The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers: Looking After Yourself and Your Family While Helping an Aging Parent

by Barry J. Jacobs

Caring for a parent whose health is in decline turns the world upside down. The emotional fallout can be devastating, but it doesn't have to be that way. Empathic guidance from an expert who's been there can help. Through an account of two sisters and their ailing mother--interwoven with no-nonsense advice--The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers helps family members navigate tough decisions and make the most of their time together as they care for an aging parent. The author urges readers to be honest about the level of commitment they're able to make and emphasizes the need for clear communication within the family. While acknowledging their guilt, stress, and fatigue, he helps caregivers reaffirm emotional connections worn thin by the routine of daily care. This compassionate book will help families everywhere avoid burnout and preserve bonds during one of life's most difficult passages.

Genres: Self Help

261 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really expresses all that I’m feeling, this roller coaster of emotions, the fictive part as well as the real questions . It helps knowing that you’re not the only one feeling these mixed emotions.

[Gordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was actually very disappointed by this book....

I appreciate what the author was trying to do: use a fictional scenario to highlight many of the challenges caregivers face. However, as a caregiver myself, I have to say....it didn't work.

When you're in the experience, you need practical advice that you can put into practice: like another Goodreads reviewer, I found myself skimming for the insights and avoiding the fiction.

It's OK, but not worth a lot of time.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is good information in here but you have to skim to get to it. I didn't like the fake story of the sisters used throughout the book to express certain ideas. They may have been based on a conglomeration of his clients but I found it to be in the way of the important stuff. I would have preferred different perspectives for different issues.

[M.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting format. Two fictional sisters are dealing with the caregiving of their mother in different ways, interspersed with the author's analysis and expertise.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful for caregivers.