Book Reviews : Florence Safford and George I. Krell (Eds.), Gerontology for Health Professionals : A Practice Guide (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: NASW Press, 1997. $24.95

Abstract

in full chapters, and the choice of topics reflects the editors’ profound understanding of the problems of older Americans and those who serve them. Among the themes are the causes of and approaches to incontinence; the differential diagnosis of dementia, delirium, and depression; and medication of older patients-all presented clearly and concisely and with a minimum of medical jargon. A new chapter on HIV/AIDS and the elderly is particularly compelling in its discussion of the biased treatment of those with the double stigmas of age and HIV Health professionals who limit their understanding to the stereotypical health problems of older people are at risk of neglecting this serious and growing problem. A chapter on working with traditional and nontraditional families is appropriate in addressing eclectic lifestyles of elderly Amencans, but the chapter on diverse cultural groups unfortunately covers only African Americans and Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Mexican Hispanics in America. Within its scope, this chapter does an excellent job of challenging stereotypes, but health practitioners in American cities encounter far greater diversity, and a more