by Jackie Montes

Being there for our husband, wife, mother, father, child, sister, brother, life partner or friend is an enormously rewarding experience. Yet, in the setting of a chronic, progressive illness it can be overwhelming, exhausting and sometimes seemingly impossible. A caregiver’s role is multi-faceted and can include friend, nurse, therapist, business manager, banker, advocate, housekeeper, chauffeur etc.

One of our patients suggested I read a book about caregiving called, Share the Care by Capossela and Warnock. Written by two women who needed to devise a plan to care for an ill friend, Share the Care is a model system for group or community caregiving recognizing the many different aspects of care required in the setting of devastating diseases. Although its inception was initiated by friends, it is a model that can be applied to any family, big or small, traditional or non-traditional. It provides the framework for establishing roles and responsibilities for family, friends, neighbors and anyone who wishes to contribute in any way, big or small.

The book (and website www.sharethecare.org) provide you with the structure and tools needed to organize a caregiver group using this model. The framework accommodates and acknowledges different family structures and needs.

Although this system may not be for everyone, I highly recommend reading this book. It describes the many nuances and challenges of managing a chronic, progressive illness from both the patient’s and caregiver’s perspective. The authors provide strategies for managing both physical and psychological challenges you might face.

Next on my list of books to review is the Morning Cup of ... . series published by Crane Hill Publishers. A group of short books covering topics such as stretching, balance, meditation, massage and many more, this series outlines simple exercises to add to your daily routine. Recommendations for future readings are most certainly welcome.