WHEN YOUR PARENTS GROW OLD

by Jane & Florence B. Shelley Otten ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1976

Because financial, medical, and social help for the aged is uneven, scattered, and often hard to come by, the authors do well to provide a wide range of data on umbrella agencies and specific resources available to serve the needs of the elderly. Covered are the fundamentals of Social Security and Medicaid, and where to look for doctors, nursing, home care, transportation, recreational outlets, etc. But what elevates this above the usual manual of bright ideas is the underlying attitude toward that very tetchy relationship between the middle-aged child and his elderly parent. Be prepared for role reversal, they warn, and the inevitable guilt as you begin to feel responsible for your parents in a new way. Don't stand aloof but don't rush them into dependency, offer respect for their wishes and feelings; ""Children cannot live their parents' lives. They can help them feel better."" There is a sane and careful chapter on nursing homes--despite recent publicity, only 5% of Americans over 65 are in institutions--which points out types of care and what to avoid and look for. Another section deals with the healthy aged and opportunities for further growth in education, volunteer work, or a career. Sound general information plus constructive suggestions for coping with the crossroads decisions that will arise.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1976

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Funk & Wagnalls--dist. by T. Y. Crowell

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1976

Categories: NONFICTION