My Parent's Keeper ― The Guilt, Grief, Guesswork, and Unexpected Gifts of Caregiving

A guide to caring for aging and ailing family members, which offers expert advice, illuminating vignettes, and a compassionate approach to building constructive, mutually gratifying relationships

When it comes time to provide care for those who once cared for us, where can we turn? Author Jody Gastfriend, a licensed clinical social worker and vice president of senior care for Care.com, provides essential guidance to help family caregivers find gratification in their new role.

This book offers practical guidance for a broad range of caregiving situations. Using the latest research and drawing on case histories and interviews, Gastfriend has created a resource as well as a source of inspiration for family caregivers. The blend of powerful stories and practical advice helps caregivers cope with numerous challenges, including parents who need but refuse help, siblings who don’t get along, the complexity of healthcare systems, financial issues, juggling work and caregiving, the power of connecting with a loved one who has dementia, balancing the benefits and burdens of caregiving, and the use of technology.

Jody Gastfriend has been a social worker for more than thirty years and is vice president of senior care for Care.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for finding and managing family care. She lives in Newton, MA.