You,
David D. Spaulding

I was a volunteer for CASA for many years in Houston, Texas, and as a CASA could really identify with this story. The wonderful thing for the author is she not only was very intelligent, but also strong and even though she was in some horrible placements, still did get encouragement from teachers, as well as her CASA.

One of my children that I was a volunteer had a similar situation and she too has been in a wonderful adoptive home but it took a lot of care and concern by her therapist, myself, her attorney and my supervisor to have this happy ending.

I think books like this are so important for the general public to realize what a child in foster care can go through. There are many wonderful foster homes as I have had children placed in those homes too, but there are also people who should not be foster parents.

Wonderful book for anyone who is involved in public service of any kind. A real inside view of the foster care system from a childs point of view.

Imagine living in fourteen different foster homes in nine years--sometimes with your younger brother, sometimes never knowing if you will see him again. Imagine yearning for your mother but never knowing when you might be able to see her. Imagine living in tight, cramped quarters with other foster kids who often taunt you and destroy your belongings. Imagine the fear of not knowing if the next placement will have nice parents, or cruel ones. Imagine never being able to trust any adult because there's never been one that truly cares. Ashley Rhodes-Courter experienced all of this and more in her time in foster care. School was her only safe haven--a place where she excelled but never got to stick around one school for any meaningful length of time. We follow Ashley through this horrible time in her life right on through to her adoption. And meeting J.K. Rowling. And meeting the President of the United States. And speaking in front of large groups, including the U.S. Senate. Ashley's courage to tell her story sheds light on the plight of thousands of foster children throughout the U.S.

I seriously couldn't put this down and read it faster than any other book in recent memory. Her story effortlessly flows and even though it is a nightmare at some points, it feels amazing to cheer her on in the end.

"Three Little Words" is quite an amazing book. I don't have any type of experience with adoptive/foster care children or even with the whole kind of system. So, for me, it was very interesting to read and learn about the way foster care works and how, sometimes, doesn't work out. I felt very emotional about the families in this book. I was hooked when I read the very first page, and stayed interested thoughout the whole story. This book taught me a lot and showed me that I am very fortunate to grow up in a safe and caring family. I couldn't even imagine going through some of the things that the kids did in this book. Especially what Ashley went through. She is a very strong person.

I thought this book was going to be overall sad, gloomy and full of sadistic people. It started off like most stories: A girl with a somewhat good life (in her eyes) that is turn upside down by factor she does not know of yet! At the end, though, Ashley Rhodes-Courter portrays herself as a role model people can follow and also portrays state systems a little rusty. If you have not yet read this book, I tell you DO!

As I am presently walking on that difficult, exhausting and yet often rewarding road of caregiving, I accidentally (if there is such a thing) stumbled across Carol O'Dell's website and subsequently her book. I live in Europe where books like these are few and far between and was grateful to have it sent via Amazon to my little corner of the world. My gratitude has no boundaries. A lot of my emotions that I wouldn't have dared to voice to anyone (except to maybe my saintly husband and my ever patient journal) are beautifully and eloquently described here. Mothering Mother truly has soothed my exhausted soul, and I am profoundly relieved that I can take this book, open it randomly and find myself again and again. It must have cost so much courage and tears to write it, but it is obviously touching and enlightening a lot of people. I have already given it away twice to people who are also mothering mothers - and their perceptions of being solitary soldiers were changed. Please, buy this book if you are a caregiver and feel alone! You are not.

wonderful, compassionate book; so on-point; I'm living through this with my own mother - very helpful

As someone who is "mothering mother" after a massive stroke, I laughed, I cried, and I understood sooooo much of the feelings behind this book. I deal with much of this every day...except my mother can't get around at all on her own. I use to think that was a horrible thing, but after reading this book, sometimes I think that may not be such a bad thing since she is more like a small child now. It's so hard to watch our mothers be the one who needs mothering when we aren't ready not to need our mothers ourselves....... Terrific book! Thanks so much to the author for making me not feel so guilty about the times I get frustrated and tired.

If you have lived thru what Ms.O'dell is writing about, you will appreciate this book more. However, if you haven't you can still love it.I have lived it and she is so honest--she put into words all the ambivalent feelings I had caring for my mother. I would not have traded the experience for the world but no one understands like someone who has been there. I laughed and cried and exorcised my guilt. Thank you Ms. O'dell....my mom's spirit was right there with me when I was reading. The only thing that that would make it better would have been our moms writing a chapter from their point of view. I often looked in my mom's eyes seeing her lost but unable to tell me what was in her brain.

