AIDS Care at Home: A Guide for Caregivers, Loved Ones, and People with AIDS

AIDS has infected more than 700,000 people worldwide. And another 13 million are believed to be infected with the virus. Greif and Golden, both nurse practitioners and HIV/AIDS counselors, have written a clear and concise guide for adults with AIDS and their caregivers. The information given here is as practical as a nurse's starched white uniform. The book opens with a brief overview of the disease, complete with the history of its spread and the ways in which HIV assaults immune systems and societies. Routine lab tests, treatments and alternative therapies are also explained. The body of the work, however, is much more specific, offering pragmatic techniques for living with AIDS day-to-day; protection against opportunistic infections is stressed, and the book is organized around specific subjects (such as dental care and how to change a dressing) and symptoms. ``Mundane'' matters like how to prepare high-calorie foods, do laundry, take care of pets, deal with sexuality and give an injection are just a few of the other topics covered. Each section of the book begins with an account told by a PWA or a caregiver describing his or her experiences. The psychological and social issues of AIDS are also examined. This book is an invaluable tool to anyone undertaking the monumental task of wrestling with the terrible challenges of living with AIDS. (June)