Caring for a loved one with a disability like dementia can feel overwhelming, especially during weekends when professional help isn’t available. Emergencies can arise at any time, and the uncertainty of what to do in the moment adds stress to an already difficult situation. The Caregiver Operating Handbook (COH) is designed to help you manage these moments with confidence.

This handbook provides clear, easy-to-follow checklists and step-by-step procedures for both everyday care and medical emergencies. Modeled after a Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), the COH equips you to recognize symptoms, take immediate action, and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals—all while addressing the specific challenges dementia brings to caregiving.

By using the COH, you avoid the stress and confusion of trying to manage crises without guidance. Instead, you’ll be prepared, calm, and ready to handle any situation, knowing exactly what steps to take. This handbook empowers you to protect your loved one’s health and safety, offering you peace of mind during even the most challenging moments.

Order the Caregiver Operating Handbook today and take control of your caregiving journey. With this essential tool, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way, especially on those weekends when help seems far away. Be prepared. Be confident. Order now.

1. The COH is modeled after aviation handbooks, offering the same structured approach pilots use to manage emergencies, now applied to caregiving.

2. Created out of my experience as a caregiver, it reflects over a decade of hands-on care for a spouse with dementia and Parkinson’s.

3. Weighing 17 oz, and Spiral-bound 7 x 6 x 1 1/4 in. for convenience, the COH opens and lies flat for easy reference, whether during routine caregiving tasks or emergencies.

4. It includes 79 normal procedures for managing everyday caregiving challenges like incontinence, falls, nutrition, and mobility.

5. The COH contains 11 emergency procedures, offering guidance for critical situations such as choking, heart attacks, and uncontrolled bleeding.

6. Includes a full page, front cover vinyl insert for medications list, and a rear cover vinyl business card holder.

7. Tailored for mental disabilities, it addresses the unique needs of individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive impairments.

8. Inspired by real-life caregiving, the COH bridges the gap between caregiving theory and practical, actionable steps.

9. Designed for weekend emergencies, it’s an essential tool for caregivers when professional help is harder to access.

10. The “Stabilize-Aviate, Assess-Navigate, and Communicate” mantra ensures caregivers can act confidently in high-stress situations.

11. Informed by the expertise of PhD Pauline Boss, the COH includes guidance on managing ambiguous loss and the emotional challenges of caregiving.

12. Incorporates insights from Judy Cornish, ensuring caregivers can apply effective dementia care techniques for emotional and cognitive support.

13. Helps caregivers recognize symptoms that may present differently in individuals with cognitive impairments, ensuring timely action.

14. Combines medical and emotional support, addressing both physical emergencies and the emotional well-being of caregivers and their loved ones.

15. Compact and portable, it’s designed for caregivers to keep nearby for quick access whenever needed, either in your purse or available within the COHolster on the refrigerator.

16. While the Caregiver's Operating Handbook (COH) includes local Cedar Rapids resources, it’s designed to be adaptable for caregivers everywhere. Each resource listed is accompanied by a clear title and description, making it easy for you to replace the Cedar Rapids phone numbers with those of similar services in your own city. We’ve also included a dedicated notes section at the back of the book where you can add local contact information for emergency services, medical facilities, support groups, and more. This way, your COH becomes a tailored guide, giving you quick access to trusted resources in your area whenever you need them.