Customer Reviews

Stuck in the Middle: Shared Stories And Tips For Caregiving Your Elderly Parents

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Many of "Stuck in the Middle's" range of true stories reflect my own family's physical, emotional, financial and spiritual journey caring for our parents. I'm glad my mom honored and personally cared for my paralyzed dad for 13 years. And I'm glad my siblings and I helped Mom remain at home despite debilitating strokes requiring round-the-clock nursing for several years until her death. But the cost, especially on two sets of siblings and their families was huge. We could have used this book to help us all "count the cost" and better conserve our own health and finances while supporting Mom. I am not a natural planner; but "Stuck" prods me to begin to research and lay out a plan for my own future, and to honestly engage my children in this. - So my copy of the book will be highlighted and dog-eared! I now work in a home health company involved in Person Centered Care, and I intend to refer others to "Stuck in the Middle."

Stuck in the Middle: Shared Stories And Tips For Caregiving Your Elderly Parents The stories in "Stuck in the Middle" ring true and give me hope. At my stage in life, my greatest concern is becoming a burden on my daughters. Thank you for your great list of DOs and DON'Ts for those of us who will soon be receiving care.
This book was so meaningful to me that I gave a copy to a dear friend who has been trying to "hold it together" while caring for her 98 year-old mother. In her "Thank You" note she wrote, "I have read "Stuck in the Middle" and, whaddaya know, there are others out there just like me - some are much worse off - I feel fortunate. I appreciate so much your thinking of me with the book - it is comforting to read how others have coped and get the little hints and tidbits that they offer."

The real-life testimonies in this book provide a rare glimpse into the personal and inter-personal dynamics in every family and every care-giving situation. These often-unaddressed human elements set the tone for the entire care-giving experience and are every bit as challenging to navigate as the more recognized practical aspects and stages of care giving. Thankfully this book gives important and reassuring insights into the entire care-giving journey--from practical tips on such matters as legal preparations to staying emotionally and physically healthy as caregiver.

I was very disappointed with this book. Based on all the glowing 5-star reviews (friends, perhaps?), I expected something far better than what I got. As a caregiver in the thick of things, it told me nothing I didn't already know, and the information was presented in a random, haphazard way. At one place, the author seemed to be confused about even the basics of Medicare and Medicaid, a critical error in discussing elder issues.

The stories themselves were very poorly written, and could use the services of a good editor at the very least. I was so distracted by the bad writing that I thought to myself, "how in the world did this get published?? It must be a self-published book." Sure enough, it was.

This is the first time I've ever written a review for Amazon, because it's the first time I've ever felt the need to warn others away from purchasing a book!

Don't waste your money. Instead, buy Jane Gross' memoir "A Bittersweet Season." It offers far more usable, helpful information than this shoddy, unprofessional attempt.

McVicker has compiled nine real life stories, including her own, depicting the gratifying and sometimes horrifying experiences of adult children caring for their elderly parents. Although sometimes downright depressing, the stories reveal the realities of our aging society and provide a wake-up call for those who have not planned for the inevitable. An easy read full of practical advice, this book brings light to a subject that is often ignored until too late.

This is a wonderful compilaton of real life stories, of people who suddenly have to become care-givers of thier parents. It really helps to know others are facing this problem and how they deal with it.
Sandwiched between the stories is a ton of good advice. There are lists of things to do and to watch out for. Also information on what you should prepare so your children will have it easier when you need that extra care.

I am not in the sandwich generation yet (I'm in my late 20's), but my parents are there. Although they are not fully caring for my grandparents yet, they are beginning the process. This book was important so that I could understand what they are beginning to deal with and has provided great resources for starting conversations with my own parents as to how we can prepare for this stage of life. Although they have not taken action yet, the conversation has been started and the seed has been planted with time for us to emotionally accept the inevitable and prepare. Thanks Barbara!

Each caregiver's story in Stuck in the Middle was so personal that I felt like I was sitting down with very good friends over coffee and listening to their honest experiences. Full of love, hope and patience, these stories are also truthful about hardships and compromises involved in caregiving. I got to see what happens "behind the scenes," and how people take care of their parent--even under very difficult circumstances.
There are some good books out there about the subject of caregiving, but this book shows you what it is like to BE a caregiver. Inspiring and comforting and informative. Each chapter ends with helpful information about caregiving, too.

I heard about this book from a friend of mine who is part of the "sandwich generation," i.e. caring for her own kids while caring for her parents. I don't have kids, but was my mother's caregiver for many years. I got the book to better understand the experience that I went through. I wish I would've had it during the years with my mom! The author clearly lays out what needs to be done for the caregiver and does so with great grace and style. I've recommended it to friend of mine who are in the midst of this most difficult time of their lives.

If you are a "Care Giver" for elderly parents - Stuck in the Middle is a must read. My wife and I are care givers for 3 elderly parents - we've been faced the many questions of relocation, health issues, financial concerns, and downsizing - each decision has been difficult and emotional. Each of these areas is covered within the book. The author effectively utilizes real life stories to help the reader understand and cope with the many many gut wrenching and emotional decisions that have to be made with elder parents. There are many valuable tips and suggestions contained in the book. In addition, my wife and I gained comfort in learning that we were not alone in dealing with the many ups and downs of elder care. We found this book an easy read and very helpful.

Rich Gladden
Powell, Ohio