Submissions wanted (eldercare) | $200 per piece

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Deadline: 30 January 2021

Eldercare on an ongoing basis is a very difficult task, whether the care is in your home, the person’s home, or an outside facility. Eldercare requires the caregiver to be patient, kind, compassionate and giving. And having a little humor doesn’t hurt! Are you providing eldercare for a spouse, partner, or sibling due to dementia, chronic illness, permanent physical or mental disabilities, or just plain old age? Did you move in with an older family member to care for him or her? Are you part of the “sandwich” generation—caring for a parent and a child at the same time?

Think of this book as a portable support group to help others. Everyone needs support, and sometimes we feel so alone when we’re caring for elderly family members who are living a new normal. We are looking for true stories that show our readers how lives and relationships change when eldercare becomes necessary. They will provide practical advice, encouragement, insight and support.

By the way, we are in awe of professional caregivers, but we are only seeking stories from family members providing eldercare for this particular book.

Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more:

• Accepting the new reality
• Recognizing when eldercare is necessary
• Convincing the person that he or she needs help
• Moving day
• Cleaning out the old residence
• Meeting the challenges of everyday life
• Making important decisions
• Finding the blessings and gratitude in eldercare
• Dealing with the physical changes
• Dealing with the rollercoaster ride of emotions
• Reactions from the outside world
• Reacting to personality changes
• Asking others for help
• Coping with the stress
• Taking care of yourself, too, and your marriage and other relationships
• The lighter side – and there will be some funny moments!

The deadline for story and poem submissions is JANUARY 30, 2021.

Link: Story guidelines

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Submissions: Via the webform

Website: http://www.chickensoup.com