Celebrating American independence brings to mind how dependent we are on our nation’s 65 million caregivers. Over the next 20+ years, the next civil rights issue we will face is a growing older population with more loved ones needing care as they age—whether diagnosed with a disease, disorder or living with a disability. There is a great need to recognize and support family caregivers, as they are our nation’s largest volunteer healthcare workforce. Particularly during July’s National Sandwich Generation Month, we celebrate those who are juggling children, career and caregiving for an older parent.

I first met Joan Lunden on the set of a special TV program she hosted for RLTV called Taking Care with Joan Lunden. She interviewed me as an expert on caring for an older loved one at home. I turned the tables on her and interviewed the famous TV interviewer for this story, which is excerpted from my book A Cast of Caregivers: Celebrity Stories to Help You Prepare to Care.