Contact: Adam Cothes, Publicist, WinePress Publishing Group, 360-802-9758, adam@winepressgroup.com

ENUMCLAW, Wash., Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over five million American citizens are 85 years and older. Almost two million live in nursing facilities and that number is expected to increase dramatically in the next 25 years.

According to the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging:

• By 2026, the population of Americans ages 65 and older will double to 71.5 million.

• Between 2007 and 2015, the number of Americans ages 85 and older is expected to increase by 40 percent.

• By 2020, 12 million older Americans will need long-term health care.

A Registered Nurse, Virginia Garberding has more than 20 years experience with the geriatric population. For the past 10 years, she has also functioned as a nurse educator for the Wealshire, a pioneering facility in the care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Garberding's new book, "Please Get to Know Me" (WinePress, 2008), addresses the many needs and questions of patients heading into the nursing care stage of life.

Says Garberding, "The elderly is the fastest growing demographic segment of our population. As we hear of more and more people reaching that hundred mark, their children or potential caregivers are themselves in their 70's and 80's. The aging of America will be taking on a whole new meaning."

"Please Get to Know Me", is written from the standpoint of a professional health care worker and from personal experience. Virginia's mother is currently a nursing homes resident, she knows firsthand the questions of concerned patients and their families.

"Elderly people want what everyone else wants. They want to be known for who they are, where they have been, recognized for what they have done and the comfort of living with those who know them. Coming to the understanding of this and seeing my mother become a nursing home resident compelled me to write my book, 'Please Get To Know Me'."

Virginia and her husband Gerald live in Indian Creek, Illinois. The Garberdings have been married for over forty years and are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren.

To order visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877-421-7323. For a review copy or to schedule an interview please contact Adam Cothes at 360-802-9758 or adam@winepressgroup.com.