The Mindful Caregiver, 2nd Edition

The Mindful Caregiver was first published in 2014. Since then, the caregiving landscape has changed dramatically, creating cascading effects and increased challenges for caregivers. Caregivers are having to care for elders, who are now living into their 80's and beyond, often with multiple health issues. Many caregivers are baby boomers, which as a generation is getting older and facing their own health problems. Additionally, many are staying in the workforce longer, which requires them to balance or even set aside their own needs to care for their elder family members. On top of that, many baby boomers are caring for ill or frail spouses/partners or even raising their grandchildren.

In the second edition of The Mindful Caregiver, existing chapters will be updated, and two new chapters will be added. One new chapter will focus on resistance, which manifests in many different forms for the care recipient, and for family members. Examples include an elder with dementia that refuses to give up driving, or siblings that disagree about moving a family member from their home. This chapter will provide ideas and examples of how to work with resistance. The second new chapter will focus on resilience and self-care. Caregivers will learn how to nurture resilience so that they can cope more effectively both emotionally and spiritually. Armed with this information, my hope is that caregivers can become "mindful caregivers" and feel more empowered, supported, and equipped to be the best caregiver they can be.

Sustaining oneself throughout the caregiving journey takes tremendous courage, patience, and strength. My hope is that the new edition of The Mindful Caregiver will inspire caregivers to find meaning in their caregiving experience.