Posted by Gary Ilminen, RN (209.83.13.47) on March 16, 2001 at 07:35:17:
Are you a nursing home resident, a resident's family member, guardian or decision- maker, an advocate, legislator, ombudsman, CNA, RN, LPN or other nursing home staff member, student or other individual who has read and used the book, Consumer Guide to Long-term Care? If so, I'd like to hear from you.
I am the book's author an I'm in the process of writing the second edition of Consumer Guide to Long-term Care and I need your help. I would like to hear your true stories about how the book has helped you. For example, did the information in Chapter 20, "Powerful Stuff" help you discover a facility was using psychoactive drugs inappropriately or unnecessarily? Did Chapter 4 "Alzheimer's Disease" help you find out that your loved one actually had an infection that caused sudden behavior changes, that went away with proper treatment--not Alzheimer's disease as you feared? Did Chapter 2 "Paying for Care" help you get a handle on what the differences are between Medicare and Medicaid and help you understand who pays for what? Did Chapter 12 "Nurse Aide Training" help you understand the vital role of the nursing assistants, the skills they possess and the demands placed on them as caregivers? Did Chapter 22 "Freedom From Abuse, Neglect and Fear" help you understand and deal with these very difficult quality of care issues? Did Chapter 21 "Don't Tie Me Down!" help you advocate for the safe reduction or elimination of the use of physical restraints? Did the appendices in the back of the book help you find the assistance you needed in your state?
I'd like to hear your story about any instance where the book helped you become informed, empowered and effective in improving quality of care for nursing home residents, helped you understand the regulations governing nursing homes or helped you plan for future long-term care needs more effectively. Please indicate whether you give your permission to quote your story and use your name and general location (city, state) in any promotional materials the publisher may wish to produce or even on the book's jacket.
I'm also interested in knowing what information you needed but couldn't find in the book that you feel should be added to the second edition. I'm interested in your ideas about how to improve the book. I truly appreciate any help you can give.
Gary R. Ilminen, RN
1380 Lincoln Ave., Apt. 2
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
e-mail: [email protected]