Lessons From A Disabled Caregiver

Progressive, untreatable nerve and muscle diseases transformed the author's life from having been a college athlete to needing a wheelchair and special equipment for day-to-day activities. While dealing with his own conditions, he was faced with the unique challenge of being the sole caregiver for his wife who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He has written this experience-based book to help people with life-altering medical conditions and those dealing with challenging caregiving responsibilities. Comprehensive in scope, it covers topics including grief, finances, safety and end-of-life planning. This is a resource book containing many references aimed at helping the reader overcome their challenges, maintain their independence and have happy, fulfilling lives.

Progressive, untreatable nerve and muscle diseases transformed the author's life from having been a college athlete to needing a wheelchair and special equipment for day-to-day activities. While dealing with his own conditions, he was faced with the unique challenge of being the sole caregiver for his wife who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He has written this experience-based book to help people with life-altering medical conditions and those dealing with challenging caregiving responsibilities. Comprehensive in scope, it covers topics including grief, finances, safety and end-of-life planning. This is a resource book containing many references aimed at helping the reader overcome their challenges, maintain their independence and have happy, fulfilling lives.

A riveting and redemptive family memoir, The Four Walls of My Freedom is Donna Thomson’s account of raising a son with cerebral palsy and a passionate appeal to change the way we think about “the good life.” Donna Thomson’s life was forever changed when her son Nicholas was born with cerebral palsy. A former actor, director, and teacher, Donna became his primary caregiver and embarked on a second career as a disability activist, author, and consultant. Thomson vividly describes her experience in treading delicately through daily care, emergencies, and medical bureaucracy as she and her family cope with her son’s condition while maintaining value and dignity (for Nicholas, too). She brilliantly demonstrates the vital contribution that people with disabilities make to our society and addresses the ethics and economics of giving and receiving care. Featuring an introduction by John Ralston Saul, and two new chapters, The Four Walls of My Freedom is a passionate appeal to change to the way we think about the “good life” that will touch anyone caring for the life of another.

This book is about the authors personal experience as a caregiver, how he became one, everything he learned along the way and what a wonderful life two people can have together regardless of the situation. The author wants to share what he learned; information from doctors, insurance companies, the pharmaceutical industry, disability claims and a number of other important issues including positive thinking and a happy life. His real life experiences have been battle tested in the totality of caregiving. The information he shares relates to all caregivers and many situations; from diseases, accidental disability and war wounded veterans. He further describes how one caregiver, over a period of 24 years, was able to maneuver across the battlefield, still survive and not succumb to battle fatigue. Someone elses knowledge about something negative can make things more positive for youand that is an important part of what this book is about. Many books out there are a wonderful collection of data compiled from the internet and government sources and provide answers to many issues. This book covers the must do items which are based on his experiences that can be used as a reference guide and adapted to your individualized situation. Every patient is different and in order to earn the Caregiver of the year award, you must find what works best for them. The most important issue is to realize that a severely disabled person needs to be treated with respect and dignity. Unfortunately, too many handicapped patients are disposed of like a useless piece of furniture or parked out of sight at some poorly run institution. What would you want to happen to you, should you ever be disabled as a result of an accident or disease? REMEMBER it can happen to anyone anytime, including YOU!

"The Caregiver and the Child with Disabilities" is a book that provides a comprehensive overview of caregiving and the profession of a caregiver for children with disabilities. Drawing from ten years of experience in the field, the author shares their knowledge, insights, and lessons learned from this enriching experience. The book begins with a captivating introduction to the author and their journey as a caregiver working with these children. It then lays out the objectives of the book, which aim to raise awareness, inform, and share knowledge about the care and profession of caregiving specifically dedicated to these exceptional children. Each chapter offers an in-depth perspective on a key aspect of caregiving. Different categories of disabilities are presented, including physical, sensory, cognitive, and others. The specific characteristics and needs of each type of disability are explained in detail, enabling readers to better understand the challenges these children face and adapt care accordingly. The book also explores the responsibilities and daily tasks of the caregiver in caring for children, highlighting the importance of empathy, patience, and adapted communication. It underscores the process of assessing the needs of children with disabilities and developing individualized care plans in collaboration with the medical team, therapists, and families. Another essential aspect addressed is interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach to care. The various healthcare professionals and therapists involved in caring for children are introduced, emphasizing their complementary roles and the importance of their collaboration. The book also delves into communication techniques adapted to children with disabilities, such as sign language, pictograms, and assisted communication tools. It emphasizes social inclusion and interaction with peers and the environment, as well as awareness of the emotions and difficulties faced by these exceptional children. Special attention is given to the emotional well-being of the children and approaches to fostering positive relationships with their surroundings. The involvement of families in the care and education of children is presented as essential, with appropriate support to help them cope with challenges and promote their autonomy. The book also highlights recent advancements in the field of caring for children with disabilities while underscoring future challenges and opportunities for improving the profession. The author concludes by calling for better recognition and appreciation of the role of caregivers in this crucial domain. "The Child with Disabilities" is an essential guide for healthcare professionals, students, families, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of caring for children with disabilities. It offers valuable information, practical advice, and inspiring perspectives, inviting readers to embrace diversity and support these exceptional children in their growth and social inclusion.

"Nurses play a vital role in improving the safety and quality of patient car -- not only in the hospital or ambulatory treatment facility, but also of community-based care and the care performed by family members. Nurses need know what proven techniques and interventions they can use to enhance patient outcomes. To address this need, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), with additional funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has prepared this comprehensive, 1,400-page, handbook for nurses on patient safety and quality -- Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. (AHRQ Publication No. 08-0043)." - online AHRQ blurb, http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/nurseshdbk/

Family caregiving affects millions of Americans every day, in all walks of life. At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are caregivers of an older adult with a health or functional limitation. The nation's family caregivers provide the lion's share of long-term care for our older adult population. They are also central to older adults' access to and receipt of health care and community-based social services. Yet the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the least appreciated challenges facing the aging U.S. population. Families Caring for an Aging America examines the prevalence and nature of family caregiving of older adults and the available evidence on the effectiveness of programs, supports, and other interventions designed to support family caregivers. This report also assesses and recommends policies to address the needs of family caregivers and to minimize the barriers that they encounter in trying to meet the needs of older adults.