While life in a nursing home is rarely considered a first choice, at times it's the best choice. Still, the decision to put a loved one in a home is incredibly difficult. This book concentrates on the positive aspects of nursing homes and offers strategies for identifying the best facilities. Among the topics covered are how to recognize signs that a family member needs extra support, determining whether in-home care is a viable option, the different types of long-term care, working and communicating with the staff and preparing for the end of life. The book includes exercises for working through emotional reactions to the nursing home decision and how to maintain and improve family relationships in these circumstances. Uplifting stories of people and staff in nursing homes illustrate the concepts in the book, which is clearly written and filled with practical and positive advice.

“If you struggle to simplify your life and wish you could savor the here and now, this book is a must-read.” —Crystal Paine, founder of MoneySavingMom.com and New York Times–bestselling author Have you ever felt that your life—and budget—is spiraling out of control? Do you sometimes wish you could pull yourself together but wonder exactly how to manage all the scattered pieces of a chaotic life? Is it possible to find balance? In a word, yes. Ruth Soukup knows firsthand how stressful an unorganized life and budget can be. Through personal stories, biblical truth, and practical action plans, she will inspire you to make real and lasting changes to your personal goals, home, and finances. With honesty and the wisdom of someone who has been there, Ruth will help you: Discover your “sweet spot” —that place where your talents and abilities intersect. Take back your time and schedule by making simple shifts in your daily habits. Reduce stress in your home and family by clearing out the clutter. Stop busting your budget and learn to cut your grocery bill in half. This book provides real and practical solutions from someone who has been there. Ruth doesn’t just offer advice, she walks it with you, and shares with brutal honesty her own mistakes, failures, and shortcomings. It is encouraging, motivating, and life-changing. “An inspiring book full of step-by-step instructions and spiritual wisdom. I love how Ruth is transparent about her mistakes as she leads us to reevaluate our priorities. This book is a great biblical guide to living well and finding joy!” —Courtney Joseph, founder of Women Living Well Ministries

In the United States, chronic diseases currently account for 70 percent of all deaths, and close to 48 million Americans report a disability related to a chronic condition. Today, about one in four Americans have multiple diseases and the prevalence and burden of chronic disease in the elderly and racial/ethnic minorities are notably disproportionate. Chronic disease has now emerged as a major public health problem and it threatens not only population health, but our social and economic welfare. Living Well with Chronic Disease identifies the population-based public health actions that can help reduce disability and improve functioning and quality of life among individuals who are at risk of developing a chronic disease and those with one or more diseases. The book recommends that all major federally funded programmatic and research initiatives in health include an evaluation on health-related quality of life and functional status. Also, the book recommends increasing support for implementation research on how to disseminate effective longterm lifestyle interventions in community-based settings that improve living well with chronic disease. Living Well with Chronic Disease uses three frameworks and considers diseases such as heart disease and stroke, diabetes, depression, and respiratory problems. The book's recommendations will inform policy makers concerned with health reform in public- and private-sectors and also managers of communitybased and public-health intervention programs, private and public research funders, and patients living with one or more chronic conditions.

Previously published as part of THE ALZHEIMER'S ACTION PLAN. What would you do if your mother was having memory problems? Five million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, with a new diagnosis being made every seventy-two seconds, with millions more at risk. Although experts agree that early diagnosis and treatment are essential, families don't know where to turn for authoritative, state-of-the-art advice and answers to all of their questions. Now, combining the insights of a world-class physician and an award-winning social worker, Living Well After an Alzheimer's Diagnosis tells you the truth about Alzheimer's treatment, living well with early-stage Alzheimer's, finding peace of mind during the middle years, and answers the 40 most common questions. Clear, compassionate, and empowering, Living Well After an Alzheimer's Diagnosis is a must-read.

Music is an essential tool in dementia care. This accessible guide embraces ways in which music can enhance the daily lives of those with dementia. It draws on the expertise of practitioners regularly working in dementia settings, as well as incorporating research on people with dementia, to help anyone, whether or not they have any musical skills or experience, to successfully use music in dementia care. Guiding the reader through accessible activities with singing, percussion, sounding bowls and other musical tools, the book shows how music may can be used from the early to late stages of dementia. This creative outlet can extend to inspire dance, movement, poetry and imagery. The chapters include creative uses of technology, such as tablets and personal playlists. The book also covers general considerations for using music with people living with dementia in institutional settings, including evaluating and recording outcomes. Living Well with Dementia through Music is the perfect go-to guide for music-based activities with people living with dementia.

This unique guide provides a much needed overview of dementia care. With a strong focus on the importance of patients and families, it explores the multifaceted meaning behind patient wellbeing and its vital significance in the context of national policy.Adopting a positive, evidence-based approach, the book dispels the bleak outlook on dementia ma

This indispensable reference manual gives you, your family and friends the information you really need to know about managing your renal condition; covering every aspect of living with kidney disease - from diagnosis, drugs and treatment, to diet, relationships and sex.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a major complaint among many patients suffering from neurological diseases as well as in the elderly. Its severity ranges from moderate difficulty to complete inability to swallow, and it may give rise to clinically relevant complications such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition and/or dehydration, impaired quality of life, and death. However, despite its high prevalence and even though it would be very cost-effective to avoid complications by adequate treatment, dysphagia is still severely underdiagnosed. The contributions in this book present and discuss state-of-the-art diagnostic methods, treatment, and care of dysphagia patients, putting special emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach. A variety of clinical specialists will find this publication a most valuable addition to their library, including nurses, speech-language pathologists, dieticians, nutritionists, gastroenterologists and related specialties.

Many middle-aged and elderly people find that their quality of life goes down as they get older. But it doesnt have to be that way. One is never too old to boost wellness, build relationships with others, and hone personal faithno matter what the circumstances, according to authors Junietta Baker McCall, D. Min. and Clifford R. Dempster, Ph.D. In this guidebook to making the most out of later years, they go beyond sharing word-of-mouth wisdom and reveal research that will help you cultivate essential skills so you can manage the changes that come with preparing for retirement and growing older. The interactive journey they lead you on focuses on mind, body, and spirit. Throughout it, youll participate in numerous exercises and hear suggestions that have helped people over the age of fifty-five enjoy a higher quality of life. McCall and Dempster, both with many years of experience in health care, draw on their personal experiences in making the transition to retirement to show how to confront its challenges and capitalize on its opportunities. With a little determination and the knowledge in this book, youll enjoy Living Well as You Age.

Using the voices of ordinary people, clinical ethicist and nurse Dianne Godkin explores the end-of-life issues and emotions that arise when an individual sets out to prepare an advance directive (living will). Conversations with study participants, and the composite character of Alice, are forthright, practical, and uplifting. Written for individuals and their families who are thinking about creating an advance directive, and for healthcare providers who interact with these individuals, this book provides readers with a deeper understanding of the experience of preparing for the end of life.