Review by Choice Review
The third edition of this encyclopedia provides 273 comprehensive, yet succinct, entries on a variety of topics related to elder care. The topics span both geriatrics and social gerontology and include information summarized from quality evidence. Most entries are one to two pages long and on fairly specific topics. Other entries are longer, cover broader topics, and may include many subsections. Medical topics are as broad as "Dizziness" and as specific as "Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment." Social topics also range widely, e.g., from "Spirituality" to "Leisure Programs." In addition, many entries focus on caregivers or caregiver programs such as "Meals on Wheels" or "Nutritionists." One of the highlights of the book is the extensive list of references and web resources at the end of each entry. In entries discussing diagnostic tools, recommendations, or clinical features, some tables are provided. Contributors represent a wide variety of practitioners and educators and are usually noted at the end of each entry. When no author credit is given, "editorial staff" is listed (and can be assumed to be the four main editors of the book). Though the third edition is slightly shorter than the second (2008), the preface explains that the editors revised and combined some entries to reduce redundancy. The book is organized alphabetically and includes an index covering many subheadings and subtopics. In addition, many of the entries include see also references that help readers easily navigate the book. Entries are written at an undergraduate level and would be useful for practitioners, students, and caregivers. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers. C. A. Tomlinson Towson University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
