Who is a caregiver?
A caregiver is anyone who is called upon to care for the needs of another. It might be as little as knowing that you need to call Dad a couple of times a week to make sure he is okay, or perhaps you are bringing meals to someone and taking them to doctor's appointments. Then there are the full-time caregivers who have dedicated their lives to the complete care of another. This book is dedicated to all of you who care about someone enough to do tangible things to help someone who needs you.
It is estimated that nearly one in five Americans is involved in caregiving at some level, and the number is rising rapidly. Sadly, studies also show that the general health and well-being of caregivers have declined. And as our population ages, the need for more caregivers will increase.
Providing care for a family member or friend can be rewarding and provide a real sense of purpose, it also poses challenges for the caregiver. There are many resources available that seek to educate and empower caregivers about how to perform caregiving tasks, but I have noted that there is a huge need for caregivers to be encouraged, blessed, and given hope!
In this book, the author shares true stories of life as a caregiver, spanning decades. It is so important to know that you are not alone! The feelings and challenges you are experiencing are hard for even your closest family and friends to truly understand, but you'll see in these stories that you can truly have joy in the midst of your difficulty.
We hope that this book will provide encouragement, joy, and hope!
--Phil Leichliter
Phil takes you by the hand and shares with you his love and gratitude. His book helps you prepare for moments of joy and of pain, the nuance of the simplest suggestions, and the most meaningful responses, allowing you to provide compassionate care. Savor this book. Your heart will open.
--Andrea Zanko, MS, genetic counselor, University of California at San Francisco, Genetics Clinic; retired; creator of the UCSF Huntington's Disease Clinic
