Sima Schloss, an observant Jew, talks about the choices a caregiver makes, and the resulting stress that ensues, in caring for an aging parent or relative, in this case, her ninety-plus years old grandmother (whom she affectionately called Mom), who is in declining health. In Sima's own words, "As a Jew, I know that I am commanded to perform acts of loving-kindness, including visiting the sick. I tried my best to be attentive to my loved ones as they endured sickness and faced death. In the beginning of the five years, I tried so hard that I lost myself in the process. I was so addicted to taking care of other people, I forgot to take care of myself. Then I founded Codependents Anonymous (CoDA), a self-help organization that uses meetings and the twelve steps of recovery to build healthier lives. I used the steps to forge a healthy balance between kindness to others and kindness to myself"--from chapter one.

"Encouragement for Moms to nourish their body, soul and spirit"--Provided by publisher.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD “A beautifully crafted memoir, rich with humor and wisdom.” —Will Schwalbe, author of The End of Your Life Book Club “The idea of a cultured gay man leaving New York City to care for his aging mother in Paris, Missouri, is already funny, and George Hodgman reaps that humor with great charm. But then he plunges deep, examining the warm yet fraught relationship between mother and son with profound insight and understanding.” —Alison Bechdel, author of Fun Home When George Hodgman leaves Manhattan for his hometown of Paris, Missouri, he finds himself—an unlikely caretaker and near-lethal cook—in a head-on collision with his aging mother, Betty, a woman of wit and will. Will George lure her into assisted living? When hell freezes over. He can’t bring himself to force her from the home both treasure—the place where his father’s voice lingers, the scene of shared jokes, skirmishes, and, behind the dusty antiques, a rarely acknowledged conflict: Betty, who speaks her mind but cannot quite reveal her heart, has never really accepted the fact that her son is gay. As these two unforgettable characters try to bring their different worlds together, Hodgman reveals the challenges of Betty’s life and his own struggle for self-respect, moving readers from their small town—crumbling but still colorful—to the star-studded corridors of Vanity Fair. Evocative of The End of Your Life Book Club and The Tender Bar, Hodgman’s New York Times bestselling debut is both an indelible portrait of a family and an exquisitely told tale of a prodigal son’s return.

This comprehensive & easy to use resource has been compiled by 17 home care franchises from around the country. They have decades of experience in helping families navigate the confusing and sometimes disheartening path of changing roles, from child to caregiver of ones parents. Some of the most common challenges these families face are addressed, with practical insights and encouragement.

“This beautiful book, full of wisdom and warmth, teaches us how to protect and preserve our most valuable possessions—the relationships with those we love. It shows that the things that matter definitely aren’t ‘things,’ and how to empower your life in the right direction.” —Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Four simple phrases—“Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you”—carry enormous power to mend and nurture our relationships and inner lives. These four phrases and the sentiments they convey provide a path to emotional wellbeing, guiding us through interpersonal difficulties to life with integrity and grace. Newly updated with stories from people who have turned to this life-altering book in their time of need, this motivational teaching about what really matters reminds us how we can honor each relationship every day. Dr. Ira Byock, an international leader in palliative care, explains how we can practice these life-affirming words in our day-to-day lives. Too often we assume that the people we love really know that we love them. Dr. Byock demonstrates the value of “stating the obvious” and provides practical insights into the benefits of letting go of old grudges and toxic emotions. His stories help us to forgive, appreciate, love, and celebrate one another and live life more fully. Using the Four Things in a wide range of life situations, we can experience emotional healing even in the wake of family strife, personal tragedy, divorce, or in the face of death. With practical wisdom and spiritual power, The Four Things That Matter Most gives us the language and guidance to honor and experience what really matters most in our lives every day.

"Who Will Take Care of Mom?" is a must-read for anyone who expects they will have to provide or coordinate long-term care for a parent, disabled or terminally ill relative. This life-changing experience happened to Cynthia Wilson when she was 34, single and poised to enter her peak earning years. Odds are that you or someone you know will have to take care of a parent sooner than expected because people are living longer, but not necessarily healthier. The trend is threatening America's economic prosperity and consuming individual wealth because Americans are spending more of their tax dollars, personal savings and time away from work on elder care. In "Who Will Take Care of Mom, A Guide for Family-Managed Senior Care," Cynthia examines the political debate surrounding senior care, along with some economic and employee trends that are affecting elder care, family life and the work place in America. She explains why family-managed care is the better solution for families and shows caregivers how to implement a family-managed care plan that provides safe, loving care for a relative, without forfeiting the family's wealth.