Friday, June 14, 2019

Book Nook: Caregiving - Hope and Health for Caregiving Families

After a life-threatening accident stopped her completely in her tracks a few years ago, author Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse and her family came to truly understand that we are all one event from a lifestyle change.
 
Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter clearly illustrated the importance of this when she said: "There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who currently are caregivers; those who will be caregivers; and those who will need caregivers." Hence, the new book by Cruse with Patrick Egan has arrived, Caregiving: Hope and Health for Caregiving Families (ISBN: 9780757321931 – May 2019 -- $14.95). While some people choose to take care of loved ones after they can no longer take care of themselves, many others must do so for a myriad of other reasons, often financial. It can be a crisis situation, such as an accident, or the long-term effects of aging. In any case, the days are often long and draining—both for the family care-giver and the paid professional—and the choices to be made are often confusing, difficult, and daunting.

Filled with practical, easily implementable advice, this illuminating book helps readers sort through the puzzle that forms the caregiving world. Topics include: identifying the roles of caregivers; dealing with burnout; finding ways to compartmentalize and separate without guilt; using technology to make life easier; building bridges through teamwork; downsizing; and navigating end-of-life issues. The first book to provide stories from the perspective of both caregiver and caree, it  enables caregivers to better understand their fears and feelings. The result is a positive, unified approach to care.


I had a chance to interview her to learn more.

Why did you decide to write this book?  I wrote this book to clarify a language and offer hope to millions of caregivers and those that need care.
What role does technology play in caregiving?  Technology offers hope to both caregivers and those they care for to connect, save time and bridge with resources.
What contributes to the caregiving crisis and are there solutions? There are a minimum of 44 unpaid family caregivers and not enough systems or resources to meet the needs of aging, illness and accidents.
Why is it important for different parties (caregivers, corporations, funding sources, agencies) to work together?  With programs and funds in place, we must build bridges to connect what exists as there are not enough new  resources  coming forth.

Of course , there is so much more to be added in each area, but this is the framework upon which the book is built.

About the Authors:

Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse is the founding Chairperson of the National Association of Children of Alcoholics, and founder of Onsite Workshops. She has written 19 books translated into 13 languages, and broke ground and fostered a movement with her works, Another Chance: Hope and Health for the Alcoholic Family and Learning to Love Yourself. Sharon has traveled the world and developed programs in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Canada, and has appeared on The Phil Donahue Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Larry King Show, as well as in multiple media events.

Patrick Egan is a caregiving "gentrepreneur" and the caregiver for his parents who live in a senior community nearby. He is the founder of NurturingNet, a company that helps others use technology in a way that enhances and adds fun to the caregiver experience. A former VP of Human Resources for the Global HealthCare Exchange that was created by industry-leading health care firms including Medtronic, GE, Johnson and Johnson, Abbott and Baxter International. He holds a BA in Communications from the University of Colorado and an MBA in Management from the College of St. Thomas.

Caregiving: Hope and Health for Caregiving Families 
By Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse with Patrick Egan
ISBN: 9780757321931 –- May 2019 -- $14.95
Available wherever books are sold.

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