Overview

The Caregiver's Companion is a book for people who care for others. It is intended to be a companion, in the sense of a compassionate ally, for those who find themselves, perhaps abruptly, needing to care for others. In November 2012 Patricia Jean Smith's husband Ron suffered a massive attack on his brain. In these pages she describes how her husband's stroke affected her and talks about the critical demands and the marvellous rewards of caring---of exercising and extending care. She also writes about the adventures that otherwise would not have chanced the couple's way had it not been for Ron's stroke. Ultimately she demonstrates that caring for each other, our communities, and the Earth we inhabit, is the most vital work we can do.

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9781772442458

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Reviews

Reading The Caregiver's Companion is like sharing a trek in the woods with a friend who listens closely, reads the signs, knows what it means to be present in each step. In a compellingly clear way, Patricia Jean Smith explains how she learned to provide care for her husband when he was stricken by a brain attack, then talks about therapy at large, in the mental space where unimagined dangers can debilitate and imagined dangers are real. This quietly passionate book takes you by the hand, admits to anger and exhaustion as well as love and compassion, and asks you to find a way back to both nature and community. -W. H. New OC FRSC, professor emeritus, UBC, and author For the caregiver in all of us! This book delves deep inside Pat's caregiving journey to show what one experience can teach us all about the vital role of caregiving, for individuals and society. Great job! -Katie White, Manager, Stroke Services BC We often talk about stroke survivors becoming thrivers, but what about their life mate's transformation from companion to caregiver? This insightful account is both poignant and practical. You will be engrossed in a story from near death to living life to the fullest. What wonderful writing! -Donna Hastings, Senior Vice President-Western Canada, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada

Reading The Caregiver's Companion is like sharing a trek in the woods with a friend who listens closely, reads the signs, knows what it means to be present in each step. In a compellingly clear way, Patricia Jean Smith explains how she learned to provide care for her husband when he was stricken by a brain attack, then talks about therapy at large, in the mental space where unimagined dangers can debilitate and imagined dangers are real. This quietly passionate book takes you by the hand, admits to anger and exhaustion as well as love and compassion, and asks you to find a way back to both nature and community. -W. H. New OC FRSC, professor emeritus, UBC, and author For the caregiver in all of us! This book delves deep inside Pat's caregiving journey to show what one experience can teach us all about the vital role of caregiving, for individuals and society. Great job! -Katie White, Manager, Stroke Services BC We often talk about stroke survivors becoming thrivers, but what about their life mate's transformation from companion to caregiver? This insightful account is both poignant and practical. You will be engrossed in a story from near death to living life to the fullest. What wonderful writing! -Donna Hastings, Senior Vice President, Western Canada, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada This book achieves what it promises on the cover: It provides companionship for those whose role has changed, often dramatically. At times when a caregiver might feel adrift, this book reminds them that they are not alone, that they are understood, but it offers more. Pat Smith gently helps the reader hold on to hope, to see the opportunities for growth, to cherish life. It will be a valued companion to all caregivers, not just those whose loved ones have suffered stroke. ---Dr Helen Kennerley, consultant clinical psychologist and university tutor, Oxford University, and Professor Udo Kischka, retired consultant neurologist

Author Information

Patricia Jean Smith graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Comparative Religion. The Caregiver's Companion is her fourth published work. She lives with her husband of over fifty years, the author Ron Smith, in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island.

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