MADISON AUTHOR PUBLISHES “STUCK IN THE MIDDLE,” REAL LIFE STORIES AND SUPPORT GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS OF ELDERLY PARENTS

Book Release Party To Be Held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church
       
WHAT: For more than 75 million people in the United States providing care for a aging parent, Madison resident, Darby Puglielli and her mother, Barbara McVicker of Columbus, Ohio have released “Stuck in the Middle: Shared Stories and Tips for Caregiving Your Elderly Parents.” The book provides real-life short stories by caregivers and a practical guide with tip lists. Written for those who may feel that no one understands their daily challenges and selfless contributions, it provides practical tips on important topics such as:

* end-of-life choices and questions to ask
* medical and legal documents all aging parents should have in place
* work/life strategies for caregivers
* communication tips… how to talk so they can listen
* senior housing options, and

WHEN: Monday,
April 7, 2008

* 6:30 p.m. light appetizers provided by Attic Angel Community and information available
* 7:00 p.m. presentation and question/answer time

WHERE: A book release party will be held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 6205 University Ave. Madison, WI. Media is welcome.

WHY: Isolation and stress can lead to depression among caregivers. Studies indicate that caregivers who provide care 36 or more hours per week are more likely than non-caregivers to experience depression or anxiety. For those caring for a parent the rate is twice as high; for spouses the rate is six times higher.

Caregivers put their own health at risk. Family caregivers experiencing extreme stress have been shown to age prematurely, taking as much as 10 years off a family caregiver’s life, according to the National Academy of Sciences.

Corporations Feel the Pinch of Aging Population. Family caregivers comprise 13 percent of the workforce. American businesses can lose as much as $34 billion each year due to employees’ need to care for loved ones 50 years of age and older.

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CONTACT: Melissa Rapp, Phone: 614.428.7277; E-mail:
marapp@columbus.rr.com or Darby Puglielli, Phone: 608.294.0358; E-mail: darby.puglielli@gmail.com