Book excerpt: The challenges of life for elders can be daunting. Whether you are an elder or a caregiver, you don't have to do this alone. I know the journey isn't easy, and through my experience as an elder care nurse, and your effort and greater understanding, we can help develop a life that elders want and deserve, even when they need assistance. In this book, I will help you understand the impacts of aging, challenges of daily life, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, home health and hospice. In addition, I will guide you on how to help your senior loved ones and determine how to integrate family and friends to assist with elder care. Navigating Elder Care provides you with concrete tools to manage the challenges and embrace multiple possibilities for supporting elders. The insights and guidance provided here are based on over a decade of experience, leadership, and education as a certified gerontology nurse working in senior living, elder care, and dementia support.