“I think this book is wonderful! As a trained Developmental Services Worker who provided care and now teaches others how to provide care, there are so many things that I take for granted when it comes to untrained caregivers. The comparison between an employee with job descriptions, roles and responsibilities and codes of ethics and conduct to work within for protection versus that lack of all these aspects for caregivers caring for their loved ones is something I think many people take for granted.

For me, as a woman in my 40’s, my friends and I are starting to have to provide more and more care for our aging parents. I have a great deal of knowledge of what I need to do both physically and medically; how to advocate both politely and with unrelenting firmness and what resources are available. But my friends don’t. They step into these roles blindly, thinking they can slowly adapt and figure out as they go along and that the systems will help them learn. This approach often leads to developing negative opinions of themselves and their skills, and ultimately, burnout much quicker than expected. This is a book I would like to hand to my friends and tell them to read. Read it, so they aren’t blindsided by the challenges they will face, and the emotional rollercoaster they may experience. Read it, so they understand they aren’t alone and that it’s okay to ask for help. I’d share it with the family members who have an opinion but don’t play an active role. Read it, so you have a better idea of the challenges the caregiver is managing and all the behind-the-scenes tasks they are doing. Maybe it would help them to be more compassionate and supportive. I’d share it with directors of service providers so they can implement these suggestions into their programs and approaches and advocate with government to make improvements. Caregiving is going to become more and more prevalent as the incidence of disability, illness and general aging increases and both the cost of and availability of the care decreases. You’re right. Now is the time for change.

Congratulations!! Excellent work 😊”