Cynthia Martindale, Author Of 'Graceful Last Chapters', Believes End-Of-Life Planning Is Essential

    WILMINGTON, NC, April 28, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A recent article by Richard Harris on the Forbes website provided a wealth of information in regards to the need for end-of-life planning. In that article he discussed The Conversation Project, started by Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Ellen Goodman. He discussed Atul Gawande's best-selling book 'Being Mortal' and the box office hit movie 'The Fault in Our Stars' about dying teenagers. He also presented information regarding a cookbook entitled 'The Endless Table: Recipes from Departed Loved Ones' a cookbook that contains recipes contributed by Jasper White, Ina Garten, Jose Andres, Jody Adams and Tom Colicchio honoring those close to them. A central idea in the piece was the 'Death Over Dinner' project developed by Michael Hebb and Angel Grant where loved ones are honored over dinner.

All of these projects, and more like them, have been implemented to stress the need for end-of-life planning. Cynthia Martindale, author of 'Graceful Last Chapters', believes that end-of-life planning is more than important - it is essential. The key is to start before it is too late.

"People naturally come together around food," Martindale stated. "The comfort and warmth of shared mealtime encourages conversation, shared memories, storytelling, and even makes it possible to tackle uncomfortable topics. One such topic, conversations about personal wishes for end-of-life-care, is the premise behind Michael Hebb's 'Death Over Dinner' project, whose message is responsible for some 100,000 'death dinners' held in 30 countries during the last four years.

"On April 16, 2016, National Healthcare Decisions Day kicked off a week-long effort to convince people not to procrastinate about making their end-of-life wishes known. In fact, their 2016 theme for the week is, 'It's Always Too Early, Until It's Too Late.' Even if you don't want to organize a group dinner for this purpose, go to NHDD's website and click on Resources. There you'll find 29 options for free Advance Care forms, educational materials, state specific information, and the American Bar Association's tools for Health Care Advance Planning. Their 'Myths and Facts About Health Care Advance Directives,' by Charles Sabatino, is particularly useful."

Martindale is a seasoned veteran of all things senior-related. In 'Graceful Last Chapters', she shares her twenty years of experience with senior care in a voice filled with compassion, understanding, and an insider's point of view. As the primary caregiver for her parents in their declining years, as a sales and marketing director for senior living communities, and as a lawyer, Ms. Martindale brings readers a valuable resource about caring for aging loved ones. The book is filled with support and guidance for caregivers, clearly defined options for care, and the ways and means for readers to craft their own successful journey through caregiving challenges and heartbreak. Ms. Martindale offers readers fundamental knowledge, hope, a sense of identity and, ultimately, a path toward peace of mind.

Martindale combines her education, business expertise, and personal experiences to bring readers a valuable resource about caring for aging loved ones. The book's twenty-seven chapters are grouped into seven sections: (One) Considering Long-Term Care Options; (Two) Caregiving Challenges; (Three) Creating a Plan; (Four) Aging in Place With Additional Care; (Five) Senior Living Communities; (Six) Touring Senior Communities; and (Seven) After the Bloom Fades. The chapters build gradually to mimic the progression of the journey caregivers take with their senior loved one, whether that individual is their mother, father, aunt, uncle, sibling, spouse, friend, or neighbor.

'Graceful Last Chapters' has achieved a perfect 5 star rating on Amazon. One reviewer stated, "It is rare to encounter such an obviously experienced counselor in the field of Senior Care as Cynthia who demonstrates on every page of this impressive and ultimately authoritarian guide such tenderness, calm and candor." Another said, "This book captures not only the practical information on choices for seniors but it deals with the tougher emotional side of caring for loved ones as they age."

"However you decide to begin the conversation about end-of-life-wishes -- whether it's for yourself, a family member, a loved one, or a dear friend -- just begin," Martindale concluded. "Your gift of completed documentation delivers peace of mind and assures your end-of-life plays out the way you've designed it. But equally important, your loved ones are saved from the doubt and despair of trying to guess what your wishes would have been. And remember, 'It's always too early, until it's too late.'"

Cynthia Martindale is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at [email protected]. 'Graceful Last Chapters: Helping Seniors Who Need More Care' is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. More information is available at http://www.bookforcaregivers.com.

Cynthia Neher Martindale holds degrees from Hillsdale College (B.A. in English), Northern Illinois University (M.A. in English), and Valparaiso University School of Law (J.D.). Graceful Last Chapters: Helping Seniors Who Need More Care is the result of her years as both a sales and marketing director for senior living communities and as the primary caregiver for her parents. She lives in Flossmoor, Illinois, with her husband and son.

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