Product Description

Everyday, men and women become caregivers, often without warning. They find themselves feeling lost as they try to figure out how to adapt. They are forced to make choices they hadn't anticipated, much less prepared for. They need help understanding what is expected of them and what they can realistically provide. They need psychological and spiritual support to cope with the new demands being made on their time and energy. Insight, support and refreshment are what GOD KNOWS CAREGIVING CAN PULL YOU APART offers the dedicated and weary caregiver. These stories provide caregivers with the assurance that they are not alone.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #278948 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

From Library Journal
America's population is aging, owing in part to improved medical care and the effective treatment of diseases that used to be considered terminal. Still, just because we are living longer doesn't necessarily mean that we are doing so without experiencing physical or mental deterioration, sometimes devastating. Thompson's book is designed to help people who find themselves in the role of caregiver to a parent, spouse, companion, or child, quite often unexpectedly and with no previous training for such a task. A major theme of the book is that "you are not alone." Thompson, an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, offers advice for connecting with other caregivers who may be encountering similar situations and stresses the importance of access to accurate information about medical conditions and to the various resources available to caregivers. Each section contains examples of dilemmas typically faced by caregivers, including the author, and simple exercises designed to provide the practical assessment of various solutions to problems. Thompson has written book that, like others in the "God Knows" series, is successfully aimed at providing quick information and will appeal to a wide audience. Recommended for public libraries. Mary Prokop, Savannah Country Day Preparatory Sch., GA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
"...is successfully aimed at providing quick information and will appeal to a wide audience. Recommended..." -- Library Journal, June 15, 2002

"...provides the kind of practical information one needs to pace oneself..." -- Bookviews.com, August 2002

From the Back Cover
But How to Keep It All Together?

A great and courageous question! That's what this book is all about. It's for those who have crossed the threshold of "if" in regards to caregiving, and moved on now to the "how" of it.

Each chapter that follows focuses on a different way to "keep it together" while giving care to a loved one.

Included in each chapter are brief explanations about how a particular way might look or work for you, short quotes for inspiration, stories about how others have gone about it, and a number of exercises that you can use to pause and reflect, regroup, and expand your caregiving repertoire.

Because journaling in particular can be such a useful exercise for caregivers, and because its tools (paper, writing utensil) are compact and simple enough to be brought into almost any setting, most chapters will include at least one journaling suggestion. Many caregivers have told me that journaling-writing in a completely non-judgmental way about their lives and having one certain safe place to express their experience in all its complexity-gives them valuable insights that might not be gained as easily in any other way. All exercises, however, including journaling ideas, are only suggestions.

This is a book that need not be rushed through. In fact, it will probably serve you better if you wander through it slowly and thoughtfully, perhaps even in a spirit of well-deserved leisure. It might sit on your bedside table, get tucked alongside a favorite armchair, or travel with you in a purse, briefcase, or satchel. Its quotations and stories are intentionally brief, that they might easily be remembered for inspiration or sustenance at just the right moment.

Customer Reviews

Excellent!
I purchased this book for my mother, but began to read it before I gave it to her, and promptly bought a copy for myself.

The book contains short vignettes -- most are just a few pages and can be read in 5 minutes. This format is perfect, because it's easy to flip through and read one quickly.

The segments are usually based on real-life experiences of others; also effective, because it seems easier to hold onto those images and reflect back on them when you are stressed. Plus, they aren't preachy -- you can take or leave the message if it rings true. Many experts, meaning well, write with a "you should" or "you might try" tone but Ms. Thompson uses a gentle, respectful, almost reverent tone toward the very human stuggles of caregiving.

I highly recommend this book! Many of the messages are relevant to anyone balancing a busy life, not just those in a caregiving role. I keep it on my bookshelf and plan to share the stories with others from time to time.