In telling the story of her own struggle to learn how to care for her aging and ailing mother, a journalist offers helpful insights and advice to other caregivers who feel overwhelmed.

Includes index.

The early heroic rush -- The myth of assisted living -- The vestiges of family medicine -- A job for professionals -- The best doctors money can buy -- September eleventh -- September twelfth -- The biology, sociology, and psychology of aging -- A nursing home thanksgiving -- The Make-A-Wish Foundation -- Follow the money -- Therapeutic fibs -- Cruel sorting -- As complicated as a Rubik's cube -- The time for talking -- N-O-W -- Dying days -- Orphans.