Books

To Survive Caregiving by Cheryl Woodson, MD

To Survive Caregiving

To Survive Caregiving: A Daughter's Experience, A Doctor's Advice- 2nd edition

How does a doctor cope when she specializes in older adults and struggles to care for her own ailing parent? Dr. Woodson shares her experience as daughter and geriatrician in this new resource for family caregivers. The book shoots from the hip and from the heart, using everyday language, real caregiver stories, compassion and humor to bring practical information to overwhelmed caregivers. Although it focuses on elder care, the book helps with caregiving for any age, or any illness. This guide encourages caregivers to protect their own health, finances and relationships while they make the tough decisions and give great care.

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What Readers Say

"This book was more than helpful for anyone involved in caring for an elderly parent/relative. Full of practical information. The information was all the more relevant since the author had gone through the caregiving process herself. A must read for any caregiver!"
Brenda B. Trapp
I love this book because it gives practical, honest advice on how to give the best care to a loved one. It also gives you advice on caring for oneself, The title says it all.
Penelope White
Speaking as someone who is in the midst of full-time caregiving, I would highly recommend this book. It speaks right to what you are going through, and gives many helpful examples.
S Sherwin
I highly recommend this book to ANYONE over 50. If not for yourself as a caregiver, then for yourself as a part of the largest growing number of Seniors in American history. It offers valuable information on taking care of yourself now, thus allowing a smoother transition into the next phase of life. It also addresses issues related to healthcare and aging, along with more resources for helping implement changes to future healthcare laws. There is so very little information available on the topic of care giving for the elderly, Dr. Woodson filled the void with fresh, pertinent information anyone can incorporate.
Ruthellen
I highly recommend this book to ANYONE over 50. If not for yourself as a caregiver, then for yourself as a part of the largest growing number of Seniors in American history. It offers valuable information on taking care of yourself now, thus allowing a smoother transition into the next phase of life. It also addresses issues related to healthcare and aging, along with more resources for helping implement changes to future healthcare laws. There is so very little information available on the topic of care giving for the elderly, Dr. Woodson filled the void with fresh, pertinent information anyone can incorporate.
Ruthellen
Dr. Woodson's book is a must read for anyone in a caregiver role. The message she imparts needs to be heard - especially for those in the sandwich generation and those tasked with being the primary caregiver of an aging parent. She writes in an easy to read style; one laced with humor and wisdom - a great combination!
B. Diekema
The book is an excellent presentation of the subject. It provides a portrait of a caregiver and plenty of information about medical aspects related to the subject. Dr. Woodson brings a sense of humor to the pages that represent a deep serious look at this topic. She also brings her personal experience, compassionate concern and dignity to her writing-- which she mirrors in her life as a medical doctor. It's a narrative that can make you laugh or fill your eyes with tears. There is a wealth of wisdom that she shares with her readers. There is inspiration, motivation and good advice. She does not "sugarcoat" the realities of caregiving.
Eva Quiñones-DaileyRetired Educator
This is an outstanding book! Addressing the concerns of giving respectful and helpful care to the senior, and taking good care of the caregiver, with advice and ideas, I found this to be an extraordinarily helpful book. Thanks Dr. Woodson, a truly caring, professional, caregiver who has been through it.
Nance T
Dr. Woodson should be commended for her time and expertise in writing the book. Everyone can benefit from the advice presented in the book. I was impressed with Dr. Woodson's ability to write a book which could be utilized in various life situations. Generally, the caregiver is not prepared for the challenge of becoming an expert in an unknown role of life. Thanks, for writing the book. I have encouraged others to buy the book.
Shannon
Our generation is working full time, raising our children and now our parents are aging. This book provides insight and tools to help you survive this new reality. Her expertise is appreciated. I enjoyed the audio version of this book!
Barbara Karstrom
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The Doctor Is In by Cheryl Woodson, MD book cover

The Doctor is IN

Answering Your Questions About How to Survive Caregiving

Do you have questions about how to take care of seniors without destroying yourself? The Doctor is IN.
This is companion book to the second edition of Dr. Cheryl’s popular resource, To Survive Caregiving: A Daughter’s Experience, A Doctor’s Advice. This book offers the Five Keys to Caregiver Survival and Dr. Cheryl’s unique perspective: a doctor with over 30 years of experience teaching and practicing Geriatric Medicine and a daughter who navigated her mother’s 10-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Each chapter answers a specific question caregivers asked in Dr. Cheryl’s medical practice or at her national presentations. These chapters tackle some of the most difficult challenges in eldercare, including how caregivers can manage their guilt, grief, stress, personal needs, and other responsibilities, balance a senior’s independence with their safety, and transition to life after caregiving. Dr. Cheryl also shows new caregivers how to “Prepare to Care.” In an especially poignant chapter, she speaks to “Another Kind of Widow,” the spouses of people with dementia. Other chapters dispel common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease and offer wisdom from the “Care Warriors”, seasoned caregivers Dr. Cheryl has known over the years. Dr. Cheryl informs, supports, and reassures caregivers that they can give excellent eldercare without sacrificing their health, finances, relationships, and their joy.

