Any good book for carers?

Question

Both my parents are now over 70 and suffering from illnesses.

It's difficult for me to see them becoming older and suffering from pain - getting closer to death. Nonetheless, they often do and say things which annoy me and this makes me feel guilty.

Are there any good books to read to cope with such a situation?

Answer 1

I have a copy of Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kubler Ross and I feel it will help you in a lot of ways.

Answer 2

Besides Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's excellent book, there is another, called "Passages."  It describes the typical stages through which people pass in each of the decades of life.  It may also help you, both in your own stage of life right now, and in understanding what they are going through.  Another thing to remember is that when people are suffering, they tend to become cranky and say hurtful, annoying things.  They are saying these things to you simply because you are there.  You cannot help but feel annoyed.  Anyone in your situation would feel the same way.  I know.  I have just been through what you are going through right now.  Don't feel guilty about it.  Your feelings are perfectly natural.  But do try to be patient, even though it is hard.  They don't mean to be so difficult.  They do love you.  If you can manage to hang on, you will be glad that you were there for them.  We all must go sometime.  And the last year, especially, is generally pretty difficult for all of us.  But as long as we can have the ones we love near us during that time, death is really nothing to be afraid of.  As a nurse, I have spoken to people who very nearly died and managed to come back.  This is what they come back with, just about every time.  The "other side" is a good place, a peaceful place.  There will be no suffering or pain there.  So hang in there.  It will be all right, in the end.

Answer 3

maybe pay a visit to this natural health care show:

http://www.camexpo.co.uk/camexpo2008/pub...

they should have a lot of recommodations

some tickets:

http://healthy-step.com

Answer 4

Caring for someone who is dying - Penny Mares

This is an Age Concern Book they have lots of different titles.  I got mine through Amazon.  You can also order them from Age Concern 0870 44 22 044

I work for Marie Curie as a senior care assistant looking after patients in their own home with life ending diseases not just cancer.  We do a couple of booklets which I could send you if you like email your details if you want them.  You can also get you D N to organise Marie Curie to come in at night or during the day if needed.  

Answer 5

Mitch Albom books seem to take a lighter look at the seriousness of death.  The stories are more about what could be on the other side, how we've spent our lives and that when losing someone not to forget all of the things that they have given us.

     Despite the deep hidden meanings he presents I always walk away feeling lighter.  My mother passed last year and I had just finished reading 'the five people you meet in heaven'.  I didn't like it.  Couldn't get my mind wrapped around it but then I realized how those little thing we never understand we may never understand but they do have some type of purpose whether we see it or not.  And I suppose that was the lesson for me, my mom always wanted me to live in the moment, prepare for the future and remember your past but never live anywhere but in the present.  Gotta love that present it is what will become the memories you need when the present is gone.

J...