This award-winning book guides families and professionals who are making decisions for those with varying degrees of mental capacity. (New 2nd edition includes 40 bonus pages from The Caregiver's Path Workbook.) Viki adaptable system for making choices comes as much from her heart as from her extensive experience as a bioethicist. KindEthics.com
About the book:
You know how difficult--even heartbreaking--it can be to make decisions for someone with dementia, stroke, Parkinson's, developmental disability, mental illness, or other brain injury. Feeling confident that you've made the right decision would be a welcome relief from the worry and guilt you may be feeling.
The Caregiver's Path is an invaluable resource for caregivers struggling to make the right decisions, whether it's taking away the car keys, moving to a long-term care facility or making the difficult medical and end-of-life choices.
Readers will learn the framework and tools to create a good, ethical decision. These tools will help give voice to those who can't speak for themselves. The book provides specific strategies and questions to use along the decision making pathway. Respect and compassion are the core values of this decision making process.
This is not a one-size-fits-all solution but can be adapted depending on the individual's level of incapacity and the situation. Throughout the book are personal and real-life stories to help illustrate these tools. At the end of the book, Viki gives expanded end-of-life guidance for making the most difficult decisions.
Recommended by:
Booklist
Journal of Hospital Librarianship.
Journal of Gerontological Social Work
Alzheimer's Association
NAMI Advocate - National Alliance on Mental Illness
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center
Muscular Dystrophy Association
McKnight's Long Term Care News
Dementia Australia
Well Spouse Association
Pain Management Nursing Journal
Journal of the Catholic Health Association of the United States
Employee Assistance Report
Southern California Physician Magazine