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What Readers Say

"Dr. Woodson's book is timeless and right on point. It is no-nonsense, easy to read, and comforting to a caregiver. This road isn't easy for anyone in this role. This is another tool in the box that's needed to guide you, the caregiver, through the journey."
Baroness F.
Dear Lauren Love Mom by Cheryl Woodson, MD

Dear Lauren, Love Mom

31 Days of Affirmations for My Daughter, for Myself, and for YOU

No heart bleeds like a woman’s heart, especially the heart of a mother who had to watch her daughter go through a period of great struggle. Mom felt so powerless that she poured her love and support into these affirmations. Each message declares that her daughter is a magnificent woman who deserves to have good in her life and has the absolute right to stop tolerating distressful situations and people. Mom intended to strengthen her daughter. She did not expect to heal herself. As she wrote, Mom felt the words seep into her spirit and heal old hurts that she didn’t know she carried. Like many other women, she buried her pain to focus on the people she loved. In writing to her daughter, Mom learned that hidden hurts don’t heal. Their poison drains our energy, destroys our hope, and convinces us to give up our dreams. It also erodes our love for ourselves, persuades us to believe we are helpless, and makes us accept damaging circumstances. That stops here! Let this book guide you to heal your hurts. Each affirmation comes with a specially-selected photograph that harnesses the glory of nature to make your spirit soar. Let these images and uplifting messages comfort and inspire you. Whether you are a grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, or mentor, the people you support are watching you deal with your pain. Let these pages release your power to walk the path of self-care, reclaim your joy, and show others that they deserve to heal too.

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What Readers Say

Dear Lauren, Love Mom is full of beautiful, tranquil, poignant photographs, but they're not the reason I bought two additional copies. The writing is indeed affirming. It's also inspiring and empowering and, more often than not, gave me chills. I plan re-reading these affirmations when I need a boost or even when I'm simply feeling joyful. I certainly could have loaned this book to my two daughters and saved some money, but I'm practicing self-love. In the words of Dr. Woodson, "It's about me, too. I consider my needs as well as the needs of others." I need this book and they need it, too. Dear Lauren, Love Mom is an amazing gift to give to yourself and all the women in your life.
Kristin Oakley
I chose this book as trip gifts for the 4 of us mature women as we embarked upon a Sisters (2) week long getaway. Each day, we read out loud to each other one of the assigned affirmations. We then discussed the personal meaning it revealed. We each “grew” individually and collectively. This ritual created a very powerful, trusting, enlightening, and empathetic bonding for us. I hope other women can have this experience!
Adrienne Mims MD
This beautifully written and illustrated book by Dr. Cheryl Woodson gives the reader an intimate portrait of the author's beliefs, feelings about the world in general and more particularly about those she loves. It is a visit into her mind as she struggles with life's challenges and enjoys its benefits. It reaffirms her belief in herself as she makes decisions concerning the course of her life. Rarely, can a reader sit in on an author's reasoning as she simultaneously addresses both herself and her readers, seeking an approach to a fuller, more meaningful life.
Marcia Ontell
This book of wisdom of empowering inspirations for women and girls appeals in these unprecedented times where resilience and perseverance are needed by us all. The page: "I will tell my inner little girl, 'You can ride, you can't drive,' " brought tears with its facing photograph of a Great Northern loon with a hatchling on her back.
Del
Beautifully laid out and fantastically inspiring. Affirms human emotion and experiences with wisdom for weathering and embracing the journey! Bought several more to share with those I love!
Amazon Customer
The positive wisdom shared on each page is inspirational. I started by reading it, then started reading it to my mother, who is enjoying each new section. You will want to read it and share with others!!! I did!!!!
Lroberts
Just received this book and was immediately captivated by the outpouring of pure love, warmth, humor, practicality and joy. It's a beautiful book for moms, daughters, friends, sisters, sons and just for ourselves. Keep it, give it, share it for many years to come. I just purchased one for a friend's daughter who is pregnant with her first daughter! I know she will love it. Find your daily moment of loveliness in the pages. You and your loved ones deserve it!
Carolyn Johnson
This is a beautiful book. Both the affirmations and the accompanying pictures inspired me to consult this book several times a day during this trying time. "Dear Lauren, Love Mom" is a perfect gift for loved ones and friends as well.
Wilma B. Jenkins
I really enjoyed reading the affirmations. They made me consider my actions and the impetus behind some of them. Reading the book turned into an act of "freeing myself". The illustrations were also quite appropriate and one can tell that quite a bit of work went into choosing them.
Amazon Customer
I loved Dear Lauren, Love Mom!!!!! This book is a treasure! This book really affirms that wherever you are in life, young or old you really are okay, and keep moving.... UP! So many inspirational thoughts....along with beautiful photos that correspond so well....So excited to share.... Perfect for Mothers Day coming up too! Thanks Dr. Cheryl for your outstanding gift to women of all ages!
Susan
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Dear Lauren Love Mom by Cheryl Woodson, MD -- Workbook & Journal

Dear Lauren, Love Mom

31 Days of Affirmations for My Daughter, for Myself, and For YOU - Workbook and Journal

Readers of the inspirational photographic book, Dear Lauren, Love Mom: 31 Days of Affirmations for My Daughter, for Myself, and for YOU, requested a workbook to guide their discussions. In this volume, Dr. Cheryl reviews each affirmation, offers insightful comments, and poses thoughtful questions that stimulate honest introspection. She also provides ample journaling space so each reader can record thoughts, feelings, and plans to grow and overcome the scars life has placed on the heart. Specific instructions guide group leaders to create a safe, encouraging, supportive, and judgement-free space where attendees can move toward self-care strategies and true healing. Other instructions show readers how to use the journal pages to tell the truth to themselves and walk on their individual paths with resilience, grace, and joy. Whether readers walk with safe, supportive partners or by themselves, Dr. Cheryl wants them to know they are loved and deserve joy.

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