Library

Popular Resources
Below are some helpful resources recommended by ACR. Some are available for loan from ACR; others may be available online or through your library. Please contact us for more information.

Alone in a Crowd?
Published by: The Advocates for Care Reform

This book examines loneliness or "social isolation" in residential care. Drawing on the insights and experiences of residents in care, family members, care facility staff, management and volunteers, the book offers practical suggestions about how to effectively help isolated seniors. Available for loan from the ACR Library, or for purchase from ACR.

Nursing Homes – The Family's Journey
Author: Peter S. Silin

This book is a great resource for all who have friends, neighbours or relatives who are aging. The practical information is interspersed with stories of real people and real situations – many of which will seem very familiar. In addition, there is good information on the reality of life in residential care, from choosing a facility and ‘settling in’, to addressing concerns and dealing with ‘end of life’. The author is a geriatric social worker and lives in Vancouver. Available for loan from the ACR Library.

What Dying People Want to Know – Practical Wisdom for the End of Life
Author: David Kuhl, MD

A wonderful life-affirming exploration of the emotional needs and physical concerns of dying people, written by an internationally renowned Canadian palliative care physician. To quote one reviewer: “This book has relevance for us all.” Available for loan from the ACR Library.

Working with the Frail Elderly: Beyond the Physical Disability
Author: Len Fabio

Taking Care of Aging Family Members
Author: Wendy Lustbader www.lustbader.com

Counting on Kindness
Author: Wendy Lustbader www.lustbader.com

The Merck Manual of Health and Aging:
The comprehensive guide to the changes and challenges of aging – for older adults and those who care for and about them
Editor-in-Chief: Mark H. Beers, MD www.merckbooks.com/mmha/

A Loving Voice: A caregiver’s book of read-aloud stories for the elderly
Editors: Carolyn Banks and Janis Rizzo www.charlespresspub.com/lovingvoice.htm

Changing Places: A journey with my parents into their old age
Author: Judy Kramer

Seniors in Canada 2003: Interim Report Card
Published by: National Advisory Council on Aging, 2003

Making the Right Move: Housing Options for Seniors
Author: Gillian Eases Telford

Provides a good overview of housing options with a comprehensive section on residential care. Good information on choosing a care facility, including several questionnaires on the different aspects of care and amenities available at facilities. Also includes a questionnaire and charts on care ratios (rated on a scale of 1 to 5) for different levels of care, types of staff (professional and non-professional), and shifts. (The source of the care ratio information that is deemed ‘best’ is not clear). Reviewing the questionnaires would be helpful for families looking for a care facility and for the management of a care facility in seeing how their facility rates against the criteria.

At the very least the information is comprehensive and valuable for identifying the broad issues of care and caring for discussion. The specific information on accessing care and definitions of levels of care may not be current – please consult with your local health care authority.

Prevention of the Abuse of Seniors: Canadian Training Guides
Training Guides published by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Caring for People with Huntington's Disease
Provides information on specific care issues related to Huntington’s disease and includes links to other information sources. From the Department of Neurology, Kansas University Medical Centre.


Parenting Up – A Series about Aging Parents and their Children
A CBC Radio series about dementia, accessible through audio files on the CBC website.


Dementia: Managing Difficult Behaviour
From the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care (30min video)

This video helps caregivers understand and manage difficult behaviours resulting from dementia. The role of the caregiver to ensure better care is emphasized. Available for loan from the ACR Library.


Institutional Abuse: Everyone’s Responsibility
From the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care (16min video)

This video (with facilitator’s guide) identifies abusive behaviours in an institutional setting and promotes ways to handle situations effectively. The video is suited for those working or volunteering in residential care. Available for loan from the ACR Library.


Eating Assistance: Encouraging Participation
From the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care (18min video)

The video and training manual increase the caregiver’s understanding and skills in helping those who need assistance with eating. Effective techniques are demonstrated including positioning, set-up, verbal and physical prompts, dealing with client distractibility and spoon-feeding techniques. Available for loan from the ACR Library.

Family Caregiver Forum, May 15, 2004
Presenter: Wendy Lustbader www.lustbader.com (2hr19min video)

Wonderful keynote address by Wendy Lustbader, a Geriatric Social Worker from Seattle who gives an amusing and thought-provoking presentation on the practical realities of home or residential caregiving.
The Forum was sponsored by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, the Caregivers Association of BC and supported by the Vancouver Foundation. Available for loan from the ACR Library.


A Prescription for Caregivers – Take Care of Yourself
Presenter: Wendy Lustbader www.lustbader.comr (60min video)

Suitable for family members and professionals. Wendy is addressing a group of caregivers, exploring the dilemmas of giving and receiving care. Laughter and tears accompany the stories Wendy tells, and the audience responds with many insightful remarks. This video is a useful tool for stimulating discussion.


Kind Hands – Assisting Vulnerable Adults
Presenter: Wendy Lustbader www.lustbader.com (60 min video)

In this video Wendy is speaking to a group of health aides and CNAs who work in nursing homes. Part I covers the vulnerabilities which people tend to feel when they become dependent, and Part II covers the ways in which helpers may occasionally take advantage of those vulnerabilities. The aim is to prevent abuse and promote kindness.


Commitment to Care – A Plan for Long-Term Care in Ontario Spring 2004
Prepared by: Monique Smith, Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ontario

The Executive Summary and the full report are available online.