The Lessons of Caring

Family Caregivers – this Book is for You!
If you are a family caregiver, this book is for you! It’s based on the premise that family caregivers need care, too! The Lessons of Caring: Inspiration and Support for Family Caregivers gives much need attention and love to those who selflessly take care of their loved ones!

If you are a family caregiver or know one, you know that caregiving is a labor of love that can be all-consuming. And, the typical family caregiver is not paid, and has a full-time job and a family, while they provide service and care to a family member or loved one. It’s the toughest and most rewarding “job” one can ever have. At the same time, family caregivers need and deserve care, too.

Why I Wrote this Book
That's why I wrote this book. To offer support and community to family caregivers!

I was the primary caregiver for both of my parents in their final years. My Mom was on dialysis and battled cancer, and my Dad fought Parkinson’s disease for over 17 years. They faced many challenges in their struggle to sustain their quality of life, independence and dignity. Often, their struggles challenged our caregiving relationship. I didn’t always make the best choices, but I did always have their best interests driving my actions.

As an only child, it was often a lonely journey. I didn’t want others to feel like they were alone. Plus, I learned a lot, and I am glad to share the lessons I learned with you. The greatest lesson, what I hope you take from the book - caregiving for a loved one is a priceless gift that you share with your loved one and keep forever!

New in this Edition
The new, 2024 edition of The Lessons of Caring is short, sweet and to the point - with access to video commentaries from caregivers to comfort you, and exercises and questions to help you. In this edition, I share insights I gained from helping his parents deal with the challenges of advanced and complex medical issues and their aging. And, the new edition contains a new Lesson on After-Caring, as well as a Special Bonus - free access to the short film, "The Caregiver," which I wrote and directed.

Format
I gained my experience caring for my elderly, Italian-American parents. Instead of an academic read, this book offers accessible content and pragmatic, usable (you judge if it's "useful") advice. I recognize that my experience is my experience and may not necessarily be applicable to all family caregivers. As such, this book is not an exhaustive or comprehensive presentation of caregiving lessons. Rather, The Lessons of Caring strives to be a resource to caregivers by stimulating reflection, offering support and creating opportunities to grow from the lessons I have learned.

The Lessons of Caring presents nine lessons. While there is a deliberate sequencing in the book, readers may want to read, and re-read, the lessons in a different order. Throughout this book, I talk about self-care. To be honest, it's as much a reminder for me, as it is a prompt for you. I'm still learning!

A special feature is the video message that begins each lesson - simply scan the QR code with your smart device. I invited other caregivers, and those who work with caregivers, to share their experiences and thoughts. When viewed from an Internet-connected device, readers will be able to hear from others who have been on this journey, bringing the meaning of the lesson's topic to life in a more personal way.

I hope that reading, The Lessons of Caring, will feed your spirit, recharge your energy and affirm your amazing and life-changing impact as a family caregiver!

Santo
Dr. Santo D. Marabella, Author
The Lessons of Caring: Inspiration & Support for Family Caregivers