When Living Alone Means Living at Risk: A Guide for Caregivers and Families

In caring for America's aging population, emphasis on maintaining elders in the community, preferable at home, with appropriate support services. But what of those older persons who are at home, without a caring network of relatives or friends? What of elders who are undernourished, under- or over-medicated, visually handicapped, hard of hearing, or otherwise disabled? Many of these older people may be unaware of their need for help, or are well aware of their situation but deliberately hiding their needs from others for fear of being "a burden" or of losing their freedom.

This important book brings together an impressive array of experts who seek to assist family and friends in recognizing the danger signs that surround an at-risk elder, and points out the vital, but often subtle, distinctions between types of behavior that give cause for worry and those which can best be described as idiosyncratic. The essays offer suggestions for appropriate assistance that maintains respect for elder autonomy and freedom.

One-third of American elders live alone, some without solid support networks of relatives and friends and often facing daily medical, social, and psychological obstacles. This book's goal is to help families, caregivers, friends, and neighbors recognize some of the issues that put elders at risk and provide suggestions for appropriate assistance. Topics include the uncooperative elder, drug misuse, financial concerns, nutrition, and the physical challenges of vision loss, hearing loss, and reduced mobility. There also are chapters on the importance of exercise, the dangers of quackery, and the needs of caregivers. A real hodgepodge! Since this publication attempts to address so many kinds of issues and audiences, its function and usefulness is not always clear. In addition, some chapters, such as the one on the "uncooperative elder," are confusing, negative, and filled with dated information and examples. The chapter citations consist of too many popular magazine articles and obsolete research studies. Lacking authoritativeness, cohesiveness, and currency, this book is not recommended.
- Vicki Bloom, Benjamin B. Green-Field National Alzheimer's Lib. & Resource Ctr., Chicago
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.