The Personal Care Attendant Guide
The Art of Finding, Keeping, or Being One
Katie Banister
2007
145 pp Paperback
ISBN 193260328X / 9781932603286
Price: $16.95
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Description
"People with disabilities are one of the largest groups in the United States - about 58 million Americans are members of this community. To live independently, many people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities hire a personal attendant to assist with day-to-day tasks. Finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging, but not impossible. Written by an inspiring speaker, writer and advocate who is herself disabled, The Personal Care Attendant Guide teaches readers how to find a competent caregiver. It also gives current and prospective attendants vital information and real-life examples to help them succeed in this demanding work environment. Special features include: Easy-to-use forms and worksheets to make search easier and more organizedPersonal stories from people with disabilities who use attendants to maintain their independenceAnecdotes from experienced caregiversResources listed alphabetically by disabilityThe relationship between those who need help and those who provide it can be difficult to balance, but it can be maintained and even fun at times. This unique book will equip people with disabilities, as well as those managing caregivers for family members, with the skills to successfully find, interview, hire, train, and supervise their personal attendants." - return to top -
Reviews "[The Personal Care Attendant Guide] is the perfect, unique choice for any who would understand the special needs and challenges involved in working with a personal attendant.--The Midwest Book Review""A frank discussion of the many challenges and rewards that come with the patient/aide relationship. It offers stories from patients and attendants, and good advice. The author has learned that the right attendant is hard to find, and offers guidance to the potential employer on preparing to take on an aide, how to go about finding, hiring and training an attendant, and back-up plans.""-- Family Caregiver Alliance" - return to top -
Contents Introduction; Preparation: Are You Ready to Hire a Personal Care Attendant?; Finding a Good Personal Care Attendant; A Good Back-Up Plan; Being a Good Personal Care Attendant; When a Caregiver Is a Spouse or a Significant Other; Caring for Children with Disabilities; Caring for the Elderly and the Aging Process; Attendant Care: What a Scare; This Wasn't What I Expected; Final Thoughts; Appendix A: The Duty Spreadsheet; Appendix B: The Telephone Interview Sheet; Appendix C: The Application Form; Appendix D: Reference Form; Appendix E: Police Background Check Authorization Form; Appendix F: Disability-Related Resources.- return to top -
About the Author
Katie BanisterKatie Rodriguez Banister survived an auto accident in 1990 that left her a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down. After six months of rehabilitation and fifteen months with her parents, she returned to living independently in 1992. Katie and her husband Steve co-founded Access-4-All, Inc., with a mission to educate and empower others through motivational speaking and disability education. Katie has authored Aunt KatieÇ Visit, an educational book for children, which has been enjoyed equally by parents, teachers, and librarians.
As a person who gives back to her community, Katie has been a member of the Recreation Council of the Greater St. Louis Board of Directors since 1992, where she has served two terms as president. She is a board member and president of the Delta Center for Independent Living, and a board member of the VSA Arts of Missouri. She was also a performer and founding member of St. Louis Ability ProjectÇ and co-produced her own motivational video ""Change Takes Time.""
She has co-hosted the public access cable show ÇƑÝBeyond BarriersÇ and was on a 2003 commercial for the St. Louis Community College that is still being used. Katie has been featured in local newspapers numerous times for her dedication to educating her community.
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