Bringing Mom Home: How Two Sisters Moved Their Mother Out of Assisted Living to Care For Her Under One Amazingly Large Roof

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Author:

Susan Soesbe

Publisher:

Rend Press

Publication Date:

April 20, 2018

Format:

Paperback

Length:

318 pages

OVERVIEW

“This is the story of what happened when I tried to do the right thing without knowing how it would all work out,” Susan Soesbe says in the preface. What follows is the story of how Susan and her sister Claire realized their mother was losing her memory. They go through various care options, ultimately buying a home they can share while caregiving for her. As Susan handles her new responsibilities, she reflects on her past relationship with her mother and seeks God’s strength to handle the present.

Soesbe captures the sadness and difficulties that come with watching a parent lose strength and mental capacity, essentially becoming a child all over again. Interestingly, she makes each event into a separate chapter, which given the subject matter may be intentional. Books with many short chapters are hard to read in one sitting, but when the events are this difficult it may be better to read it bit by bit. Caregivers with little time could easily read a chapter a day, taking time to mull over each one’s ideas. As hard as this book (or any book that captures this subject honestly) is at times, it’s not all gloom and despair. Soesbe notes the occasional funny moments as well as the hard ones and intercuts the main narrative with fond memories of her mother. The overall effect is sober-minded but ultimately uplifting. A powerful account of what it means to care for loved ones in their last days.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4.5 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Readers who have family members with debilitating illnesses, readers who are considering or currently working as caregivers.

Christian Impact

This book will help readers understand the struggles caregivers face and the means to find strength and peace in the caregiving process.