With the stay at home order still in place for the near future in most states, consider reading a new book examining the value of life lived with dementia published on April 14, 2020. An Amazon review states “In an American society where an individual’s “value” is often measured by what they can do or generate, Lynn Casteel Harper offers a counterpoint to what it means to be of “value” in, of, and to the world. Through her personal stories and experiences as well as research and discussion with those who study dementia and its effects, particularly on caregivers, Harper offers readers a lyrical look at a complex disease that is often reduced to stereotypes and treated with pity. She gives a fresh perspective on an element of life that we will all have to reckon with eventually, in some form. This book should be required reading for anyone who works in a nursing home or assisted-living facility, and would be equally valuable for those in the medical or education fields.”
A recent New York Times book review is at the below link.
Dementia Patients Aren’t in Their ‘Perfect Mind.’ Then Again, Who Is?
Jerold E. Rothkoff, a practicing New Jersey and Pennsylvania attorney, is the Principal of the Rothkoff Law Group, an elder care law firm. Jerry dedicates his practice to serving clients in the areas of life care planning, long-term care planning, Medicaid & VA benefits, and advocacy for the elderly and disabled. He is past President of the NJ Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, former chair of the elder law section of the NJ State Bar Association, and past President of the Life Care Planning Law Firm Association. Jerry continues to be an outspoken advocate for the rights of the elderly and disabled. He writes for and gives presentations regularly to attorneys and other professionals about legal issues related to seniors and those with disabilities.
Jerry’s community activities include the Twilight Wish Foundation, the Delaware Valley Stroke Council, the Alzheimer’s Association, as well as numerous other advocacy groups.
When not in the office, Jerry spends time with his wife, Erica, and their five children, eighteen-year old identical twin girls, Liza and Julia, fifteen-year old fraternal twin boys, Evan and Gregory, and six-year old Aitan.
