The Dutiful Daughter's Guide to Caregiving: A Practical Memoir
Judith Henry, 2015
Broadcloth Books
164 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780996278805
Summary
For the sixty six million people in the U.S. who are assisting a disabled, sick or aging family member, stress has become a way of life.
Why? Because caregiving, even when performed with great love, is difficult work that few people are truly prepared for. For Judith Henry, it turned out to be a six year position with plenty of on-the-job training as she helped care for elderly parents.
Learning to laugh over the expanding contents of her leather life-support system, aka a purse, and making lemonade from her father’s tart comment about being a dutiful daughter, this experience has culminated in a book entitled, The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving: A Practical Memoir. It became her inspiration for creating a well-loved writer’s group in Tampa, Florida specifically for caregivers; and has garnered her national recognition by the U.S. Department of Women’s Health through their Spotlight interview series.
Her book, a reassuring combination of financial planner, family therapist, geriatric care manager, and cheeky best friend, offers personal stories and practical wisdom on topics such as:
- Addressing financial and legal issues
- Avoiding caregiver burnout
- Choosing a rehab center
- Dealing with grief and loss.
Filled with laughter, tears and lessons learned, it is a valuable resource for anyone taking on more responsibility for a parent’s well-being.
Author Bio
• Birth—May 8, 1953
• Where—Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Education—M.A., Indiana University
• Currently—lives in Tampa, Florida
In addition to writing for online publications and working on her next book, Judith is the creator of a well-loved writer’s group for caregivers in Tampa, FL.
She also gives workshops and presentations on a variety of topics that include caring for elderly parents, the benefits of expressive writing, how to create a legacy letter for family and friends, and having the last word by writing your own obituary. (From the author.)
Visit the author's website.
Follow Judith on Facebook.
Book Reviews
The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving is like having a close, smart friend guide me around the potholes of caring for an aging parent. She writes with humor and poignancy on this complex and sensitive subject.
Val Perry, Coordinator, Instructor, Bloomingdale Life Story Writing Program, Valrico, FL
The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving is a little gem of a book, packed with the kind of information that every caregiver needs. Delivered with laughter, and not a few tears, it’s a must-read.
Anne Lawrence, Caregiver, Tampa FL
Judith has delved with humor, complete seriousness, and full knowledge into one of the most complicated aspects of relationships – helping people leave their lives through the gift of active love. Readers will find meaning and support on their own journey as caregivers.
Marilyn Lairsey, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Portland Maine
Discussion Questions
1. What is the central idea discussed in this book? What issues or ideas does The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide explore? Are they personal, sociological, global, political, economic, spiritual, medical, or scientific?
2. Do the issues described affect your life now or will they in the future? How so?
3. Do you think the approach of offering advice and suggestions through the lens of memoir is an effective way to deliver the information? What does or doesn’t work?
4. What kind of language is used in the book? Is it objective and dispassionate or passionate and earnest? Does the language enhance or undercut the value of the book?
5. What are the implications for the future of both aging and caregiving? Are there long- term or short-term consequences to the issues raised in the book? Are they positive or negative, affirming or frightening?
6. What solutions does the author propose to assist you in the role of family caregiver?
7. What are some of the memorable passages that you found interesting, profound, amusing, illuminating, disturbing, or sad.
8. If you are currently a caregiver or see that as your role in the future, how does The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide prepare you for this?
9. Why do you think the author used humor to introduce such serious subjects? Did you find it enjoyable or inappropriate?
10. What have you learned after reading The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide? Did it address issues you hadn’t thought of before in terms of becoming a family caregiver?
(Questions courtesy of the author.)