What do you mean?
Recently, I viewed a video excerpt of a former caregiver claiming that despite being comfortable with both online and offline research, she couldn’t find any information for caregivers.
Really? Nothing?
The Caregiver’s Voice REVIEW receives books with similar remarks in the introduction: I wrote this book because there is no information for caregivers.
WHAT?
As a publisher for 25 years, I’ll take calls from former caregivers who want their stories published. I’ll ask, “With over a thousand published books detailing diverse family caregiving experiences, how is your story different?” Usually, there’s an uncomfortable pause.
“There’s no information for caregivers.”
Twenty years ago, I would have agreed.
I stumbled into this niche after being asked to write about my caregiving experiences. “Who cares about my experience?” I replied.
“We do!”
“Then show me the money,” I said, having already written four books and tempering my excitement. It takes a lot of time, learned effort, and finances to reach enough buyers before a book becomes profitable.
With funds from presold-copies, the hardcover edition of “Where’s my shoes?” My Father’s Walk through Alzheimer’s was published a year later. Translated editions were released worldwide. It was the start of a trend with increasing numbers of family caregivers writing blogs, articles, and books about their experiences. I transitioned from corporate speaking to Expert Family Caregiver Speaker. Attendees departed feeling inspired and informed with a twist of humor offering hope.
Years after my father died, I agreed to write the second edition. This was partly to stem the tide of questions following my keynote addresses and the hundreds of emails seeking closure to “my father’s walk through Alzheimer’s.”
Should I write a third edition as people suggest? I’m not certain it’s necessary. I feel complimented by their encouragement; but today, there are a lot more resources for caregivers.
Take time to research what’s available.
When well-meaning family members and friends encourage you to write a book, take a deep breath. Enjoy visions of your title on Amazon.com and even on the shelf at your local bookstore. Kindly accept the compliment, then do your research. Writing the book is much easier than marketing. Read that, again. Take your time to read and research what’s already there. You’ll need this information to present to a publisher and to market your title.
Strengthen your presence online. TIME SAVER TIP: Instead of reinventing what’s already available, inject your energy and enthusiasm into an established presence. By collaborating, you’ll be of greater service. Scroll down The Caregiver’s Voice homepage to see the topic areas we cover. We’re flexible. Let’s talk.
Helen Keller’s words referring to how she communicated with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, are apt here. “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” By collaborating, we help caregivers to confidently navigate reputable and established resources for trusted information. When you find yourself growing excited about a new direction, look around. What’s already there? Who’s doing what your contributions can make even stronger? Send an email. Who knows where it may lead!
My next caregiver book will be a collaborative effort. The ideal co-author for my tenth book will be one who works in the caregiving industry, is already published, and has corporate or association ties to offer copies as a premium.
There IS information for caregivers.
We’ll work together to offer even better resources.
For related information, scroll down or search for these words in bold, Collaboration and synergy in all areas of life, in Benjamin P. Hardy’s article, The 2 Mental Shifts Highly Successful People Make.
Yes, Hi my name is Diane. My mother, Roberta, was diagnosed with Dementia in 2013. I vowed to take care of my mother until the day she dies. Well, she has already (died) 4 times now. I have been her (sole) caregiver since 2012. My family, along with my mother will not ACCEPT Dementia as a diagnoses. My mom makes up stories – OH, BOY DOES SHE – and she tells the family that “I am Crazy, I am not on the right medication, I need to be evaluated, well I have been (2) times now because of her. LOOOONNNNGGG SSSSTTTOOOORRRYY.
Soooooo,. I was my mothers DPOA for both Financial & Health, up until she had her accident, her negligence case, where she would and has received a settlement. Okay, now everyone wants to be in CHARGE & kissing my mom’s behind because she HAS MONEY.
Well, I never charged her….so my LAZY AUNT, WHO NEVER HELPED-OUT AT ALL, decides to take my mom to an attorney, and I WAS NOT ALLOWED TO GO, NOR WAS IT ANY OF MY BUSINESS. Now my Aunt is my mothers DPOA, Health & Financial and she also has her name on my mothers checking account.
Today my Aunt called and told my mom that “They were not finished there”, Uh……..please help me. Oh, they took my mom’s WILL also, and had it changed,…… again – ‘not my business’. What can I do, my Aunt doesn’t EVEN COME TO THE HOUSE, and when she does she charges my mom.
Can you believe THIS?
Sadly, yes, I can believe this.
Regrettably, Diane, there are more stories like this and it’s unfortunate when care recipients like your mom hurt the very people who are closest to them and who care for them. This is often typical.
Now that there is money, others step in, but from what you write, they’re not very helpful.
Unfortunately, it’s her choice UNLESS she was proved incompetent when you took over. In that case, you may be able to sue your aunt and the attorney who drafted the revised documents for taking advantage of a person who did not have the capacity to make a decision.
If you wish to pursue this, I recommend visiting an elder law attorney who may provide an initial consultation to see if there’s a viable case give your unique situation.
🙂