Caregiving and Losing a Loved One

Caregiving and losing a loved one is different for every family. Authors of the book, Ok, Now What? A Caregiver’s Guide to What Matters, Nancy Taylor Robson and Sue Collins give the answers to questions that caregivers don't even know to ask.

 

They address how to talk to children about a loved one’s illness or the fact that they’re dying. Quoting from the book: “Some children want and need to be protected until they can’t be protected any longer. Others need to be included. It’s a soup-to-nut mix; whether or not to tell a child depends on a host of factors including the personalities involved, the ages, of the children, and the circumstances.”

Caregiving topics discussed

PRACTICAL: finances, paperwork, physical locations and considerationsSELF-CARE when beginning the journey: breathe, talk about it: what should parents, children, caregivers keep in mind as they are about to embark on the experience of caring for/living with/spending time with someone with a terminal illness?CAREGIVING 101: things to consider- medications, necessary items.CARING for the CAREGIVER: taking care, asking for help and support.HOSPICE: what is it, and when is it time to consider it?DYING: what advice can you offer families when a loved one is in his or her final days?