From the AlzAuthors Blog: Rick Lauber, Author of "Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians" and "The Successful Caregiver’s Guide"

By Rick Lauber

What motivates a writer to write a book? It could be to share a story, educate/help the reader, or to entertain. I wrote both my books to support readers, raise awareness for a growing issue, increase understanding, and also to personally cope.

Before becoming a twice-published book author, I was a former co-caregiver (working with my two sisters) for my own aging parents (Mom had Parkinson’s disease and Leukemia while Dad had Alzheimer’s disease). This was not a job I was expecting or prepared for and came with a steep learning curve. Not only did I face a quick education about eldercare, I also had to deal with the physical, mental, emotional, and financial impacts of caregiving – it is certainly challenging to helplessly watch your parents decline.

Standing by as Dad’s Alzheimer’s disease progressed was heart wrenching … he not only forgot his own life and career but also me as his only son (I often say that I lost Dad twice – once when he didn’t recognize me anymore and once again when he passed away). As a means of managing my mounting stress, I turned to writing. Writing provided me a safe means to privately – or publicly – share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Some of my stories have remained forever saved on my computer’s desktop while others were published in newspapers, magazines, and blogs; these same stories became the platform for my two books – the first titled Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians and the second titled The Successful Caregiver’s Guide.

Following the publication of both my books, I have turned from author to promoter. While speaking about oneself and/or one’s own work can prove to be difficult for introverted writers, it is necessary as a writer is his/her own best salesperson. One of my favourite means of promotion is through bookstore signings where I will visit a bookstore for several hours and meet with store customers. My initial book signings proved to be quite nerve-wracking (as I felt like a fish in a fishbowl for all to see); however, I have become more comfortable and confident with personally meeting others who are preparing for caring, currently working as a caregiver, or recovering from a previous caregiving journey and have found these times to be valuable … I not only hear many touching stories from those I meet but also high praise for what I have written.

Feedback on both my books has included “Superbly written,” A lifesaver for anyone who is caring for elderly parents,” and “A wonderful, concise, practical book.” While writers may “sit” on a story and revisit it repeatedly to tweak the wording (meaning a story may never become published …), hearing from many readers about how helpful my books have been to them and their families, I am at peace with what I have written and have no regrets. I like to think that my father, a retired English Professor, would have been very proud of his only son’s writing accomplishments. I had never imagined writing a book – let alone two books! – but I am very pleased that I found the strength and courage to do this as well as a publisher who has continually supported me and believed in the idea.

Purchase Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians and The Successful Caregiver’s Guide

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For more vetted books about Alzheimer's and dementia visit the AlzAuthors Bookstore.