The Comfort of Home: A Complete
Guide for Caregivers (Comfort of
Home, The) by Paula Derr
Very Useful Book
Burnout — the complete drain of physical, spiritual, and emotional
reserves — occurs when a caregiver slips into exhaustion or depression.
More and more frequently, the responsibility of caring for the chronically ill
child, the disabled spouse, or the aging parent falls on a family member.
From the decision to be a caregiver to dealing with day-to-day activities,
this guide provides help with every aspect of home care. Also included in
this edition are a checklist of tasks, a chapter on self-care and avoiding
caregiver burnout, a glossary, and list of helpful resources.
Personal Review: The Comfort of Home: A Complete Guide for
Caregivers (Comfort of Home, The) by Paula Derr
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (8/07)

I was really impressed with the comprehensive material in this 3rd edition
of "The Comfort of Home." As a Social Worker in a previous life, this
would have been the book that I would have given to individuals who were
considering becoming a primary caregiver. Nothing has been left out in
this very well-written guide that a person needs to consider when
undertaking this process.
"The Comfort of Home" is set up so that it can be read from beginning to
end, or as a reference guide that a person can look up specifics.
Oftentimes, taking on the task of a caregiver seems completely
overwhelming. Meyer helps break the tasks down into manageable steps
that include tips, questions that need to be asked and additional resources
to follow up with. The author begins the book by helping the reader decide
if home care is an option for them to consider. Her approach is honest and
guilt-free for the person making this decision. Following this process, a
person needs to decide what level of care is needed and whether this can
be provided at home. I really thought that the section on paying for care
through Medicare, Medicare part D, Medigap and the many other types of
benefits was easy to follow.
As a proponent of long-term planning, I especially liked the section for
setting up a care plan. Following these suggestions will make it easy to
have someone step in as a temporary caregiver to give the primary
caregiver a break, reporting to medical staff and in helping the caregiver
not to make mistakes. Being a caregiver can be exhausting and keeping
records on the patient, especially with important medication schedules.
There are so many chapters that cover every aspect of a person's life such
as exercise, diet, nutrition, special challenges and daily activities. Each
area is thoughtfully addressed and ends with other available resources in
dealing with that area.
The author does an excellent job throughout "The Comfort of Home" in
reminding the caregiver to take care of themselves. She even includes a
whole section on how to avoid burnout and ends with dealing with funeral
arrangements and the grieving process. I would highly recommend this
guide to anyone who is considering becoming a caregiver.
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