Passages in Caregiving - by Gail Sheehy (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Gail Sheehy, author of the groundbreaking Passages--which was a New York Times bestseller for more than three years--now brings us Passages in Caregiving. In this essential guide, the acclaimed expert on the now aging Baby Boomer generation outlines nine crucial steps for effective, successful family caregiving, turning chaos into confidence during this most crucial of life stages.

No one really expects it, but at some time or another, just about everyone has been-or will be-responsible for giving care, for a sustained period, to someone close to them. Gail Sheehy, who has chronicled every major turning point for the twentieth-century Americans, as well as reported on everything from politics to sexuality, knows firsthand the trials, fears, and rare joys of caregiving. InPassages in Caregiving, she takes you by the hand and shows you that you will get through this, and you will do the right things. Sheehy identifies eight crucial stages of caregiving and offers insights for successfully navigating each one. With empathy and intelligence, backed by formidable research, and interspersed with poignant stories of her experience and that of other successful caregivers, Passages in Caregiving addresses the needs of this enormous and growing group. It is sure to become the touchstone for the challenging yet deeply rewarding period in your life journey. Providing invaluable advice and guidance, this book examines the arc of caregiving from the first signs of trouble. Sheehy answers the most important questions to consider: How serious is it? What do I ask the doctor? How will this be paid for? What are our options? At the same time she offers new tips and strategies that you won't find anywhere else. Most important, however, Passages in Caregivingpoints out that you don't have to be alone in the process. Included are countless resources and names of advocacy groups that are there to help even the most complicated of situations, many of which are woefully underutilized. With Gail Sheehy as your guide, Passages in Caregivingis sure to help turn a stressful, life-altering situation into a journey that can be safely navigated and from which everyone can benefit.

From the Back Cover

No one really expects it, but at some time or another, just about everyone has been--or will be--responsible for giving care for a sustained period to someone close to them. Gail Sheehy, who has chronicled every major turning point for modern Americans, knows firsthand the trials, fears, and rare joys of caregiving. Now she takes you by the hand and shows you that you will get through this--and you will do the right things.

With empathy and intelligence, backed by formidable research, and interspersed with poignant stories of her experience and that of other successful caregivers, Passages in Caregiving examines the arc of caregiving from the very first signs of trouble--providing invaluable advice and guidance to help turn a stressful, life-altering situation into a journey that can be safely navigated and from which everyone can benefit.

Review Quotes

"As a longtime champion for family caregivers, I am delighted that Gail Sheehy has brought this passage vividly to life from her own long experience and that of many others'. This is one of those rare books that can drastically lighten even the heaviest of loads." - Rosalynn Carter, president of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

"No longer will you have to blindly navigate the murky corridors of caregiving. You have an easy-to-read roadmap right here." - Judith Orloff, MD

"More and more people are left to deal with late stage healthcare on their own. Gail Sheehy's masterfully researched and written book comes at a perfect time, when people need it most." - Robert N. Butler, MD, Founding Director of National Institute on Aging

"I expect Passages in Caregiving to be the manual for caregivers for generations to come. Gail Sheehy has addressed every possible situation in an engaging, timely, and easy-to-follow manner." - Gary Small, MD, UCLA Professor of Psychiatry and Aging

"In this insightful book that combines a moving firsthand account of her own journey and valuable strategies for navigating the labyrinth of care-giving, Gail Sheehy takes the mystery out of what can be a baffling, heart-rending experience. A must-read for anyone who gets the Call." - Hugh Delehanty, Editor in Chief of AARP Publications

"Through her touching personal story, Gail Sheehy has captured the anxiety, the beauty, and the overwhelming experience of facing the end of life with someone you love. She offers hope, insight and wisdom to the millions who walk this same emotional journey every day. This book will, at long last, shine a light on the tremendous needs of caregivers and empower all of us to create a humane and loving experience in the final phases of life." - Carolyn Cassin, President and CEO, National Hospice Work Group

"Trust me: there is no better guide to caregiving." - Bill Moyers