Life is all about transitions and learning how to cope with them, and recent decades have brought about a new phase of life for many people – the caring phase – during which they care for one or more parents or older relatives. Caring has proved a challenge for both society and individuals, with many people experiencing a steep and testing learning curve.

At the Coalface is a comprehensive guide for families caring for an older relative, providing extensive practical information on all aspects of caring; guidance on family relationships and dividing caring responsibilities fairly; and advice on coping, self-care and the impact of caring on emotional and physical health.

At the Coalface is arranged around six core areas:

• An introduction to caring

• Everyday caring and working with the health system

• Finances, managing the home and legal issues

• Getting help, including applying for financial aid and grants

• Relationships and the emotional impact of caring

• Coping and self-care Written by an author with almost a decade of family caring experience and who has worked with leading carers’ organisation Care Alliance Ireland, At the Coalface provides Irish families with the know-how to navigate the caring situation with confidence and to provide the best possible home care for their older relatives.

Written specifically for Irish carers, and with contact details for organisations that can provide help in specific areas, At the Coalface is essential reading for anyone caring for an older relative or those supporting carers.