The Crisis
If you are a caregiver, chances are you are “figuring it out as it goes”, with no real outlet to relate to, ask questions, or be open with the new and unique trials and tribulations you are facing. Maybe you’re asking “Why is this happening?”, “Is this normal?”, “What do I do next?”. I wager that no one is ever fully prepared to carry the weight and responsibility that comes with not only managing your life, but the life, care, and decisions of a loved one. From an objective point of view, this is a difficult situation, but include personal dynamics, family history, and your deep emotional investment, and what started off as being seeming difficult, may now seem impossible. Not only do you want what is best for both of you, but you are now faced with tough decisions that leave a big impact. Keep reading to see how Becky Feola will not only guide you through the process, but make the transition as smooth as possible.
“I was an ordinary woman with no personal or professional training, taking care of a husband losing control of his body and mind. Within three months of our wedding, I had begun a ferocious fight for his health, dignity, and quality of life. Having vowed to love, honor and cherish this man, it was my duty to provide and care for him until his death. Naively, it never occurred to me that despite our love and commitment, we would not win this battle.” -Becky Feola, The Eldercare Consultant
Shining Light on a Tough Subject
Enter, the Eldercare Consultant: Your Guide to Making the Best Choices Possible.
Both compassionate and practical, this book supplies you with the knowledge, support, and encouragement you need to cut through the confusion, ensure that the people you love are getting exceptional care…and turn an undeniably difficult transition into a journey of hope and love.
Even though “eldercare” is in the name, don’t be fooled- this book is for anyone facing the role of being a caregiver, advocate, or legal guardian of someone whose mental or physical health is deteriorating. This book will guide you through how to handle the challenging practical and emotional issues that arise in this situation. For example, how to spot warning signs of physical and mental decline, recognize when a loved one needs assistance, determine the level of care needed, and evaluate the options.
The book also works as an emotional adviser- discussing the issue with your loved one, reacting to different situations, understanding and managing the costs of care , making the adjustment as smooth as possible, and avoiding caregiver burnout.
It’s Not Just About You:
10 Bonus Tips from the Eldercare Consultant:
- Talk about everything
- Listen
- Don’t blame
- Don’t wait too long
- Ask for help
- Beware of the constant crisis
- Make time
- Respect differences of opinion
- Have realistic expectations
- Utilize other professional services to help with communication
Pin the tips!
Click HERE to see and outline of each chapter and read an excerpt of the book, and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be hooked as she weaves together engaging and raw personal narrative with pragmatic solutions.
Say hello! Meet the expert behind the pages.
Meet the author! Becky Feola will be attending book signings around Arizona July – August 2015 in Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Payson.
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BECKY FEOLA learned the value of hard work and life while being raised on remote cattle ranches in Arizona and Wyoming. During those early years, she developed a keen sense of service and nurturing towards other living creatures while caring for orphaned calves, sick kittens and her colt, Little George.
Later in life, she would find herself immersed in an 11-year battle as caregiver after her husband was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease. The day her husband tried to strangle her during a frightening hallucination was the day Becky’s life would change forever. After that incident and subsequent hospitalization, the doctors told her that her husband would never be coming home again. This led to a frantic search for a professional care facility that would tend for her beloved’s needs as well or better than she could.
Once he passed away in 2005, Becky healed herself by creating two businesses devoted to helping other caregivers find ethical and moral solutions to their needs — The NJF Center for Caregivers and Assisted Living Advantage. Now, she has taken that passion a step further with her book The Eldercare Consultant, Your Guide to Making the Best Choices Possible, to be released by AMACOM Books in Spring 2015.
Becky lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and while continuing to provide eldercare services, she is currently working on a novel series.
Elbow Grease Innovation 