One Caregiver’s
Journey
Eleanor Gaccetta
Today many families are assuming responsibility for the wellbeing of their elderly parents as part of their daily routines. It may seem arrogant to say a selfless temperament is a prerequisite for caregiving – but it helps. This book details how one person navigated the pleasant and unpleasant attributes of caregiving for 9 1/2 years to ensure her mother was comfortable, clean and well taken care of in the confines of her home until her death at age 102.
Book
Reviews
“This is the first memoir of this kind I have read, and I love the style, the insightful writing, the heartfelt humor and the utter honest with which the author shares her story. This is a memoir with powerful lessons on the art of caring for others and what it means to be deeply human. A book to read and pass on.”
– Romauld Dzemo
“The book was very emotional, yet it was so lighthearted at the same time. I loved how Eleanor tried her best to make her mother smile, even when she was breaking apart inside. I’m sure this story is going to ack like a soothing balm for many people and be the warm hug that they crave. Exceptionally moving!”
– Rabis Tanveer
“The book is full of handy tips in coping with increasingly difficult behavior as her mother lost the power to reason, hold a conversation and even control of her bodily functions. The author pulls no punches and does not sugar-coat the more unpleasant aspects of day to day living… In terms of structure, interest and descriptive passages, Eleanor writes with clarity and complete honesty.”
– By Lucinda E. Clarke
“One Caregiver’s Journey by Eleanor Gaccetta does an exceptional job of highlighting virtually every aspect of being a caregiver, delivering everything within its pages with wit, empathy and an immeasurable amount of compassion. The book is, on its surface, a memoir – an autobiography written by and about a woman who devoted her life to her family. At its core, this book is a guide for caregivers who are in the same or similar situation (and those who may be in the future). There is so much information that is provided it should be a staple reference for even those who work in the care industry. Absolutely and very enthusiastically recommended.”
– Reviewed by Asher Syed
“One Caregiver’s Journey is a work of emotive and insightful non-fiction penned by Eleanor Gaccetta. Written in the form of a memoir, the work describes a very personal experience by the author of almost ten years of care when looking after her mother.”
– Reviewed by K. C. Finn
About the
Author
Eleanor Gaccetta
Eleanor was working as a professional contract employee after years of being a policy and legislative analyst for Colorado State and County governments. She culminated a forty-year career to provide care for her mother after she broke a hip at age 93. The experience of working in the human services and public health arenas prepared her for life as a 24/7 caregiver. Armed with faith, humor and love she was able to navigate a journey spanning 9 1/2 years and cared for her mother in her home until her death at 102 years of age.
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