For many, recognizing an older relative’s need for helpful intervention means accepting a new role: caregiver. Making this transition to an almost parental position can leave both parties feeling confused and anxious. Author Patti Normile, herself a caregiver for her 98-year-old mother, offers practical guidance for those embarking on this new phase of life. She helps readers identify when caregiving is necessary and how best to implement it in sections titled: “Awareness is key,” “Awareness leads to assessment,” “Care for the caregiver,” and “Letting go marks a normal time of life.”

By Patti Normile