Care of the Ancient Ones: Gentle Eldercare in the Rough-and-Tumble World of Modern Medicine

The Ancient Ones—the oldest of the old—are the fastest-growing segment of our society. The vast majority of them have some sort of physical disability and/or memory impairment. They need help. Consider these facts: · 6.5 million people are over age 85. · 20–50 million people serve as untrained or unpaid family caregivers. · Up to 40 percent of hospitalized elderly suffer an adverse effect from treatment. · $200- $300 billion are spent annually on this care. . This book discusses goals, approaches, and issues and will help you · Develop individualized health goals and a realistic approach for the remainder of life. · Focus on issues that promote comfort, safety, and independence with practical measures. · Assess important changes in the status of an elder and enhance communication between patient advocates and healthcare providers. · Protect elders from unwanted or futile medical care. Since 1987, Judith Millar has been caring for elderly patients on Cape Ann, Massachusetts. A Nurse Practitioner with experience, compassion, and common sense, she helps Ancient Ones and their families at the crossroad of health, illness, independence, frailty, and end of life, guiding them through the last leg of a very long journey.