Customer Reviews

It Shouldn't Be This Way: The Failure of Long-Term Care

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

 

 

I recommend this book highly, having read it shortly after my father had to go into a nursing home. It resonated completely with my overall experience and made me more assertive in pushing for changes at the home where my father resided. Like the authors, I have experience with medical practice, as I'm a professor teaching medical students, but encountered the same frustrations that Dr. Kane describes. The lists of questions to ask and things to be cautious about at the end of each chapter are great resources for anyone who is, or may become, responsible for the care of an aging relative . Dr. Kane's sad, but engaging, story of his mother's experiences during her declining health illustrates the many difficulties in changing a system of care for the elderly that has depended too much on the good will and dedication of underpaid and often inadequately trained staff at assisted living and nursing homes. The problems Dr. Kane describes happen far too often.

We who are aging do not do with with planning. I think we all hope to go with that heart attack in our sleep. We all expect to be like Moses, who was functional all the way to his death at 120. Unfortunately, as we age our frailty and difficulties increase without warning. At least, without warning which we heed. This book opens one's eyes. It is a must read for everyone who is getting older each day - that is all of us!

This book should be mandatory reading for every healthcare professional and for all nursing students. It is excellent for anyone dealing with or who will deal with aging parents. I continue to buy copies and share with anyone I find enduring the journey through long term care. Our family has just finished our journey through the failed system. I have personally had 20 years experience as a nurse in long term care but nothing could have prepared us for the journey. Unfortunately nothing can take away the pain and suffering our father endured for those months in long term care facilities. However this book put in words many of out thoughts and much of what we experienced. I have read it several times and read it out loud to anyone present when we were trapped in similar circoumstances. Our journey was similar in many ways which is tragic. Everyone with parents still living should read this book. We must move together to make a difference and change this failed sytem.

I work in a Long Term Care Facility. This book is extremely unfair to the staff who are trying their very best to provide a quality life for the elderly whose family are unable to provide care. The "mother' discussed by the authors is a very challenging individual. She has behaviors that do not respond to love and care. She is the type of person who causes staff to become burnt-out. And then it is so typical that as staff are attempting to provide a safe environment, family show up and complain about the situation. We do not "throw away" elder adults that are angry and abusive. Staff, including myself are in this job because we love older adults. We do not make much money. We could have gone into sales or technical fields and doubled our salaries. I am very proud of caregivers who spend their day changing diapers interspersed with giving hugs and reassurances to older adults who are lonely. There was not one nice thing said about staff in this book written by very angry family members who undoubtedly are feeling guilt over not being able to care for their mother at home.

I think this book was undoubtedly healing for the authors as they detail the journey they took with their mother after she suffered a stroke and the debilitating after effects and ultimate decline and death. However, I must agree with previous reviews in that, the authors are completely biased and unfair in their portrayal of nursing staff and even other physicians (gasp!). I don't think this book offers anything for the healthcare professional who might read it in order to gain insight into the family or resident's perspective on nursing home care.

My parents are just entering the phase of needing some kind of elder care. This book was a big help, since a geratric specialist was the co-author and son of the woman this book was about.