A Few Reviews for "Adopting Your Parents"
Simply and eloquently brings up issues
to consider that will help you...
"Melanie Ambrose wrote this book after caring for her parents for over twenty years. Even though she did not care for them in the Unites States, many of the same issues arise, no matter where you live.
Her writing is both heartfelt and empathetic. She raises many of the questions that need to be considered before taking on the responsibility of having your parents move in with you.
This book is a must read for anyone considering taking care of their parents. Not everyone has the desire or financial resources for their parents to spend their final years in an assisted living community or a nursing home. Many of our parents have an aversion to going to an 'old people's home.' I have heard children say, 'I would die before I put my parent into a nursing home.'
No matter whether it is due to financial resources or personal beliefs that you are choosing to have your parent(s) move in with you; this book will give you food for thought. It will bring up questions that need to be discussed before you move in together.
Taking over the care of your parents is a balancing act. It takes finesse to walk the fine line between allowing your parent to remain independent while keeping them safe. As Melanie so eloquently points out, no matter how frail our parents become, to them we will always be their child.
Melanie also explores the impact having one or two additional adults in the home has on the rest of the house hold. She is not afraid to point out areas of contention as well as areas of blessing.
What about when you can no longer care for them? How do you have that conversation? How do you deal with the emotions? Melanie has gone through all of this and brings insight and compassion as she discusses these delicate issues.
Adopting Your Parents, is not meant to persuade you one way or the other. It simply and eloquently brings up issues to consider that will help you make the right decision for both you and your parents. I highly recommend this book."
Christine Miller, RN, CSA
Certified Senior Advisor
www.HeartsAndHomesForSeniors.com
A must have resource
I have to say that many times I have offered to have my mother to come live with us as she is in her late 80's and has had several medical problems. However, not once did I think about the things that Ms. Ambrose talked about. In my mind, it would all work out and we would be happy campers. Well think again!
Even though I have a PhD in Family and Geriatric Care- they don't really prepare you for what is to come. Can you go back to being a child under your parents' watchful eye? Can you handle criticism? Can you handle medical emergencies or arguments that happen?
This is a wonderful resource from a wonderful lady who took care of her parents for twenty years! Can you imagine what that is like? She shares the good and bad in doing this, and out of loyalty we feel a need to do this. She is very upfront and honest about her experience. She can say exactly how she felt on certain days and wish she never did this and then there are days of great love and compassion between all. How do we handle that roller coaster?
Readers will find "Adopting Your Parents: What To Know Before Taking the Plunge" easy to read and understand. Ms. Ambrose is passionate, caring and wants to share her experiences. We all have conflicting views on what we want to do about our elderly and frail parents, but are you up for it- really up for it? She will touch your heart and soul in providing her experiences and feelings. We really need to look at reality and I think Ms. Ambrose will give it to you in a caring way.
Carol Hoyer, Ph.D.
Reader Views
A powerful resource that shouldn't be missed
As old age sinks in, aid will be required. "Adopting Your Parents: What to Know Before Taking the Plunge" is an advisory guide for anyone whose about to be faced with caring for their elderly parents and wants to help them live the last decades of their life well and without pain for either side of the fence. Understanding the needs, the wants, and the elderly in general, "Adopting Your Parents" proves to be a powerful resource that shouldn't be missed.