The Caring Spirit Approach to Eldercare A Training Guide for Professionals and Families By Nancy L. Kriseman, M.S.W. Foreword by William H. Thomas, M.D.

"This approach appeals to the spirit of those giving care while offering a fresh vision of what is possible in caring relationships. This book is a gift offering self care and self discovery for caregivers seeking inspiration and creative expression. The Caring Spirit approach should enhance the quality of lives, comfort and healing relationships in any setting."
—Lisa P. Gwyther, MSW, Director, Family Support Program, Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center

"The emphasis on 'conscious caring' is a welcome addition to the literature on long-term care. This book helps administrators, staff, families, and residents understand how living and working in a long-term care facility can be a blessing to all."
—Susan H. McFadden, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

"This programatic book is a helpful contribution to the expanding literature for implementing spiritual values and concepts in long-term care facilities."
—Melvin A. Kimble, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Theology, Director of The Center for Aging, Religion and Spirituality Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN

"an excellent, insightful training guide for staying connected to our hearts and souls as we perform the sacred work of eldercare … [the book] should be required reading for all managers in long-term care facilities"
-Interfaith Voice, National Interfaith Coalition on Aging

"[Kriseman's] step-by-step training exercises to help caregivers become more insightful, soulful, sacred, connected, and spiritual are warm and inviting and will definitely feed the soul, as well as improve long-term care environments."
– Journal of Christian Nursing


"[The Caring Spirit’s] understanding and presentation of spirituality is particularly sensitive… [the] lesson plans are simple and easy to follow [and] the exercises are interactive and enable participants to go deeper in their understandings and experience of caregiving … The Caring Spirit will go a long way to providing a foundation for excellence in caregiving."
—Donald Koepke, Director, Center for Spirituality and Ethics in Aging

Comments from staff trained in The Caring Spirit™

"The Caring Spirit™ has helped me to see my purpose for why I do this work."

"This training has helped me to see how important it is to be spiritual at work and with the residents."

"It has taught me to be more care oriented instead of task oriented, to show more compassion."

"[It] made me realize that you can make a difference in somebody’s life everyday and not even know that you have done so. Even a smile can change people."