Every Year, Approximately Two in Five Americans Are Unexpectedly Thrust into the Role of Caregivers ... 70% Are Completely Unprepared Whether it's the normal aging process, a sudden fall, or a debilitating illness, you may suddenly be pulled into a crisis of caring for an elderly parent or loved one.
Being the caregiver for someone you dearly love or feel responsible for is a daunting experience. You can quickly feel overwhelmed by the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects.
Where and how do you start? What do you need to know and do? How do you make the right decisions, and who can help you?
Don't worry, you're not alone!
"A Compassionate Journey" delivers a holistic approach to understanding and meeting the complex needs of your aging parent or loved one without having to spend thousands and thousands of dollars for help. From practical assessments to emotional support strategies, it lays out every step. It gives you a way to plan that's been endorsed for decades by professionals who have successfully done what you're taking on.
You'll be guided through crucial steps, such as recognizing signs of cognitive decline, managing legal and financial concerns, and addressing the emotional and spiritual well-being of both the caregiver and the aging parent.
Inside, You'll Discover:
Detailed questionnaires to assess the evolving needs of your aging parent. Assessments to evaluate your parent's physical, cognitive, and emotional needs Additional Questionnaires to help you understand your own strengths, limitations, and support system as a caregiver Guidance on creating effective care plans that respect the dignity and autonomy of your loved one. Strategies for coping with grief and loss and preventing elder abuse. Insights into managing your own emotional health while providing care. Checklists and action plans that will help you organize your parent's finances, medical care, living arrangements, and more Strategies for self-care and managing caregiver stress and burnout Guidance on difficult conversations, legal considerations, and end-of-life planning External resources that can provide additional support and health-related information
The book also features personal stories that resonate with compassion and practicality, making it an invaluable resource for anyone facing the challenges of caring for an elderly loved one. Decisions about elder care involve everything from shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and giving medication. On average, family caregivers spend 24.4 hours per week providing care and 1 in 4 spends 41 hours or more per week. You're not just making choices; you're shouldering a huge responsibility.
Fortunately, "A Compassionate Journey" is more than a book, the author becomes a companion for all those committed to providing the best care for their aging parents.
It will empower you to create an effective care plan, optimize your parents' quality of life, and ensure you're providing the most efficient and compassionate support possible.
Step into this journey with the confidence that you are not alone, equipped with knowledge and empathy to make the best decisions for your loved ones.
Barbara Applegate, MSW, ACSW, has worked with adult children and their aging parents for nearly four decades as a Geriatric Care Manager Social Worker. She holds a Master of Social Work and post-master's certification in Gerontology, has served on the National Council on Aging board, and is a National Association of Social Workers member. Her business, A.G.E. Consultants, Inc., is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and advises families about elder life issues and care needs.
