A Bittersweet Season: Caring For Our Aging Parents--and Ourselves (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
This is a well-written, moving, and useful book. It's also grim. One memorable quote, reportedly spoken by the author's mother, goes something like this: "Your reward for living to old age is that you rot to death." That is, die slowly, with a gradual and humiliating loss of function. The author, who is a former reporter for the NY Times, argues strongly that this is the norm for most people who live to be that age, and our healthcare system is not set up to deal with it. While this book was repetitive and the author, even years after her mother's death, was still 'whiney' and a little too overwrought about her relationship with her mother and how she cared for her mom during her final years, it was still worth reading. Anyone who is in the midst of caring for aging parents, or about to embark on this journey should consider reading the book. It offered some practical advice plus insights into research about caregiving and aging while telling the story of her mother's final years.
What do You think about A Bittersweet Season: Caring For Our Aging Parents--and Ourselves (2011)?
I found this book informative and insightful. I will take a lot away for future reference.
—suzu
great read for those who are taking care of an elder or know someone who is.
—akku
Everyone should read this book. Well researched.
—KDH
