The Unexpected Journey of Caring: The Transformation from Loved One to Caregiver

When I learned this book was about to be published, I knew I would want to read it for three reasons: First, I worked with Donna Thomson on Bringing Care Home, a report I chaired for the then Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Eric Hoskins on homecare in Ontario, and knew Donna to be a dedicated, experienced caregiver and a fierce advocate for caregiving and homecare; second, I am passionately committed to ensuring that the role and importance of caregivers in our healthcare system is valued and supported; and third, I saw that Judy Woodruff had written the foreword. I am a big fan of Woodruff, who is the managing editor of PBS Newshour, a program of which I am a very loyal listener. I had no idea that Woodruff was a caregiver herself and that speaks volumes about the "hidden army," as Woodruff calls them, of caregivers who provide the largest share of care (estimated to be in the area of 70% in Canada) to their families, friends and neighbours. The authors have written this book to help caregivers find meaning in their caregiving experience and to provide them with tools to manage the transition and advocate for their loved ones.