Review - article

Book Review

When I received The Sudden Caregiver - A Roadmap For Resilient Caregiving by Karen Warner Schueler , the book's topic brought up some haunting, memories of those who are no longer with us, parents we cared for during the end of their lives, friends we have said goodbye to, coworkers, neighbours and beloved fur-babies (aka pets) who have passed on.

 

As one ages, we come to realize that both caregiving and grief are guaranteed to touch our lives... sometimes monumental, heavy grief... sometimes mild and sad. I was a little concerned how the book would feel to read, if it would waken those memories of caregiving for our parents; the pangs of guilt, the angst, the joy the laughter... it is all there just a breath away. 

I was pleased to discover that this book turned out to be a gentle guide for anyone facing caregiving, or for those of us who have already experienced it and fear facing it again. Karen kindly urges caregivers to allow themselves to be human. We will all make mistakes or have a negative reaction, maybe have a disagreement with someone we truly loved - we can let go of that guilt, and allow ourselves to be human and to be kind to ourselves. This stance that Karen takes in the book truly resonated with me and I found myself able to let go of some of my own guilt over impatient moments, arguments, difficult times and difficult family/practitioner relationships. 

Karen starts by carefully and systematically explaining the concept and design of the book and then shares her own story of how she found herself suddenly caregiving. She also shares many other individual stories, which I am sure will provide comfort to her readers, helping them feel less alone in their unique experience. 

The author provides excellent advice for finding ways to discover support even when the caregiver feels isolated or alone, showing them that there is help out there. I thought it was great that she also covered the importance of a back up plan for unforeseeable contingencies - i.e What if the caregiver gets a flu? Karen walks the reader through the process of taking positive and proactive action, making plans, having discussions, and looking after their own health, too.

The difficulty of this journey is real, it is rough and emotional, it can bring upheaval and financial destruction - however "the only way out is through". This powerful statement hits home how important it is to take each step one at a time and get through the experience. It is the only way to deal with it. Her honesty is refreshing. Her book will comfort the reader, while guiding them through the experience.

I found it interesting that the author referred to Joseph Campbell's Hero Journey, as I (and my late mother and an older brother) have been a fan of that work for some time. Her acknowledgement section is fairly extensive, where she carefully expresses gratitude to dozens and dozens of people and organizations that provided support along the way. This book has found a home on my bookshelf, I hope I do not need it in the future - but I know I will be glad to see it on the shelf should I find myself in the position of being a caregiver again. 

Karen, president of Tangible Group, specializing in both leadership and caregiving coaching and consulting services. This 182 page book is available in both print and ebook via Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Karen-Schueler/e/B08VV2ZQ6M). Visit the author at: www.TheSuddenCaregiver.com, where you can find resources, learn about the author's coaching services, and much more. 

~~

 

Visit the Brummet's @: http://BrummetMedia.ca

 

~~