Cheryl Carmichael has written a comprehensive guide for caregivers, entitled “Dare to Care: Caring for our Elders”. From her experiences while working with the Area Agency on Aging in Phoenix, with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, with the Arizona Department of Health Services, and as caregiver of several family members, she has covered all areas of concern to help keep loved ones living in their own homes as they age.

Written in a conversational manner, her insight for day-to-day activities for memory care loss are relevant, including the essential life story format. She suggests the life story be limited to one page and kept handy so caregivers can be familiar with the person, providing dignity and respect. Her list of meaningful activities for advanced dementia is spot on.

A clever bed bathing guideline is provided along with easy to understand definitions of every caregiving term or actions required for good care. Meal planning ideas, home safety tips, and organizing medical records are covered for individuals who may only require supervisory care to persons who need hands on end of life care.

Finally, she lays out the importance of preparing in advance essential estate planning requirements to carry out long-term care. Funeral planning is also covered in detail.

This guidebook is a practical tool for new or experienced non-professional caregivers. Kept handy for reference while wading through the unfamiliar details of care can provide clarity and instruction for necessary preparations still needed. “Dare to Care” is a good resource for caregiving support or a thoughtful gift for anyone brave enough to dare to care.

This book can be ordered in bulk from Cheryl@DaretoCareElders.com , online at amazon.com , or at your local bookstore. Also available as an e-book on Kindle.