A Gift for a Caregiver

I constructed a bulky black binder filled with letters from doctors, test results, lists of medications, questions for medical professionals, and divided it neatly by tabs to keep order in my life. It followed me to every appointment I had with my baby, my severely multiply impaired baby. The binder held my tears and my sanity while granting me a sense of order during a chaotic period.

I wish I would have had Jolene Philo's The Caregiver's Notebook: An Organizational Tool and Support twenty years ago. My eclectic style binder did a decent job of holding the craziness of caring for a disabled child but Jolene's new book is an organizational idea on steroids.

 

I think the cover is absolutely lovely!

 

Jolene has thought of every detail of caregiving. It includes twelve sections concerning the care of a loved one, plus a section in the beginning instructing the best use of this tool. From medications to legal documents to a bible reading plan, a caregiver will have everything collected in one place to ease the confusion and stress caregivers often experience and promote their own well-being. I want to stress this book is for anyone who is a caregiver whether you care for a child, an adult or yourself. One feature I love is how portable it is. I still recall trying to hold onto my big black binder and push a wheelchair. The Caregiver's Notebook packs nicely in a large purse or diaper bag.

 

Jolene includes encouragement citing scripture references and inspirational quotes and stories. She also provides numerous stress relieving tips like this one found in the "Calendar" section: "Self-care is an essential part of caregiving that is often neglected. Each month, schedule respite days for yourself. Ask Family members and friends to sign up for days and times to care for you loved one while you take a much-needed break."

 

You can find helpful vlogs (video blogs) Jolene has created to help in filling this book out. She is a teacher first, writer/speaker second and knows all about being a caregiver. I'll let you discover that when you navigate her website at: www.differentdream.com

 

I would love to receive this book as a gift this Christmas if I didn't already own a copy. So now you need to think of who you can buy one for! It sells for $20.59 plus shipping on Amazon. You can also buy from Discovery House, Barnes & Noble, or Christian Book Distributors. If you want to make the gift extra special, you can check out Jolene's website on how to receive an autographed copy.

 



This tool is promoted as "An Organizational Tool and Support TO HELP YOU CARE FOR OTHERS." Although it couldn't be a more comprehensive organizational tool to care for others, it helps the caregiver take care of themselves as well. What a great gift the Christmas!



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