Elder Rage or Take My Father...Please! How to Survive Caring for Aging Parents

How to Survive Caring for Aging Parents Elder Rage or Take My Father...Please! How to Survive Caring for Aging Parents
Jacqueline Marcell
Impressive Press
ISBN: 0-9679703-1-8
Non-Fiction, Relationships, Elder Care
Reviewed by Pamela Crossland

With a strong seasoning of humor, Jacqueline Marcell leads us through what can only be regarded as one of the not so mythical circles of hell. She not only has to deal with her father's dementia and aggressive/violent behavior, but battles through the morass of medical professionals who do not value her accounts of the violence she has endured at her father's hands. She offers what she has learned to help those traveling down this dark path of elder care, much of it extremely practical; for example, putting a peep hole discreetly into doors so that the person suffering from dementia can be observed without being intruded upon.
In another setting, her constant references to television, movie, and song titles would be annoying. Considering what she was up against, it is rapidly apparent that this is a coping skill for her after all, no one teaches us how to deal with a parent who suddenly becomes violent and so neglectful (unintentionally) of his spouse she almost dies of an infection. She lays bare her despair and frustration; her major and minor triumphs.
The books ends with an addendum by Rodman Shankle, MD. This section will be invaluable to professionals as well as lay people who care for the elderly. Jacqueline's top ten recommendations should be read by every adult whether they ever expect to care for an elderly relative or not. Ms. Marcell's book will touch many more lives than she will ever hear about and we are all better for her writing it.