Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers: 101 Stories of Love, Sacrifice, and Bonding [Paperback]

Joan Lunden (Author), Amy Newmark (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 13, 2012 | Series: Chicken Soup for the Soul

Readers caring for an ailing family member will find support and encouragement in these stories by others like them. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers will inspire and uplift family members who are making sacrifices to make sure their loved ones are well cared for.

Do you have a family member who requires constant care? You are not alone. This collection offers support and encouragement in its 101 stories for family caregivers of all ages, including the “sandwich” generation caring for a family member while raising their children. With stories by those on the receiving end of the care too. These stories of love, sacrifice, and lessons will inspire and uplift family members making sacrifices to make sure their loved ones are well cared for, whether in their own homes or elsewhere.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Chicken Soup for the Soul; Original edition (March 13, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935096834
• ISBN-13: 978-1935096832
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joan Lunden is a well-known TV personality and author, and hosted a four-part series on Retirement Living TV focused on family caregiving.

Amy Newmark is publisher and editor-in-chief of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Chicken Soup for the Soul; Original edition (March 13, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935096834
• ISBN-13: 978-1935096832
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book! April 19, 2012

By Dad of Divas TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

Before you begin to read this book, make sure you read the introduction by Joan Lunden. If you are a current caregiver or know you will be one in the near future, her experiences with her mother and the sharing of her experiences will help you find peace in the journey you are or will be experiencing.

I am going to share just two of the stories with you. All of these stories were told by real individuals of their journeys as caregivers.

The first one is called "Love Unconditionally with No Guarantees" . This true story was written by Sharon Babineau who became a caregiver for her husband who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease and her daughter who died of cancer at the age of 15. Her story is one of unconditional love, cherishing each moment of life and being fearless. Sharon is an amazing woman who I would love to meet and have as a friend.

The next selection is called "Changing My Expectations". It is written by Kathleen H. Wheeler. Kathleen's story is about the challenges she faced as her mother's Alzheimer's progressed. She realized as her mother's physical being deteriorated and she needed more care, that her expectations for her mother's abilities to do things had to change. She had to find ways to be with her mother and do things with and for her that met the stage her mother was in at the time of her visit. When you read this it may help you to find peace in the small activities you can do with your loved one that ultimately will bring you joy and maybe them too.

Each story in this book holds possible answers for those of us who will be caregivers. You never know when you will be called upon to help with a family member.... To know others have had similar situations and are able to find the love and compassion needed too, should give us all the hope we need to face the challenges we may encounter. Read more ›

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: Family Caregivers July 7, 2012

By C. A. Webb TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Though I am a huge fan of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, there are few books in it that have resonated with me as much as this one. As someone who has the privilege of caring for my grandmother, I was able to read this book and realize what an honor it is to be there for those who were so much a part of the shaping of the man I have become.

We are able to read stories of those in the public eye and the difficult choices they had to make in order to care for their loved ones. There are also the powerful accounts of people like you and me who were willing to do whatever they could to help those they loved, even when things weren't as easy as they would have liked. In some cases it was the caring for a parent or sibling, but in other accounts there were the spouses that needed that extra hand because of a disease or unforeseen circumstances.

Regardless of what led to the need to fill the role of a caregiver, the book let's us see that we shouldn't feel as though everything will work out perfectly, because it won't. What we should try to do is be their for them in whatever way we can, understanding our limitations but never giving in to the tendency of blaming them for the situation.

This is one that the whole family can benefit from and that all of us in one form or another will need. Get it now and let the education and inspiration begin!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Caregivers Bible June 17, 2012

By ramollert

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Thanks to Joan Lunden and everyone involved in putting this book together. This came into my life at the perfect time, making me realize that I am not alone in the feelings I have as a caregiver. This book gave me some peace as to the fact that I am doing exactly what is needed inspite of the fact of not being appreciated for my efforts sometimes. I would recommend this book for anyone who is a caregiver. After reading this book and constantly referring back to certain chapters I think, just maybe, I will survive this caregiver experience without totaling losing myself in the process.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite in the Chicken Soup Series March 13, 2012

By Deborah Weir, CFA

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Caregivers" is my favorite of the Chicken Soup offerings because it includes details on how to make life easier for the person taking care of a friend or family member. The stories are beautifully written, and the poetry is lovely. My favorite chapter is p. 405, "The Clock Shoe," by the highly-regarded poet Sandra Berris.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book! June 23, 2012

By Richard

Format:Paperback

I absolutely love this book!! My 2 sisters and I share responsibility of helping care for our 80 year old mom who has cancer. The short stories in this book are very insightful and have hit on several things that family caregivers go through and encounter on a daily basis. I would highly recommend to anyone who is a family caregiver.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent April 1, 2013

By Alex Ibanez

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

My sister in law loved it. We are both taking care of our mothers. I sent this book to her as a gift hoping to lift her spirits. She said it has helped calm her heart and remind her what is really important again. Now, I am going to buy myself a copy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars calming effect March 8, 2013

By kenda

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

it has a calming effect on me help me to practice patients and understanding. it gives hope that i can survive my care giving journey

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Like a Warm Cup of Soup on a Cold Day February 14, 2013

By Sharon Andreasen

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

After finding myself caring for several family members in varying degrees of responsibility I found myself worn down and exhausted. Someone walking a similar walk as me recommended this book. Written like other Chicken Soup for the Soul books, reading a couple of stories a day seems to remind me that I am not alone in my feelings and gives me the strength to continue to take life one day at a time. Joan Lunden's own story and advice from experience alone is worth the price of this book. In the few short weeks I have had my book, I have given others away and recommended it to anyone who mentions their own struggles with daily caregiving of family members.