INTERVIEW: Author Candace E. Esham Champions Elder Care Reform

Welcome to the Tuesday Author Interview with Christina Boyd for the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

CHRISTINA: I have known Candace E. Esham's mother, Lucilla, a writer, too, since I was a teenager back in my home state of Delaware. Again, social media reconnected me with her, and I learned her daughter recently published a book about how to advocate for senior citizens. Her next book signing is scheduled at the Myrtle Beach Barnes & Noble on June 29 from 12 pm to 3 pm. Their address is 3346 Reed Street, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You can bet if I were anywhere near Myrtle Beach, I would drop in.

Candace Esham celebrating Christmas with Memom

When did you first think you had a book to write, and how did you start? 

CANDACE: My book began as journal entries in August 2020 to keep track of the impacts of isolation from the COVID-19 lockdowns on Memom [her grandmother] and our family. Since the pandemic affected the entire world, I felt called to capture the details from a personal perspective in hopes of sharing learnings from the events. I did not anticipate my advocacy journey including the success of six laws passed to improve senior care, but documenting the strategy proved to be a critical part of my goal to inspire others. Laying out an outline of the style of books I like to read helped my book vision come to life.

CHRISTINA: Wow! I'm impressed.

What do you wish you had known before you started writing a book?

Candace Esham with Representative Johnson and Senator Mantzavinos on bill signing day August 2024

CANDACE: While writing a book seemed daunting originally, I wish I knew how much sharing my story would help me heal. As founder of the Delaware Elder Care Advocacy Coalition, I engage with families within Delaware and across the nation on strategies for better care for our seniors. While connecting with other advocates throughout the process of passing legislation, their enthusiasm for learning more about how six laws were passed encouraged me to continue writing.

CHRISTINA: That's a powerful sentiment.

What is your current project or latest release?

CANDACE: My latest release is Locked Out: Elder Neglect and the Keys to Change. My book covers four years of advocacy for improving senior care, beginning with challenging conditions leading to the death of my grandmother, Memom. Capturing the emotional journey of losing a loved one to neglect, including the trauma of lockdowns in the pandemic, and the fight for significant change in policy with successful results has not been covered in one book. I believe the topics detailed in my book will aid others in starting a movement across America and globally to allow all seniors to age with dignity.

Locked Out: Elder Neglect and the Keys to Change by Candace Esham

CHRISTINA: I am so glad you were able to channel your grief into this important book.

Best advice for new writers:

CANDACE: The best advice I was given is to write the book you want to read. Lay out a theme for the overall message of your book and who you envision will read it. Don’t try to force a certain number of words per day. Writing is a creative, rewarding process, and if you put too many rules to what works for you, then it may stifle your voice. Choose a topic that you are passionate about, and writing will become a lot more natural. Words can always be edited, but you must start somewhere.

CHRISTINA: Too true. Can't write a book if you don't start.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

CANDACE: I hope my readers realize the power of their voices and utilize strategies I outline in my book to advocate for not only seniors but any societal issue. There is an epidemic of senior neglect in America that demands a major overhaul of the care system. Also, the lockdowns in the COVID-19 pandemic will mark a time in history that should be studied so that we never repeat the horrors of neglect and isolation. Aging with dignity is a basic human right and how we should all aspire to be treated.

CHRISTINA: Thank you for your time to answer my questions, and especially, many thanks for your efforts to advocate on behalf of our senior citizens. Best wishes.

Candace Esham, author, senior citizen advocate

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Candace Esham is an engineer turned elder care advocate whose personal tragedy sparked a movement for change. After losing her beloved grandmother to neglect in an assisted living facility, Esham founded the Delaware Elder Care Advocacy Coalition. Her tireless efforts led to the passage of six landmark bills improving oversight and care standards in long-term care facilities. Esham's unique background in regulatory compliance and performance improvement, combined with her personal experience, brings a powerful perspective to the fight for elder rights. She has been featured in The News Journal and recognized with the 2024 Lt. Governor's Challenge Community Spotlight Award for her advocacy work. When not championing elder care reform, Esham enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with her family and Goldendoodles Carter and Dallas. 

Connect with Candace via:

Website

Facebook, Delaware Elder Care Advocacy Coalition

Instagram: @DelawareElderAdvocates

LinkedIn