Synopses & Reviews
The US Census Bureau tells us that the retired and retiring populations are in the majority. Those born between 1945 and 1964 are now tasked with the care of the previous generation, from choosing housing to selecting final resting place. Julie-Allyson Ieron, through personal experience and extensive interviews and research, has compiled a resource that will inform as well as delight. Yes, delight!
Although this can be an overwhelming time of life, it can be managed and even enjoyed. If you are the pickle in the middle of the sandwich generation, this book is for you! The Overwhelmed Woman's Guide to Aging Parents provides practical guidance on such topics as fostering independence in your parent, providing a safe environment, and advocating for your parent in addition to a comprehensive list of resources and Take Action points.
Review
If you live long enough, and your parents live long enough, you will need this book. You may not need it today, but if you don't, you'll probably need it tomorrow. Julie-Allyson Ieron writes with women in view because more often than not, it falls to the daughters to take care of their aging parents. I found myself drawn into these pages, deeply moved by the weaving together of contemporary stories, excellent research, and compelling biblical truth. For those on the caregiving journey, here is a guide that is practical, compassionate and wise. And it is profoundly Christian. I am glad to recommend it to you.
-Dr. Ray Pritchard, president, Keep Believing Ministries; author, The Healing Power of Forgiveness, An Anchor for the Soul, Credo, Why Did This Happen to Me?
Julie Ieron offers practical wisdom for women who want to honor a father or mother in the last years of their lives. Sensitive, compassionate, supportive and down to earth; this book will refresh and sustain care-givers in their quiet ministry that honors Christ and will bring great reward.
-Colin Smith, senior pastor, The Orchard Evangelical Free Church
Julie’s written a remarkable book that reminds me I’m not alone in my wrestling with how best to honor and care for aging parents. Not only does she unpack this incredibly complex issue from a biblical perspective, but she also provides practical advice for navigating the emotional landmines and medical and financial considerations inherent in this life stage. As I embark on this journey with my own family, I’m glad to know there’s a resource to enlighten and encourage me.
-Jane Johnson Struck, former editor, Today's Christian Woman, executive editor, MOMSense magazine
No matter where you are in the caregiving cycle—seeing its approach, striving midstream, or sapped in the aftermath—you will find that parental caregiving isn’t something to fear and endure, but to face and even enjoy.
-Debi Stack, speaker and author of Martha to the Max: Balanced Living for Perfectionists
Synopsis
Those born between 1945 and 1964 are now tasked with the care of the previous generation, from choosing housing to selecting final resting place. Julie-Allyson Ieron, through personal experience and extensive interviews and research, has compiled a resource that will inform as well as delight. Although this can be an overwhelming time of life, it can be managed and even enjoyed.
About the Author
JULIE-ALLYSON IERON (B.A., Anderson University; M.A., Ball State University) is an author and conference speaker and manages her own writing and public relations company. She is author of The Overwhelmed Woman¿s Guide to Caring for Aging Parents, Staying True in a World of Lies, Praying Like Jesus, Names of Women of the Bible, Conquering the Time Factor, and the Sisters in Faith Bible Study Series. As part of her mission, she speaks to writer¿s conferences, women¿s retreats, single adult groups, and other Christian gatherings and is a frequent guest on radio and TV broadcasts. Julie resides in the Chicagoland area.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Grandpa Can't Jump
Helping aging parents face the truth about their limitations
Chapter 2: Swingin' Seniors
Fostering the independence of aging parents
Chapter 3: An Apple a Day
"e;Healthy aging"e; isn't an oxymoron
Chapter 4: Visiting Nurse Kratchet
Tips and helps for making the most of rehab
Chapter 5: Grumpy Old Men (and Women)
Coping when loved ones direct complaints at their caregivers
Chapter 6: Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Preparing for chronic doctor's office visits
Chapter 7: Showdown @ High Noon
Becoming the patient advocate your parent needs
Chapter 8: Divine Secrets of the Dwindling Sisterhood
Helping parents cope with losing friends and family
Chapter 9: He's Fallen and He Can't Get Up
Making life safe for parents who choose to live alone
Chapter 10: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
When your parent comes to stay
Chapter 11: Table for 22, Please
Choosing an assisted-loving or nursing facility
Chapter 12: Bringing Up Baby
Hope for caregivers sandwiched between aging parents and small children
Chapter 13: People Who Need People
Asking for and finding help in the caregiving journey
Chapter 14: Hard of Hearing and Hard of Listening
Gentle correction when adult child knows best
Chapter 15: Long Walk off a Short Pier
Caring for the caregiver, before it becomes an emergency
Chapter 16: Faith of Our Fathers
Raising eternal issues with our parents
Chapter 17: Go to the Church
The family of God supports caregivers
Chapter 18: Taming the Grinch
Keeping both sides of anger at bay
Chapter 19: I'd Rather Be Blue
Combating depression in parents and ourselves
Chapter 20: Memories Light the Corners
When forgefullness turns serious - the dreaded "e;a"e; word (Alzheimer's)
Chapter 21: I'll Take Senior Finances for $200, Alex
Making sense of financial decisions related to aging
Chapter 22: Know Any Good Lawyer Jokes?
An overview of legal issues involved in aging
Chapter 23: No One Cared for Me...Like Hospice
Helping a parent live fully until death
Chapter 24: There's Got to Be a Mourning After
Owning and experiencing the grief of parting