Because having it your own way is important
by "Sam" Cradduck
How you want your coffee will always matter, even when you can't communicate it. This is your voice, when that time comes.
If something happened to you tomorrow… would the people you love know what to do?
Not just the big stuff—like legal documents or bank accounts—but the everyday things that keep life running. The little details that no one thinks to ask until they’re in the middle of a crisis. The routines that make you you. The comforts that keep you calm. The preferences that protect your dignity when you can’t explain them yourself.
The Care Instructions of Me is a practical, deeply human workbook designed to help you put your life in writing—clearly, lovingly, and in one organized place.
Created by gerontologist and aging advocate “Sam” Cradduck, this booklet gives you a simple way to document what matters most: how you want to be supported, what you need, and what the people closest to you should know if you ever need help.
Inside, you’ll be guided through sections that help you record:
your daily routines, preferences, and personal comforts
what helps you feel safe, calm, and respected
communication styles, triggers, and how you want to be approached
meals, habits, and the little things that bring peace
medical details, emergency contacts, and family notes
and the human details no form ever asks… but every caregiver wishes they knew
This isn’t about fear.
It’s about love.
It’s about giving your family a roadmap—so they’re not guessing.
It’s about protecting your dignity—so you are always treated like a person, not a task.
And it’s about creating peace of mind—for you and for the people who may one day have to step in.
Whether you’re planning ahead, caring for aging parents, managing a chronic illness, or simply trying to make life easier for the people you love… this workbook is one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave behind.
Because when the time comes…
your people shouldn’t have to wonder.
They should have your instructions.
Gerontologist and national TV host, Sondra “Sam” Cradduck empowers families and caregivers with dignity-centered tools that make aging feel more human, more manageable, and less lonely.
Welcome to the More Than Heart Bookstore—created by Sondra “Sam” Cradduck, a gerontologist, author, educator, and national TV host devoted to helping families navigate aging with dignity and clarity. These books aren’t just meant to be read—they’re meant to be used, written in, and returned to when life gets heavy. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, preparing for the future, or simply trying to understand what aging really looks like behind the scenes, you’ll find practical tools, compassionate guidance, and honest words that make the road feel less overwhelming—and a whole lot more human.
Caregiving doesn’t come with instructions—just a sudden weight you never expected to carry. A Bend in the Road – The Caregiver Journey is a gentle companion for the hard days, filled with comfort, truth, and guidance to help you stay grounded while you care for someone you love.
We don’t fear aging—we fear what we’ve been taught to believe about it. This book breaks the shame, challenges the myths, and brings humanity back to the aging journey with honesty, humor, and deep compassion.