Rating: Summary: I am not alone. Review: I have been the caregiver for my aging father for the past four years, since the death of my mother in 1997. His dementia is worsening as time goes on and he is getting harder and harder to reason with. I was so thankful to have the book "Elder Rage" to read, because I learned that some of the terrible guilty feelings that I have been experiencing were actually "NORMAL" whatever "NORMAL" is. Jackie was able to demonstrate the trials and tribulations of dealing with elderly parents in an informative yet humorous way. It really does help to remember that adding humor to serious situations makes life much more bearable.I for one am very thankful that Jackie took the time to write this book and share her experiences with me. I recommend it to anyone who is going through this saga. You know what they say, "Misery loves company". Thank you Jackie, my best to you and yours. PS: I love reading the updates about your parents on your website.
Rating: Summary: This is an Amazing Book Review: This book was so helpful and insightful, I had no idea what this disease encompassed and now feel better after reading it to see what is ahead of me, I feel after reading this book, I am better prepared to handle this disease. I acutally found this book more helpful than the gerontologist that we recently visited. I have a saying that I always apply it to everything "There are many doctors in the world, fortunately they are not all recommended" I thank my guardian angel for directing me to this book. Thank you Jackie for making my mind feel more at ease, for after reading your book and hearing from coworkers that they feel the book was written about their parent, I inserted Dad's name into many instances and realized that its the disease and not the person or us. I have been recommending your book to everyone. Again, Thank You,
Rating: Summary: A book that everyone with aging family members must have ! Review: Jacqueline Marcell has taken a courageous stand in exposing all the many misunderstandings that have resulted from this type of dementia. Countless family members have suffered and are continuing to suffer from the tragic outcomes that this "Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde" personality tends to create. I know from my own experience with my father, that without the proper help and support this situation only gets worse and leaves tragic consequences for the family for years to come. Thank heaven for Jacqueline Marcell and her desire to tell her story - but with humor and love ! May this wonderful book start the much needed education that so many of us so badly need !
Rating: Summary: A must read! Review: I first heard about Jacquline's book in the AARP paper we received in the mail. I ordered the book and 3 days later, I was reading it and couldn't put it down! Anyone with elderly parents will find it extremely helpfull, funny, sad, and informative all at the same time! Altough my Mother hasn't been diagnosed with dimentia, it certainly explains her mood swings, and some behaviors that are being demonstrated. I don't feel alone in this upcoming battle, and certainly not as fearfull, as now my family will know what to do, thanks to this wonderfull book!! It is a "must read" for anyone with elderly parents and I will be eternally greatfull to Jacquline for having the courage to share her experiences with all of us. Mari-Lynn Jones
Rating: Summary: Best Source for Information/Encouragement/Support Review: This is the first book I've found that has it all - information you need, encouragement, and support groups. It's a very emotionally-binding book that gives you the resources and fortitude to cope with this very real situation. Most people throw their hands up and don't know what to do or where to turn. I never realized there was so much help and information out there, until I explored Jacqueline's book and reached out to some of the groups mentioned. I always received immediate responses, even from Jacqueline, herself. No one should be alone or left in the dark with this growing situation. The book definitely is a MUST for BOTH caregivers and caregivers OF caregivers. Thanks to Jacqueline for bringing this subject to us in such a personal way that we can really understand it, and thank you, Jacqueline, for offering all the help that you have found out there.
Rating: Summary: Daughter or "Gerontologist?" Review: I have lived through the same nightmare as Jacqueline Marcell and I can tell you- no "gerontologist" can take care of your parents better than you can-or knows more about them than you do. Yes- "professionals" can help; can offer sugggestions, but when it comes to making decisions -it's solely a family affair. I saw no "inappropriate medicating" of parents in this book- medication is a lifesaver for both the dementia patient and the caregiver. The goal is for ALL of us (families) to survive this disease, as long as possible and with as few life-threatening catastrophes as possible. I found the book funny, brutally honest and REAL. This is REAL life- it represents our REAL parents and Jacqueline's story is REALLY the way things happen when we find ourselves facing dementia in our own families. It's a "must-read" for all caregivers, physicians, nurses and other caretakers.
Rating: Summary: Wonderful and VERY helpful Review: I felt so alone till I read this book. When I moved my father in with me I had NO idea what I was in for. This book helped me so much. It helped me with all the emotions I was feeling guilty about. I could really relate to this book and did not feel so alone. I laughed, I cryed, I understood what she was going through. I think it is a book everyone needs to read because everyone will go through this with someone in their lifetime; a parent, spouse, or friend, etc. Thank you Jacqueline for writting this book.
Rating: Summary: Great personal perspective Review: I read this book with great interest, as I have provided health care for those with cognitive deficits for over 25 years. The emotional turmoil, the pain, and the dysfunctional family dynamics that occur during stressful times of medical crisis and illness is so well communicated in this book. This book will help caregivers recognize that they are not alone,and that many of the feelings that they feel guilty about are very normal for the situation. The book will also help medical professionals better understand and be empathetic to the daily turmoil that occurs when attempting to keep loved ones together in their home environment. I think the book is an inspiration to the human spirit of plowing through loads of closed doors to provide for loved ones what they need. Great job!
Rating: Summary: From one caregiver to another, I applaud Ms. Marcell Review: A recommended book. How many times has someone said "You got to read this book. I believe you will find it beneficial to you". You write the name down and then lose the slip of paper later. Since I am a caregiver, first for my father, then my beautiful mother, I decided to find that slip of paper in my purse and buy the book. Though my circumstances were somewhat different, the main theme -- baby boomers, it is your turn to take care of your parents. Fortunately Jacqueline was able to stop her life as it was and be so there for her parents. I went through much of the process of getting the right diagnosis, telling the doctor I was not moving until he gave some relieve for my parents. Why is this so hard. As I read each page, I would smile and I would have a tear. When Jacqueline got into bed with her mother, I felt her fear, her love, her anguish but I also felt her strength. Thank you for this book. May this book open up discussions between children and parents -- letting children know what their parents want and how they want to say goodbye with their dignity. Dealing with the aging mind, the same mind that told her about Disneyland-- now their lives are in fantasy land and she grabs reality when she can. Read this book before you need to. And if you are in the middle of "Elder Rage" get that piece of paper out of your purse or pocket with the name "Elder Rage" on it and buy the book. Thank you Ms. Marcell!
Rating: Summary: Elder Rage = Exceptional Patience Review: I read Jacqueline's book with great interest. The book reads very comfortably. Aging parents are not the easiest to care for. It's an emotional rollercoaster as you'll read in her book. I was horrified and touched by all that the author went through, but she kept pulling through with perseverance, love, and tons of patience. This book has been extremely helpful.
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