A new resource from AARP is offering practical strategies to lessen caregiving’s strains, a topic close to Great Care‘s heart. The book also addresses the challenges and benefits of caregiving.

In July 2016, the AARP and Da Capo Lifelong Books teamed up to publish, “Meditations for Caregivers: Practical, Emotional, and Spiritual Support for You and Your Family.” The resource for caregivers and their families, available in paperback and e-book options, provides caregivers tips and guidance in coping with their practical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

“Family caregiving has its challenges: emotional overload, time constraints, anxiety, burnout, missed work, adult sibling conflicts, and marital issues. But providing care for a loved one can also be enriching,” says the AARP.

In “Meditations for Caregivers,” clinical psychologists Barry J. Jacobs and Julia L. Mayer blend emotional and spiritual motivation to maximize the gains of caregiving while minimizing the strains. The doctors share their firsthand experience as both experienced caregivers and family psychologists, providing solutions and new perspective on the challenging and emotional road of caregiving.

“Too many family members approach the task of caring for a loved one with dread, convinced that they will feel trapped and burdened,” says co-author Dr. Jacobs. “Our book provides real-life stories of family caregivers who have found ways to grow personally and spiritually through the essential and loving work they do.”

The AARP says the book helps readers view their caregiving as a mission from the heart, complete with sections on accepting your feelings, embracing rewards, seeking support and managing stress.

“Each page offers an anecdote drawn from the authors’ personal or clinical experience, inspiration and solace, and direct psychological or hands-on advice to foster coping and life satisfaction,” says the nonprofit. “Throughout the book, the authors stress the importance of minimizing caregiving’s strains while maximizing its gains.”

The book groups more than 150 meditations into the common themes associated with caregiving — anger, anxiety, guilt, and commitment. Drs. Jacobs and Mayer help readers reclaim the positive benefits of caregiving, such as the transformative experience of assisting loved ones or the sense of belonging in a community of caregivers.

“AARP Meditations for Caregivers encourages and provides support for family caregivers as they do the important and necessary work of caring for their loved ones,” adds Dr. Mayer. “Our goal is to help caregivers derive meaning and value from their efforts so that they grow from their experience.”

Dr. Jacobs is a clinical psychologist and family therapist with more than 25 years of experience. He is also the author of “The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers: Looking After Yourself and Your Family While Helping an Aging Parent.” He blogs about caregiving for AARP.org. Dr. Mayer is also a clinical psychologist with nearly 25 years of experience, and author of “A Fleeting State of Mind.” She specializes in women’s issues, including caregiving and other relationship concerns.

“AARP’s ‘Meditations for Caregivers’ is filled with stories of hope, perseverance and even transcendence,” says Katy Butler, author of “Knocking on Heaven’s Door —The Path to a Better Way of Death.” “Drawing from their personal experience as well as others’, Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Mayer remind us that providing care for a loved one can be a sacred, moral and enriching endeavor.”

With a membership of nearly 38 million and staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the AARP is working to change the way America defines aging. The nonprofit promotes the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. Learn more at www.aarp.org or follow @aarp on Twitter. Also visit the AARP Caregiving Resource Center at www.aarp.org/caregiving.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.