As a caregiver, I have read dozens of books to educate myself about caregiving. I found Roz Chasts' "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?" to be one of the best. But it occurred to me that, in any relationship, one person cannot carry the weight of the relationship; a relationship is a two-way street. For those of you whose parent can still read and comprehend even with mild dementia, is there a book that you gave them to read or from which you read them excerpts and it made a difference in your relationship?
Perhaps a children's book would be more appropriate to where FIL is mentally?
This is such a great book, and done in the drawn comic book way so easy to read. And it doesn't require all this mushy love. It is honest about how frustrating it is for everyone involved. I did share this book, yes, with my failing bro. It remains in his library in his home, though he himself is now in assisted living.
What a great recommend. I hope everyone reads it because it relieves us so much from preconceived idea of what the "ideal child" is in these situations, and--indeed--the non-existent ideal parent.
Thanks for this! Bet it is cheap used on Amazon now, for those folks who will use Amazon.
Not sure once they are 70/80 yrs old they will be able to change or appreciate you telling them they are wrong. Its hard to change someone when they have been doing the same thing for 50+years.
What is it that you are trying to instill in Mom. To appreciate what you do for her ... I think empathy is also one of the first things to go. They become selfcentered like toddlers. Caregiving of a person suffering from Dementia is pretty onesided.