After a life-threatening accident stopped her completely in her tracks a few years ago, author Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse and her family came to truly understand that we are all one event from a lifestyle change. Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter clearly illustrated the importance of this when she said: "There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who currently are caregivers; those who will be caregivers; and those who will need caregivers." While some people choose to take care of loved ones after they can no longer take care of themselves, many others must do so for a myriad of other reasons, often financial. It can be a crisis situation, such as an accident, or the long-term effects of aging. In any case, the days are often long and draining, both for the family caregiver and the paid professional, and the choices to be made are often confusing, difficult, and daunting.

In this illuminating book filled with practical, easily implementable advice, Wegscheider-Cruse helps readers sort through the puzzle that forms the caregiving world. Chapter topics include: identifying the roles of caregivers; how to deal with burnout; finding ways to compartmentalize and separate without guilt; using technology to make life easier; building bridges through teamwork; downsizing; and navigating end-of-life issues. Most importantly, the book offers readers a deep toolkit of invaluable suggestions for navigating tough issues with positivity and optimism. It is also the first book to provide stories from the perspective of not just the caregiver, but the caree, thus enabling caregivers to better understand their fears and feelings. The result is a positive, unified approach to care.

Patrick Egan is a caregiving "gentrepreneur" who lives in Boulder, CO, and is the caregiver for his parents who live in a senior community nearby. He is the founder of NurturingNet, a company that helps others use technology in a way that enhances and adds fun to the caregiver experience. Prior to this, he served as VP of Human Resources for the Global HealthCare Exchange, created by industry-leading health care firms including Medtronic, GE, Johnson and Johnson, Abbott and Baxter International. He holds a BA in Communications from the University of Colorado and an MBA in Management from the College of St. Thomas.

Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse is a family therapist, businesswoman, and founder of Onsite Training and Consulting. She is the author of twenty-three books, including five bestsellers, translated into thirteen languages, most notably Another Chance: Hope and Health for the Alcoholic Family, Learning to Love Yourself, and Choicemaking. She has brought hope and healing to millions through her company, Onsite, and fostered a movement that brought direction to millions of adult children of alcoholics. The co-founder of the National Association of Children of Alcoholics (NACOA), she has trained and lectured for the US Air Force, counseling agencies, spa wellness centers, and corporations. She had developed programs in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Sharon has appeared on numerous television and radio shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Phil Donahue Show, and The Larry King Show. Her love for her soulmate, Joe, is everlasting and her greatest accomplishment is her joy for her children, her grandchildren, and relationships with her friends.