From the Amazon website:
When I read this book I laughed and cried in equal measure. A wonderful book, which I
wish Rosie Staal had written a few years ago when my mother first showed signs of being dependent on me. It make me see that I am far from alone, and there are many out there whose situation is far worse. The book also made me face up to my hidden fears about my mother's health. It gave lots of useful advice, even for someone like me with a stubborn parent. I am now passing the book to my daughters for them to read - to give them ideas on how to cope if I become dependent on them when I'm elderly! (Five Stars– reviewed by ‘Lis’)
I must admit that when I first saw this book I thought it wouldn't be relevant to me for a few years, my parents are only in their 60s and decisions about their care seem a long way off. But the more I read, the more I realised that it's vital to consider the issues raised in this book before any problems arise and emotions take over. What makes this book essential reading is the relaxed, funny and incredibly clear way in which it deals with complex emotional and practical issues. It's like having a crystal clear explanation of your options from a good friend who's been there and done it. Highly recommended. (Five Stars – reviewed by ‘Cityboy’)
From the Nursing Standard:
‘Cute grannies exist in story books but only occasionally in real life.’ This controversial assertion gives an idea of where this book is coming from. It is about the real problems that can emerge in the relationship between adult children and their ageing parents.
The best feature of the book is the advice offered for everyday practical problems.
The book has a distinctive style . . . you will be delighted with the alternative approach to exploring some knotty problems. (Five Stars – reviewed by Ruth Sander, University of Portsmouth)
From the Blackmore Vale Magazine:
‘This book offers a lifeline to all those out there struggling against this peculiarly 21st century dilemma – you are not alone. I only wish it had been around when I was grappling with the problems thrown up by an increasingly dependent elderly parent.’ (Reviewed by Jackie Spiteri)
From Pharmaceutical Physician:
‘What Shall We Do With Mother? is that most ideal of self-help books – anonymous but totally at one with your thoughts. It fulfils a friend’s role and as a bedside read in those moments of despair will be invaluable. Even five years on [after my own experience of caring for a parent] the book has had the power to make me feel that some of the things I did and didn’t do were OK.’
(Reviewed by Liz Langley)
From the Daily Echo, Bournemouth:
This book would have made things easier and made us realise, as our jaws clenched when my bewildered mother shouted again, that we were not alone.
Rosie Staal takes several case histories: the recently bereaved, the stroke victim, the Alzheimer’s sufferer, the newly cantankerous, the generally frail and through their own experiences gives their carers a voice.
Whatever your elderly parent’s condition they have become dependent and your roles are reversed.
You have all the responsibility but as a ‘child’ you have no authority.
It is difficult to ask your Mum to stop shouting.
Thoughtful and detailed . . . and a compassionate and comforting read, it is a book that more and more of us are going to need.
I wish I had had it last September.’
(Reviewed by Frances Perkins)
From The Western Morning News:
‘Stuffed with useful advice and practical guidance this paperback confronts every aspect of caring for a dependent parent.’
(Reviewed by Denise O’Leary)
Print and broadcast:
Features on the book have appeared in the Daily Express, the Sunday Post (Scotland), the Jersey Evening Post, The Western Morning News, the Western Gazette, Limited Edition magazine (Somerset), The Blackmore Vale Magazine, Wiltshire and Hampshire View, the Salisbury Journal, the Bournemouth Echo, the Vale Advertiser
I have also broadcast on Radio Europe, Radio Solent, Radio Wiltshire and Vale FM.
