Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: something unexpected. First things first -- Adapting to new roles. Your parent and you ; Caring for the caregiver ; The inner circle -- The golden years. A healthier body ; A happier soul -- Life at home. Tips for daily living ; Getting help ; Paid help at home -- The halls of medicine. Rx for the elderly ; The body imperfect: part I ; The body imperfect: part II ; Matters of the mind ; In the hospital -- Handling the paperwork. Paying the way ; Avoiding fraud ; Paying for health care ; Legal issues -- Home away from home. Moving out, moving in ; An array of housing options ; A good nursing home ; Making the move work -- When they forget. The aging brain ; Living with dementia ; Managing day to day -- The last good-bye. Nearing the end ; The aftermath ; Good grief -- A final note. You're next -- Resources. Useful organizations ; Caregiver's organizer.

How to Care for Aging Parents is an authoritative, clear, and comforting source of advice and support for the ever-growing number of Americans--now 42 million--who care for an elderly parent, relative, or friend. And now, in its third edition, it is completely overhauled and updated, chapter-by-chapter and page-by-page, with the most recent medical findings and recommendations. It includes a whole new chapter on fraud; details on the latest "aging in place" technologies; more helpful online resources; and everything you need to know about current laws and regulations. Also new are fill-in worksheets for gathering specifics on medications; caregivers' names, schedules, and contact info; doctors' phone numbers and addresses; and other essential information in one handy place at the back of the book. From having that first difficult conversation to arranging a funeral and dealing with grief--and all of the other important issues in between--How to Care for Aging Parents is the essential guide.