Unlike paid professional caregivers, family caregivers usually are not paid and may be working in their career and raising their own family. They provide invaluable service and care to a family member or loved one. But, family caregivers need and deserve care, too. And, that's why Dr. Santo D. Marabella wrote this book. If you are a family caregiver, or anticipate that you will be, then this book is full of inspiration and support for you!
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. 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," written and directed by Marabella, the book author. In this edition, Marabella shares insights he gained from helping his parents deal with the challenges of advanced and complex medical issues and their aging. Plus, he hopes the insights and perspective shared will provide support, inspiration and affirmation to other caregivers - our readers.
Dr. Marabella gained his experience caring for his elderly, Italian-American parents. Rather than an academic read, Marabella offers accessible content and pragmatic, usable (you judge if it's "useful") advice. Recognizing that his experience may pose limitations and applicability for other caregivers, 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 he has 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, Marabella talks about self-care. He says, "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. Marabella 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.
Marabella wishes 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!"
