A Caregiver's Journey

Book excerpt: More than a million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Someone will be introduced to the world of caregiving for each and every new patient. Add thousands of AIDS, stroke, heart disease and Alzheimer's cases and you discover that there is an entire community of caregivers who have many of the same fears and concerns as the patients they care about. Patients become the immediate focus of attention by their medical team and by their families the minute they receive the diagnosis. They are bombarded with information about their disease, about treatment and about support groups. They are offered books and pamphlets and tapes and group sessions. Who is there to help the caregiver? Those who land the job of primary caregiver often have no experience in nursing, no knowledge of the medical jargon, and are prepared with nothing more substantial than their love for the patient. A Caregiver's Journey addresses both the practical and emotional issues facing the family. Many books and pamphlets recognize the caregiver but focus on the patient. This is a practical and helpful guide focusing on the specific concerns of the caregiver.