Some time ago Newtown nurse Ann (Nancy) Rhodes, APRN-BC, saw the need to organize a book that could provide practical tips and tools to solve common medical problems she regularly encountered in the home that could prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and suffering.

Rhodes, a member of the Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State, is a nurse practitioner who has worked in the home care and house calls setting for more than 40 years.

In her self-published book Caregiver Success, available on amazon.com and as a book or an e-book at caregiversuccess.com, Rhodes offers information to empower caregivers and loved ones so they can stay out of the hospital, possibly help to reduce a medical crisis, and have a better quality of life.

Caregiver Success is filled with more than 150 images and stories to show the human side of aging. Some of the many tips include:

*How to use a Hoyer lift

*Preventing skin tears

*How to treat constipation and other medical conditions

*How get organized when Mom moves in

*Finding your purpose when you become older

*Taking care of the caregiver

“This 365-page, large print book is geared for the home health aide, nursing student, you, or your family member who is disabled with multiple medical conditions or is homebound” Rhodes said.

“It covers the human side of aging by allowing the caregiving experience to be more fulfilling for the caregiver and the aging person," she added." It also covers the most common medical problems an older person might experience in their later years.”

When living far away from a loved one, an e-book can be a perfect option to read the information to them electronically. The in-home aide can benefit from using the actual book as a guide.