A CAST OF CAREGIVERS

Snelling’s authoritative debut offers expert advice and relatable celebrity stories for families and friends struggling to balance caregiving with everyday life.

US Magazine has a regular feature called “Stars Are Just Like Us,” featuring photos of movie and TV stars doing “regular” activities such as grocery shopping, camping or going to the beach. Snelling mines similar territory in this dynamic, well-organized guide. Its first section consists of extensive, original interviews with famous people who have cared for parents, spouses or other loved ones. The stories, from such celebrities as former CSI actress Marg Helgenberger and former Good Morning America co-host Joan Lunden, are personal yet professional, full of useful tips and practical ideas for finding “me time” during hours devoted to caregiving. The second section of the book is a step-by-step handbook on how to be a capable caregiver while still living a full, healthy life. Snelling, CEO of the national Caregiving Club, is also a blogger and TV host who specializes in such issues. Her book covers a wide range of caregiving situations, including traveling with someone who has accessibility problems, weighing the pros and cons of different types of therapy (including those involving music and pets), and dealing with end-of-life issues such as hospice care and funeral planning. She provides advice with care and concern, constantly reminding her readers that that they are not alone. For the more than 65 million Americans providing some form of unpaid care to friends and family members, a sourcebook like this will likely be reassuring and essential.

A smart, informative manual intended to help people take care of their loved ones while also taking care of themselves.