William J. Grote

William J. Grote has a degree in journalism and spent over 35 years in the publishing industry, specializing in technical manuals and helping guides. As editor of an architectural magazine, his job included writing technical articles and news releases.

He was introduced into the field of aging when his once-independent 78-year-old mother began exhibiting signs of dementia. He learned “on the job” the sometimes-overwhelming complexities and emotional rollercoaster of dealing with every aspect of the process, from doctor visits, the understandable resistance of a person clinging to independence, the medical issues, finding appropriate housing – to the inevitable end. He wrote the first edition of "Helping Your Aging Parent" soon after, in 2002. Now, with the clarity of hindsight and with a newfound levity only the passage of time will allow, in this revised edition he provides a lighter, warmer, more personal look while retaining all the detailed facts, choices, and guidance you'll find essential if you take this challenging but greatly rewarding journey.

He carefully lists actions you can take in helping your aging parent -- like closely inspecting nursing homes before your parent needs one, what to look for behind the scenes while inspecting independent living homes, exactly what to bring with you to the doctor's appointment, and how to get doctors and nurses to take special care of your parent while they're stuck in the hospital.

Now retired, Mr. Grote spends his time writing, but also making wine each year with grapes from his own micro-vineyard in San Diego, and tending his garden of rare fruit trees.