this is the second time i've ever given a book less than 4 stars. i was quite disappointed. the content, i expected, might help family members in coping with a new diagnosis by a loved one (as the cover seemed to claim). with content taken from other books in the series, it almost seems to make ms sound like a disease which absolutely results in severe physical and cognitive degeneration. it provides lists, lists of everything, sometimes listing resources that might be of more help to caregivers of persons with other disorders. other times, the lists seemed to include almost random content. counseling included three paragraphs five sentences without suggesting resources or support groups for caregivers. probably the most helpful section of the book was on physical modifications to the home, mobility devices, etc. even it, however, was unfortunately incomplete. the list of mobility devices included scooters, wheelchairs, and pictures of many canes but none of canadian crutches, which seem to help many folks with m.s. in maintaining stability. the book was not written in an easy to read format, list after list provided few transitions, content seemed mis-leading, ill-informed, and incomplete. the physical modification section was good and i thought about 2 stars, but, based on the generally poor content throughout the rest of the book, i'm giving it a one star. i hope that i'm not being too critical and that others will share about their experience of this book. obviously, i would not recommend this book at the retail or current discounted price. if you have an opportunity to get it at a library used book sale for under $1, you might consider it.
The collaboration between Maria Meyer and Paula Derr with Kimberly Koch and Diane Afes from the National MS Society in presenting "The Comfort of Home Multiple Sclerosis Edition" is a huge success. The information in this book is presented in a clear, precise manner that is easy to follow. I realize the book is geared towards multiple sclerosis caregivers but it has so much information that is useable for me, a person living with MS, that it will find a valued spot in my library of books on multiple sclerosis. The tips, notes, checklists, resource information, and the publication guides are all great tools. Anyone living with MS, whether patient, family member or caregiver, will find information that they can immediately use in this edition.
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Review by MS World (May 2007): This really is a must-read for anyone who cares for someone with MS. People with MS who are currently care-free(or care-less) would do well to read it also. Mindfully illustrated, well organized, and exhaustive in its breadth of information, the book addresses the important issues facing those who are trying to retain quality of life at home while coping with worsening MS....details could be chilling for one who has MS and may be daunting for a caregiver, but the writing is calm and supportive. One feels encouraged to explore options rather than run from unpleasant realities....thankfully, there are suggestions for caregiver relief and extensive resources for outside aid involving respite care and vacation/travel arrangements....writing as a reviewer who has worsening MS...I would refer to this book without hesitation should I need the knowledge it contains. [Reviewed May 2007 by Dean Kramer, Essayists, Author of Life on Cripple Creek; Essays on Living with Multiple Sclerosis, Management Team MSWorld, Inc.]
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The Comfort Of Home: An Illustrated Step-By-Step Guide For Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers by co-authors Maria M. Meyer and Paula Derr RN (co-owner of InforMed) is a comprehensive and practical guide written for anyone, especially family members, responsible for the care of someone with MS. No experience or knowledge is presumed of the reader; chapters walk one through everything from basic advice for making one's home safe and comfortable to ensuring a balanced diet and sufficient exercise to avoiding caregiver burnout and much more. Simple black-and-white drawings illustrate key points where a visual aid is valuable in this practical book, which covers matters such as saving money and applying health care effectively as surely as the more labor-intensive aspects of caregiving. Highly recommended.
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As a carepartner and volunteer for the NMSS this book will always be within reach. This book is not only a great resource for our daily living but also a great reference source for all of the people I visit with. Maybe today I don't need some of the tips offered but who knows what tomorrow will bring. Being able to share what I have learned from this source with other carepartners and their loved ones is important. Living with MS can be a constant challenge and demanding for those around the condition but having a good reference book near by I know that our lives will be simplier since I have a good source of both information and other resources where we can find help. Can never have too much help in making life easier for all of us!
"The Functional Approach to Hypothyroidism" by Kenneth Blanchard, M.D. is a simple, easy to use guide that a typical patient can share with their practitioner to work toward wellness. It's clear that Dr. Blanchard puts the quality of his patients' lives at the forefront of his decisions.
