New publications

Gronwall, D et al : Head injury - the facts
OUP, 1998 ISBN 0 19 262713 9 Price £9.99

This book is intended for relatives rather than the person with a head injury. It is written in clear language explaining first of all what happens in a head injury. Later chapters deal with rehabilitation, possible return to work, and long-term adjustment. Case histories are used to illustrate different stages of progress. I would recommend the book to relatives, perhaps when the patient with head injury is ready for rehabilitation.

Spencer-Cingoz, Julia : Caring for someone at a distance Age Concern (England), 1998
ISBN 0 86242 228 0 Price £6.99

Age Concern have published several books on the theme of caring. Caring for someone at a distance offers guidance on the decisions to be made, and helps the reader to identify the needs and priorities that need to be addressed. Much practical advice is offered interspersed with quotes from carers. This book would be useful before a crisis occurs, enabling a prospective carer to make contingency plans.

Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS)

Coping with dementia - a handbook for carers 1988 ISBN 1 873452 81 0

Understanding dementia - a guide for young carers 1996 ISBN 1 873452 86 1

Facing dementia - useful information for people with dementia 1995 ISBN 1 873452 72 1

Keeping safe - a guide to safety when someone with dementia lives alone 1994 No ISBN

The guides listed above give much practical advice for carers. I would recommend them to professionals involved with carers and to carers themselves. They will do much to lessen the sense of isolation felt by many carers by addressing problems which they may feel are unique to his or her situation.

Christine Craig
Community Librarian
Western General Hospital, Edinburgh