Carol wrote a very heartbreaking memoir..she says on the cover Mother Mother a daughter's humorous and heartbreaking memoir..I did see some humor but I also saw a very vibrant picture of Carol's Mother. I read some--reflected--read some more--as I got closer to the end of the book I read it straight through. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has a loved one that has Alzheimer's--the beginning, middle or end of the disease and I recommend this book to anyone that has a loved one that is dying. Carol has a list of recommended reading in the back of the book and a list of many organizations that might help someone who is looking for help.

I recently received this book and can't believe how much easier it makes it to be able to determine a dog's mood. The pictures are clear and the explanations are very clear and the author's observations are usually quite humorous. As a new trainer, I find this to be a great addition to my growing library. It is very helpful to help determine how and if to approach a dog.
Great find!

This book is well written, keeps your attention. Learn alot of necessary things. Awesome book and every dog owner should own it.Or anyone thinking of getting a dog.

Who knew my dogs behavior was out of fear! Fear of noise was obvious but I didn't realize some of my dogs behavior issues were out of fear of other dogs, social situations and so much more. This book taught me not only WHAT his fears are, but gives so many options on how to deal with them. Nicole's methods are an easy, kind approach that can be taught with minimum effort. I highly recommend anyone who needs help in training a fearful dog or understanding what their fears are to read this book.
Jerry Melisaratos - Author "Five W's of God",/CEO - Hidden Manna PublishingFive W's of God

I had a very timid dog just 3 weeks ago. But now our pup is only a little shy, thanks to the tips I learned from this book. The progress our dog has made - because of the progress WE, her humans, have made - is absolutely amazing! The book provides very easy step-by-step positive training tips that are extremely useful for modifying unwanted behavior and increasing confidence of fearful, perfectly sociable AND agressive dogs. In addition to training it covers a variety of other topics too.
This is a must-read for all dog owners that have even minor behavioral challenges (that would be every single person who lives with a dog), and especially for those who are at their wit's end with their pets.
Very highly recommended!!!

This book is light on technical jargon and heavy on great advice.

Even though all chapters won't apply to all dogs, the author's insight into behaviour makes the whole book compulsory reading.

There is a chapter on leadership which is very practical and has helped my sort out my 6mth old Irish Wolfhound! He's a handful and the tips and techniques in this book are helping enormously, if at least not only in making me understnad that it will get better :)

Seriously, worth every cent and not only applicable to fearful dogs, the advice would apply to caring and training all dogs.

All I can say is....Excellent book. It made a computer technician out of me. Tnx

If you are tired of all the PC how-to books that can't write a sentance in English, this is the book for you. Easy to follow with screenshots from the PC itself, this a guide even my mom can follow. It covers the basics of owning a computer from Windows 98 and SE, ME, and XP. How to keep them in tune and how to save some money doing it with free programs that are available online. What to take some of the mystery of the beige (black, grey, whatever) box on the desk, The Healthy PC will go long ways towards that end.

I absolutely love this book!!! I read about it here on Amazon and ordered it right away. I have been reading through it and using it on my computer for the past three hours... I can't put it down!!! My computer already seems more reliable, and I fixed little problems that I wasn't sure how to (i.e. The annoying send error file reports).
One of the great things about this was how explanatory it was... Although I knew what a lot of computer jargon means, I understood it after reading this book.
I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone looking to take care of their computer!

The first time I sat down with this book, I couldn't stop. I'm not a PC guru, nor am I a "tin horn." I think anyone who uses a computer from power users to novices will find it one of the most practical, easy to understand texts you'll find.

I also "googled" his name and found his website CareyHolzman.com. What a treasure trove of advice and help.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to use a computer or increase the knowledge they already have.

When you work or deal with young people, talking about computers
is a big challenge and most of the times you feel like a "dummie or an idiot". This forces you to run to Barnes & Noble or the local Library to end up more confused and frustrated not knowing which book to pick.
"The Healthy PC" is not as tedious as other computer books,
on the contrary once you start reading you will not stop, and if you follow the steps Carey recommends you'll feel very comfortable.
This is a great book, to bad he does not have any publications about hardware, but I understand his next book will be about "networking" available next year, I can't wait to buy it.