When Living Alone Means Living at Risk: A Guide for Caregivers and Families »

In caring for America's aging population, emphasis is frequently given to maintaining elders in the community, preferably in their own homes, with appropriate supportive services. But what of those older persons who are at home and without a network of relatives or friends who are aware of the often life-threatening problems they face every day? What of elders who are undernourished, under- or over-medicated, visually handicapped, hard of hearing, or otherwise disabled? Many of these older people may be unaware of their need for help, or are well aware of their specific circumstances but deliberately hide their needs from others for fear of being "a burden" or of losing their freedom. This important new book brings together a variety of authors who seek to assist family and friends in recognizing the danger signs that surround an at-risk elder, while making vital distinctions between those types of behavior that give cause for worry and those that can best be described as idiosyncratic. The essays offer thoughtful suggestions for appropriate assistance by caregivers and interested parties while at the same time respecting the autonomy and independence of the elderly.

Library Journal

One-third of American elders live alone, some without solid support networks of relatives and friends and often facing daily medical, social, and psychological obstacles. This book's goal is to help families, caregivers, friends, and neighbors recognize some of the issues that put elders at risk and provide suggestions for appropriate assistance. Topics include the uncooperative elder, drug misuse, financial concerns, nutrition, and the physical challenges of vision loss, hearing loss, and reduced mobility. There also are chapters on the importance of exercise, the dangers of quackery, and the needs of caregivers. A real hodgepodge! Since this publication attempts to address so many kinds of issues and audiences, its function and usefulness is not always clear. In addition, some chapters, such as the one on the ``uncooperative elder,'' are confusing, negative, and filled with dated information and examples. The chapter citations consist of too many popular magazine articles and obsolete research studies. Lacking authoritativeness, cohesiveness, and currency, this book is not recommended.-- Vicki Bloom, Benjamin B. Green-Field National Alzheimer's Lib. & Resource Ctr., Chicago