Every year, 65 million people give care to their frail, ailing, or disabled loved ones. Whether caregiving begins with a crisis or builds gradually, spouses, adult children, parents with sick children, even children themselves who care for parents and grandparents can find themselves struggling to navigate the often-confusing medical world while neglecting their own health and well-being. How can caregivers care for themselves when they are consumed with tending to someone else?

This indispensible guide offers the information, support, and resources needed to achieve this difficult balance. In addition to advice on maintaining one's own health and relieving stress, topics include medical terms and procedures, tips for doctor visits, ways to avoid mistakes in medicines, safety around the home, and the most common health problems. A list of resources and samples of important medical documents complete this essential manual.