Customer Reviews

Care for the Caretaker : How Jim Backus' Wife Did It: An Upbeat Guide for Those Who Care for Others

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I walked into Dutton's books in Brentwood looking for something else when I saw a display of "Care For The Caretaker." The moment I read the first page I began to cry because I wished with all of my heart that my mother and I had had this book during my father's battle with acute lukemia - a fight he lost. For his comfort we did do a few of the things Mrs. Backus suggests, but we didn't think of so many others. I recommend this book to anyone who is going through the illness of a loved one, or knows someone who is. "Care for the Caretaker" is the best friend I wish we had known during that terrible time. The book not only offers practical advice that will really improve the quality of life for the person who is ill, but knowing how to make it better gives a lift to the caregiver, too. Also, it is romantic and funny. Jim Backus was a wonderful actor, but I suspect that his greatest gift must have been his wife. I urge everyone to buy this book - because I'm afraid we will all need it sooner or later. Thank you, Mrs. Backus!

What a joy to find someone who truly understands. I saw this book on the E Channel during a show about Gilligan's Island and decided to read it. A brain tumor changed my mother-in-law into a completely different person. I wished I'd had Henny's book a long time ago. She offers practical advice for not only the caretaker (which I expected from the title) but also for the patient. A must-read if you're going through this, or knows someone who is. Thank you, Henny.

"Care For The Caretaker" has been the most useful book I have ever read. It helped to save my life and my sanity. I was my father's principal caretaker as he was dying of Alzheimer's and now my mother has lung cancer. I was falling apart and didn't know where to turn ... my doctor's solution was to prescribe tranquilizers for me! But Henny Backus saved me with her book. Even as I was first reading it I immediately began to put her suggestions into practice and both my mother and I are benefiting from the book immensely. I highly recommend it for everyone; those who have suffered with a loved one as well as those who are going through it now. This book is invaluable! If I could, I would have rated "Care For The Caretaker" 100 stars. Thank you Henny Backus.

Thank you, Mrs. Backus! My Grandfather moved in with my Husband, son and me after his stroke and I thought I would have one next until I read your book. I was so tired of reading heart breaking and helpless accounts so when I found your book I was not optimistic. You gave me a fresh outlook and real life suggestions that have turned our world around. I thank you for sharing your experiences and your clever deeds. All family members of the chronically ill should read this!

This was a sweet, caring, tale of how his wife cared for him but did not go in to what Parkinson's really does to the patient AND to the caregiver. This was sugarcoated. Hopefully someone will write a book and describe how hard it is in the end stages of Parkinsons to help those caring for this patient.

Thank you Henny for your book. It is obvious that great sacrifice was made by all the exercises you practiced to make life dignified as much as possible. Caretaking requires great energy and more time any of us want to give. You were able to spend more time than most would have, it sounds. You generously shared that with all of us as a means of making caregiving easier for all. Great healing of self and the ones we love can take place with these steps. Healing of the heart. Your expressions of love are great and inspirational.

I thought Care for the Caretaker was more about care for the patient. I was hoping to read more about her frustrations and fears and how she handled them. As a young partner of a young Parkinson's patient I also found the book unrealistic. I cannot stay home and read to my partner or do exercises with him. What Henny was able to do for Jim is very touching and wonderful. I only wish we all had those options.