IF IT IS NOT TOO MUCH TROUBLE:
The challenge of the aged parent
By Ann Benton
Christian Focus. 160 pages £7.99
ISBN 978 1 781 918 289
This is the updated and expanded edition of the book that first came out in 2007. I had read the original but was very glad of the excuse to re-read it. The last three chapters seem new and are really worth having.
As the large older generation ages and many more of us are finding ourselves ‘managing’ the care of our parents, this is an opportune book. The writer is well qualified to write such a book, having already written on coping with toddlers and teenagers. She also cared for a very dependent father-in-law and then for her mother-in-law who had dementia. She is honest about how hard she found it, but it seems to have led her to look into the theology of it as well as giving sound practical advice for managing carers and the cared for.
The way forward
My favourite chapter is ‘Clothed with Compassion’, in which a meditation of Colossians 3 points a way forward. She really opens up the epistle and it is refreshing to see such a practical book dipping into the Bible and bringing out such rich, encouraging and challenging material. The chapter on dementia is also insightful and the title of the one on ‘How to care for your aged parent and stay sane’ speaks for itself.
I think any Christian who has elderly parents that they are involved in caring for will find this a very valuable book. It’s encouraging, practical, Christ centred and an easy read! You could even lend it to a non-believer struggling with the issues to help give a new perspective and to share your faith.
So, this is a little gem of a book and I do not say that just because the author is married to the editor of en!
