When Living Alone Means Living at Risk

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In caring for America's aging population, emphasis is frequently given to maintaining elders in the community, preferably in their own homes, with appropriate supportive services. But what of those older persons who are at home and without a network of relatives or friends who are aware of the often life-threatening problems they face every day? What of elders who are undernourished, under- or over-medicated, visually handicapped, hard of hearing, or otherwise disabled? Many of these older people may be unaware of their need for help, or are well aware of their specific circumstances but deliberately hide their needs from others for fear of being "a burden" or of losing their freedom. This important new book brings together a variety of authors who seek to assist family and friends in recognizing the danger signs that surround an at-risk elder, while making vital distinctions between those types of behavior that give cause for worry and those that can best be described as idiosyncratic. The essays offer thoughtful suggestions for appropriate assistance by caregivers and interested parties while at the same time respecting the autonomy and independence of the elderly.