This is, indeed, a guide for caregivers. It is intended for those who do not have medical training, and must care for a loved one, particularly with regard to end-of-life care. The bulk of the material is about physical care, physical problems, and complications and related material, but it does start with a section about the first diagnosis of a terminal illness, and also, later in the book, contains a section about life ending.
The material is practical, and primarily in point form. There is little discussion, and a great many bullet lists of material to be considered. The material is basic, and most advice can be obtained elsewhere, but having it compiled in this single volume can be extremely helpful.
The material is, however, basic, and may seem facile in many areas, for those who have any experience with caring for the sick at any level, quite a part for any who have any level of professional nursing background.
In this regard, there are areas of potential weakness in the material. For example, in the section on pressure sores (decubitus ulcers), there is a simple mention of looking for red spots on the skin. There is no discussion of the fact that these are more likely to appear under areas that make direct contact with the bed or seat, or checking, if areas that have been red, turn white, or start to take on a purplish bruised color, or break down and start losing or leaking fluids. There is no discussion of the progression of pressure sores, and the warning signs as they become more serious. True, in most cases simply checking for red areas, and massaging them until the redness disappears, is acceptable and will result in continued good skin health. But pressure sores are a major problem with the bed bound, and likely a fuller examination or explanation could have been warranted. In addition, sometimes the material is, in fact, incorrect. For example, in the section in regard to the use of oxygen, the statement is made that oxygen fuels fires. Technically, this is incorrect. Fires need heat, fuel, and oxygen. Pure oxygen, in the presence of heat and fuel, will support a much fiercer blaze than normal atmospheric oxygen, which is always available. This may be considered a distinction without a difference, but it may leave the impression that oxygen itself is flammable, which is not correct.
There are various worksheet type resources printed with the book. For example, early in the book there is a page which the caregiver can use to collect and fill out names and contact numbers for doctors, therapists, social workers, and other connections, in addition to family and friends who may be able to care for the loved one, or provide respite. Later in the book, as well as books and other resources, there are worksheets for creating a home medication schedule, symptom assessments, and other helpful materials. In addition, there are there is a section in the end of life, or dying, material, which provides financial, legal checklists, and checklists for offices and agencies to contact following a death. All of this can be very helpful.
Overall, the book is very useful, particularly for those who do not have any experience with any kind of nursing care. In addition, for those who do have experience in nursing, or home care, while the material may seem simplistic at times, the compilation into one volume, and the checklist format, makes it a handy quick reference to ensure that nothing is forgotten in any particular situation. This is definitely a resource that should be made available to anyone who is providing home care for a loved one, particularly in the end stages of life.
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