Book Review: The Conscious Caregiver

Caregiving has received increased attention in recent years, and with good reason. With a reported 10,000 people turning 65 each day, there are more seniors who are living longer, often with frailties and illness. While the number of assisted, nursing, and independent living facilities may be increasing to meet the demand, many seniors prefer to and are able to stay longer in their homes or other residences. But this often eventually requires some level of caregiving and can place increased stress on the caregivers. Not everyone is so fortunate to have a family member, neighbor, or friend who can commit to serving in a caregiving role to the extent that may be needed. As a response, there are many not-for-profit organizations whose mission is to help seniors stay in their homes for quality of life, dignity, and independence. There are also for-profit businesses that have emerged to do the same thing. But despite these options, many family members, neighbors, and friends still provide an important measure of comfort, support, and familiarity to seniors. Volunteer caregiving can take many forms, ranging from limited involvement to full-time support. And quite often, more than one caregiver is involved. Caregiving can put significant demands on caregivers for time, compassion, expertise, money, sacrifice and more. And even in situations where a family member may live too far away to be involved on a daily basis, occasional visits or telephone calls with the loved one are importa...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Aging Alzheimer's Book Reviews Caregivers Family Mindfulness Parkinson's Self-Help Seniors caregiver stress caregiving help coping as a caregiver volunteer caregiving Source Type: news