Review by Ann Blanchard
(Editor’s Note: Ann reviewed “Reflections For A Caregiver” by Jo Kemp. What follows are our questions and her answers.)
Caregiving.com: Did the book meet your expectations?
Ann: “Reflections For A Caregiver” by Jo Kemp exceeded my expectations! When I first received the book, my heart sank because it is very thick and appeared daunting. I wasn’t sure I had the patience to read a big book on caregiving, since caring for my mom and dad already takes so much time. When I opened the book and saw it was a series of short daily reflections with an affirmation, I relaxed. I immediately started reading the reflections, finding help with each one.
I was also concerned because it’s directed at caregivers with family members with Alzheimer’s, which is not my circumstance. But I found the vast majority of the topics apply to me.
Caregiving.com: What did you like? What would you like to see more of?
Ann: I love that you can read it in bites. You can pick it up and open it and read a short, 1-page reflection with affirmation. Or you can read it by the calendar date, as the book is laid out. I continuously skipped around, looking for topics that are meaningful for me in the moment. I was happy to see there is an index in the back where you can find a particular topic that you need help with – which is how I would read it.
Caregiving.com: How did you feel when you finished the book?
Ann: Affirmed, supported, fully human and accepting of my strengths and shortcomings as a caregiver. I also feel good knowing that my shortcomings as a caregiver are not unique to me and are a part of the universal caregiving experience.
Caregiving.com: As a family caregiver, what’s most useful to you about the book?
Ann: It addresses the full range of topics one faces as a caregiver, from the good (topics like Hope and Imagination) to the bad (Grump Days – we all have them) to the ugly (Emotional Exhaustion, Bitterness, Death). It approaches each topic with love and grace and an understanding of how difficult, frustrating, rewarding and spiritually fulfilling caregiving is.
Caregiving.com: What suggestions can you offer the author which would improve the book?
Ann: The only suggestion I would possibly have would be to add quotes from family caregivers. But that is a very small suggestion about a very good book.
Caregiving.com: Would you recommend this book to other family caregivers? Why or why not?
Ann: I would highly recommend this book as a reference book that sits on your bedside table to read before you start the day or at the end of the day – whenever you feel the need for a little emotional support. I’m giving it to my mom to read, since she is also caring for my 91-year old father who has terminal cancer. My mom, at 89, is of a generation where you didn’t talk about your feelings. This book will help her understand all of her feelings are normal and human.
