Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Wednesday Wonders: THE CAREGIVER'S JOURNEY


 Today's Wednesday Wonders features Todd F. Cope, RN, and his book, 
The Caregiver’s Journey: Compassionate and Informed Care For A Loved One.



















About the book

Are you a caregiver for an aging loved one? If not, you probably know someone who is. It is estimated that more the 65 million Americans find themselves as caregivers who spend, on average, 20 hours a week providing care. This is in addition to personal and professional responsibilities. Most caregivers end up facing these new experiences with little preparation. Though most caregivers desire some kind of guidance, their time constraints make it difficult to obtain.


The Caregiver’s Journey: Compassionate and Informed Care For A Loved One is the source of that much needed guidance. It provides help and offers hope to inexperienced and/or overwhelmed caregivers in a compact, yet inclusive format. Many of the basic aspects of caregiving come naturally, but there are always unexpected facets of care as well as challenges that new caregivers will face. By identifying these issues and offering practical ways of dealing with them, The Caregiver’s Journey prepares caregivers for what to expect as well as offering explanations for things they may have already experienced.


No other book addresses the joys and challenges of caregiving in such a concise, yet fittingly detailed manner. Even with the broad range of topics covered, The Caregiver’s Journey can be read by even the most frazzled caregiver in about an hour and a half. Whether just getting started, or well into the caregiving journey, this book will change lives.




Q & A


Q: What prompted you to write the book?
A: I spent twelve years as Director of Nursing at a large assisted living facility and the most common question from family members of our residents was, “Where can get more information about how to do this?” I realized that most books on the subject were too long and too detailed, so I compiled all of the advice I’d been giving for many years into an information packed, concise resource for caregivers.

Q: Were any human interest stories involved in your research?
A: All of my research involved more than 25 years of personal experience. I honestly feel that everything I learned and continue to learn, is the result of one great human interest story. That’s the nature of caring for the elderly.

Q: How has writing this book touched you?
A: Putting my years of experience into words helped me to realize what a joy it is to be a caregiver. After so long, things tend to become routine, but reflecting on my experiences as I wrote, reminded me what it’s really all about.

Q: What is the book’s intended audience?
A: Simply put, the book is for anyone with aging parents or loved ones. Every one of us, if we are not already caregivers, is likely to become one at some point in our lives.

Q: What are your future plans for writing?
A: I have to be honest and say, I’m not sure. Though this is my 5th book, it is my first non-fiction. I never intended to write anything but fiction, so that is what my list of ideas focuses on. But now, who knows?


About the Author

Todd F. Cope grew up in a family of thirteen children. As the youngest, he quickly learned that service was the best way to get along with others. After graduating from high school, Todd traveled to Western Australia to work as a missionary. It was there that he met a missionary from New Zealand who would later become his wife.

Todd and Denise were married in New Zealand, where they lived for two years before returning to the United States so he could continue his education. Together they raised four children and are now experiencing the joys of being grandparents.

 It was his desire to help others that led Todd to pursue a career in nursing. As a Registered Nurse for more than 25 years, he has had the opportunity of working in a variety of settings, but the majority of his career has involved caring for the elderly. In his spare time, Todd enjoys running, gardening and spending time with his family.

Todd's love for writing dates back to the fourth grade when he won a poetry writing contest. He continued to be honored for his essays, poetry and prose throughout his school career. Todd has published many articles on a variety of subjects in several forums including the Ensign and New Era magazines. Prior to writing The Caregiver’s Journey, he authored four published novels, most notably The Shift, a self-published work that inspired the CBS Television movie The Last Dance, starring Maureen O'Hara.

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