Contact: Linda Owen, 210-691-2255
SAN ANTONIO, Feb 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Older Americans are living longer lives and that often means that they are unable to live independently. In 2005 a government-financed study found that more than 1 million children in our nation take care of sick or disabled parents or relatives-- shopping, feeding, dressing, medicating and even changing adult diapers. It can be an exhausting and distressing experience, with caregivers often feeling inadequately prepared for the job.
Many of these caregivers have been given help and hope by Starr and Bob Calo-oy. For 18 years Starr and Bob cared for terminally ill and Alzheimer patients in their own home until their "residents" passed away. Their first patient was a retired preacher with Alzheimer's disease, whom they brought into their home as a favor to a friend. Shortly thereafter, the preacher had a massive stroke and became their first hospice patient. The experience was so rewarding that the Calo-oys began working hand-in-hand with local agencies to provide residential care for others. Through the years they were caregivers for quadriplegics, paraplegics, head injuries, the disabled and elderly. Hundreds passed comfortably because of the Calo-oys' Christian commitment and loving care. Their most rewarding experiences were when guests proclaimed Jesus as their Lord before their deaths.
In 2006 they decided to write books and share what they had learned. After all the years of counseling relatives and struggling caregivers, it was only natural that they want to help and educate families who care for loved ones at home. They do this through their books, a radio talk show on San Antonio's KKYX, offering free caregiver's classes, and speaking to large groups. Starr's two new books, Caregiving Tips A-Z and Caregiving Tips A-Z: Alzheimer's & Other Dementias both give 1,200 tips for caregivers.
"We've seen so much grief and pain and people who didn't know what to do. I wanted to write books to tell people, 'You are capable; all you have to do is not be afraid or worried. We want you to know that someone cares and we have the answers you need,' "Starr says.
Starr's books provide the family caregiver with all the information necessary to keep their loved one in their home rather than sending them to a nursing home. To purchase Starr's books, visit the Calo-oy's website at http://www.caregiversadvice.net.
Print quality images to accompany this press release are available.
