My parents found my little corner and after retiring and traveling they settled nearby. Even though my family never discussed aging or dieing, I could tell something was happening to my parents. I had absolutely no idea how we aged so significantly or approached the end of our lives, but being the closest caregiver for my parents I had to face the facts and figure it all out on my own.

You cannot stop the downward spiral of aging. You will ask yourself over and over and over again, "What happened?" Everyday some more of what used to be your parents is going to be lost for good. Your parents will be in total denial of needing help and may become aggressive because the aging war is out of their control. And despite your best intentions you will probably cause huge disruptions to your parents' lives with choices you have made for them.

You will not believe the chaos that comes with the unknown of fading from this life! Your strength during Eldercaring will develop from protecting and caring for your loved ones. My book is uniquely my story, but can be experienced by anyone having parents. It has been written and offered as support for all caregivers.

A Most Reluctant Caregiver relates the personal story of a baby boomer daughter who finds herself caring for her difficult, ailing mother. Having survived a turbulent, roller-coaster relationship with her mother for over 50 years, the author entered her early retirement years consumed with caregiving issues of which she knew little or nothing about. While struggling to provide her mother with the love, care and attention that she needed, the author wrestled constantly with her mother’s extreme mood swings and undiagnosed depression. The author’s experiences provided her with a first-hand glimpse into the world of elderly care, including a look at unwelcome family stressors, advanced directives, medical care, assisted living facilities, physical rehabilitation, and funeral planning. The sale of her parents’ home was particularly painful, as it represented the last vestige of her mother’s independence. In the almost three years in which the author cared for her mother, valuable lessons were learned along the way, and they are included as practical, everyday tips for those who face similar challenges.