The author of From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor launches her 2nd book entitled The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers. Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman declares the book is a labor of love to caregivers all over the country. It was released on August 13, 2021, on her mother’s birthday, who passed away four years ago at 97-years old. Dr. Hickman’s siblings share that their mother’s life was expanded due to the care provided.

The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers is an assemblage of essential information to navigate the personal and business side of the caregiving journey. Knowing our loved one’s health information, vital statistics, insurance information, and end-of-life wishes is imperative. Operating proactively in the caregiver role reduces the stress and strain of an already challenging role.

Dr. Hickman offers recommendations in the acronyms B-I-S-K that facilitated her while caregiving. B – (Be Prepared), I – (Important Information is Vital), S – (Support Systems are Matter), and K – (Know Your Loved one’s Wishes). After leaving her nursing leadership position in August 2013 to care for her mother, she became a full-time caregiver, and understanding these concepts made all the difference.

The book offers proactive advice advantageous to answering the question “Where Is” in the caregiving space.

What reviewers say about the book:

“Great read! Highly recommend! Well-organized, critical information at your fingertips. No research needed. The book is clear, precise, and needed. The guidance is what every caregiver should have. The author offers her in-depth personal and professional perspective and provides us with an example of what it means to be proactive while supporting a loved one.” — Dr. Juanita Braxton

“Significant information!! Well written and an easy read! I would recommend this book to others. Dr. Hickman continues her work ‘From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver’ with this newly released ‘Black Book of Information for Caregivers’. This book is a handy practical reference with specific activities for anyone needing to be prepared for the role of caregiving.” — Brenda L. Lewis- MSN-Ed., RN.

“My mother passed away 24 years ago, and I was her caregiver. I was only 23-years old with 3 children, serving our country. There was so much I did not know about caregiving. I recently read The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers by Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman. The information in this book is invaluable for anyone who wants to prepare as a caregiver or is in the midst of caregiving. The Legal section is imperative in “getting things in order.” Many of us have no clue what needs to occur prior to or after a loved one has passed on. This book will support your understanding and then some. Thank you so much, Dr. Hickman, for taking us through your journey and providing insightful details on how to get affairs in order.” — Dr. Angela D. Pearson

About the author

Dr. Cynthia Jean Hickman completed her Ph.D. in Health Services specializing in leadership and her Masters in Nursing with a specialization in nursing education, both from Walden University. Her undergraduate studies include a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A & M University, and she received a diploma in nursing from the Toledo Hospital School of Nursing, Toledo, Ohio. Population and community health and wellness in the caregiving space is her passion. She has over 30 years of nursing and leadership experience.

Dr. Hickman is the 2019 Social Change Fellow and grant recipient of Walden University. Her research focuses on older adults and family members who serve as their caregivers.

She holds memberships in professional organizations like the National Black Nurses Association, Walden University Multicultural and International Student Society (Vice President), Walden University Ambassador and Alumni member (Texas Chapter), Prairie View A & M University College of Nursing Mentoring Program, Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Association, Zeta- Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society (Honorary).

Learn more about Dr. Hickman and her books at https://cynthiajhickman.info or find her book on Amazon.

(This story first appeared in Black News)