Aging in Place: Navigating the Maze of Long-Term Care

by Mary Mashburn

Overwhelmed by handling your aging loved one’s affairs? Is your parents’ estate in good order? Do you know what their wishes are and how you can honor them? Are you struggling with where your parent can be best cared for following a hospital stay? Are you feeling guilty or manipulated by your family? Using real life examples, Aging in Place is instrumental in promoting healthy family discourse on these important topics. Mary Mashburn discusses the roadblocks and pitfalls you and your family might encounter, explains many useful planning techniques, and provides information on local and national resources. Whether in the midst of a crisis or just beginning to discuss options with loved ones, you gain valuable insight and information that guides you and your family toward making the best choices that fit your unique situation. Rather than offering a magic wand to make the difficulties of aging disappear, Aging in Place offers useful information to make decisions that provide peace and strength as those who are aging and their loved ones face these challenges together.

Genres: Nonfiction

111 pages, Paperback

Published December 4, 2018

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is rather misleading since the book is about how to get aging relatives into assisted living or a nursing home and qualify for Medicaid so the spouse is not impoverished. That isn't what I think of as aging in place. I was looking for a book about how seniors can safely stay in their own homes rather than sell the house and move into assisted living.

If you need details of all the preparation that is needed such as power of attorney and advanced directives for medical care, then this would be a great resource. I hate to downgrade a book because it wasn't what I expected, but I think the title should have reflected the content.

[Susanna Eun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers clear, practical guidance for those caring for elderly parents as well as for seniors seeking to improve their quality of life. It provides valuable, easy-to-follow instructions on creating safe, comfortable, and hazard-free home environments. The author covers essential topics such as fall prevention, hazard removal, and the installation of security systems—all thoughtfully connected to common health and safety concerns of older adults.
Helpful graphics and detailed checklists at the end of each chapter make implementing these ideas straightforward and stress-free. I highly recommend this book to both seniors and anyone responsible for the care of aging family members.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there is some helpful information here but most of it is filler about the author or some friends she and her husband have helped. The main point is that you should plan early and consult professionals. Don't be afraid of hospice because it's not only for if you're actively dying. Overall, it isn't completely unhelpful but it also isn't super helpful either. Go talk to a lawyer and other professionals to get the help you need.

[Barry Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview.

I was familiar with this subject from my experiences with Mother. I still learned something very important that I did not know. Well worth the afternoon.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A random grab while browsing the library shelves, this thin volume offers some helpful tips, but nothing that blew me away or shifted my thinking considerably.