October 2008 — Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month this November with Suzanne Mintz' new book: "A Family Caregiver Speaks Up ... It doesn't have to be this hard."

Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent, for The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, describes the book as an "inspirational call to arms for health policy change. Mintz has taken the discussion of family caregiving issues to the next level and clearly explains why they demand the attention of our elected officials."

According to Suzanne Mintz, president and co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association, "Today caregiving is much more than a personal family issue. It is the issue of our age because it will sooner or later affect every family in America, and we are not prepared either as individuals or as a society to deal with it."

"A Family Caregiver Speaks Up ... It Doesn't Have to Be This Hard" combines a cogent discussion of the policy implications of family caregiving with the authenticity of understanding and advice that only someone who walks in a caregiver's shoes can provide.

In A Family Caregiver Speaks Up, Suzanne Mintz, a family caregiver for over 30 years, speaks up for family caregivers and policymakers. The book offers practical advice for family caregivers on matters ranging from building confidence, protecting their health, how and why to reach out for help, financial management tips for interacting with the healthcare system and more. It is all about incremental steps and small things that make a difference, says Mintz. Small steps over time can add up to big accomplishments and a significantly different sense of self-esteem and capability.

Proceeds from the sale of A Family Caregiver Speaks Up will go to the National Family Caregivers Association for the continued support of family caregivers. More information on the book is available here or call 800-896-3650.

Grant funding for the development, transmission and promotion of this learning experience is provided by Medtronic Foundation, Forest Laboratories, Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation with additional support provided by Intel's Digital Health Group, AGIS, Eisai Inc., Evercare, and the MetLife Foundation.