Download top 10 Self Help Books in Geriatric Psychiatry

TOP 10 SELF-HELP BOOKS IN GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
Karen Reimers, MD
Mayo Clinic Health System
Eau Claire, WI
ABSTRACT
Introduction : Patient and
caregiver education is
fundamental to optimal care in
Geriatric Psychiatry. Extensive
education ideally occurs in the
office setting during the
clinical encounter. However,
clinicians generally have
limited time available for
patient and caregiver
education.
Methods: Self-help books
such as the seminal title "The
36 Hour Day" can bridge the
knowledge gap for patients
and their families. Informal lists
of recommended self-help
books have been compiled for
general adult psychiatry, but
most do not specifically
address Geriatric Psychiatry.
Results: Here, 10 self-help
books that Geriatric
Psychiatrists may wish to
recommend in their clinical
practice are briefly reviewed.
Conclusions: This poster will
familiarize clinicians with
important self-help literature in
the area of Geriatric
Psychiatry.
CONTACT
Karen Reimers, MD
Mayo Clinic Health System
Eau Claire, WI
[email protected]
INTRODUCTION
Patient and caregiver education is fundamental
to optimal care in Geriatric Psychiatry. Extensive
education ideally occurs in the office setting
during the clinical encounter. However, clinicians
generally have limited time available for patient
and caregiver education.
METHODS
Self-help books such as the seminal title "The 36
Hour Day" can bridge the knowledge gap for
patients and their families. Informal lists of
recommended self-help books have been
compiled for general adult psychiatry, but most
do not specifically address Geriatric Psychiatry.
Below is a personal list based on my own review.
TOP 10 SELF HELP BOOKS
IN GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide
to Caring for People Who Have
Alzheimer Disease, Related
Dementias, and Memory Loss, by
Peter Rabins (Johns Hopkins
University Press, 5th edition 2011)
Since the 1980s, this has been and
remains the essential guide for
dementia caregivers.
2. Depression and Anxiety in Later
Life: What Everyone Needs to Know,
by Mark D. Miller (Johns Hopkins
Press, 2012)
Differentiates normal aging versus
depressive and anxiety disorders. Also
discusses prevention and treatment.
3. The Complete Eldercare Planner,
Revised and Updated Edition: Where to
Start, Which Questions to Ask, and How
to Find Help, by Joy Loverde (Harmony,
Random House 2009)
Comprehensive volume covering long term
care planning, financial questions,
medications, emotional issues and more.
8. Learning to Speak Alzheimer's: A
Groundbreaking Approach for
Everyone Dealing with the Disease.
By Joanne Koenig Coste (Houghton
Mifflin Harcourt, 2004)
A humanistic approach to caregiving.
Offers practical tips on how to manage
daily routines.
4. Getting Old without Getting Anxious,
by Peter Rabins (Penguin, 2006)
From the author of The 36 Hour Day, a
book on aging and late life anxiety.
Addresses contextual and situational
factors. Has recommendations for children
of anxious elders. Also covers diagnosis
and treatment.
9. The Brain Training Revolution: A
Proven Workout for Healthy Brain
Aging, by Paul Bendheim
(Sourcebooks, 2009)
For those hoping to prevent future
memory loss, this book outlines a
practical program to promote brain
health.
5. Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s
Disease, Ronald C. Petersen, Editor.
(Mayo Clinic, 2009)
Valuable resource from both patient and
caregiver perspectives. Illustrated,
discusses technical information in lay
terms. Printed in larger type for ease of
reading.
10. Jane Brody's Guide to the Great
Beyond: A Practical Primer to Help
You and Your Loved Ones Prepare
Medically, Legally, and Emotionally
for the End of Life, by Jane Brody
(Random House, 2009)
Comprehensive road map to putting
one’s affairs in order. Instructive and
reassuring.
6. Creating Moments of Joy for the
Person with Alzheimer's or Dementia: A
Journal for Caregivers, by Jolene
Brackey (Purdue University Press, 4th
edition 2011)
Filled with personal anecdotes and gentle
humor. A book of hope and
encouragement for caregivers.
7. Eldercare For Dummies by Rachelle
Zukerman (For Dummies, 2011)
Excellent guide for caregivers and families
to navigate medical, legal and financial
issues. Clear and authoritative.
CONCLUSIONS
This poster lists self-help literature currently
available in the area of Geriatric Psychiatry.
Books and bibliotherapy can help patients and
caregivers cope with issues they are facing.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Thanks to Mayo Clinic Health System librarian
Matthew B. Hoy for his assistance with this
poster.