Watchful Eyes

About the Book

At twenty-five years old, Sheila Singleton is forced to make a life-changing decision. Will she commit her troubled younger sister, Nancy, to a mental institution, as the authorities have strongly suggested, or take her into her own home, with two small children and an unsympathetic husband?

Sheila made a brave choice, and moved her mentally ill sister in with her family in 1976. Watchful Eyes is the true story of Sheila Singleton's transformation from hopeless observer, as Nancy's demons threaten to destroy her, to competent caregiver, licensed social worker, and loving sister. When Nancy is diagnosed with schizophrenia, Sheila is determined to find a way to help her sister and at age 37, returns to college to pursue a new career in social work.

Watchful Eyes is the combination of Sheila Singleton's three decades of personal experience caring for her sister, and her professional work helping others in similar situations. Readers will learn successful ways to navigate the complex and challenging role of caregiver, and learn the true meaning of compassion from the inspiring story of Sheila and her sister.

Filled with helpful tips, real-life situations, and heartfelt support, Watchful Eyes is a must-have guide for anyone committed to caring for another human being.

About the Author

Sheila Singleton, LMSW, lives in Brooklyn with her fiancé and sister, where she is a project director for a caregiver?s program in Brooklyn. She received a bachelor?s degree in psychology from St. Francis College and a master?s degree in social work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Singleton has completed two years of postgraduate study at the Ackerman Institute for the Family.