My MS Log

Review by Robert W. Smith:

this is the second time i’ve ever given a book less than 4 stars. i was quite disappointed. the content, i expected, might help family members in coping with a new diagnosis by a loved one (as the cover seemed to claim). with content taken from other books in the series, it almost seems to make ms sound like a disease which absolutely results in severe physical and cognitive degeneration. it provides lists, lists of everything, sometimes listing resources that might be of more help to caregivers of persons with other disorders. other times, the lists seemed to include almost random content. counseling included three paragraphs - five sentences - without suggesting resources or support groups for caregivers. probably the most helpful section of the book was on physical modifications to the home, mobility devices, etc. even it, however, was unfortunately incomplete. the list of mobility devices included scooters, wheelchairs, and pictures of many canes but none of canadian crutches, which seem to help many folks with m.s. in maintaining stability. the book was not written in an easy to read format, list after list provided few transitions, content seemed mis-leading, ill-informed, and incomplete. the physical modification section was good and i thought about 2 stars, but, based on the generally poor content throughout the rest of the book, i’m giving it a one star. i hope that i’m not being too critical and that others will share about their experience of this book. obviously, i would not recommend this book at the retail or current discounted price. if you have an opportunity to get it at a library used book sale for under , you might consider it.

Review by Teresa Rapozo:

The collaboration between Maria Meyer and Paula Derr with Kimberly Koch and Diane Afes from the National MS Society in presenting "The Comfort of Home Multiple Sclerosis Edition" is a huge success. The information in this book is presented in a clear, precise manner that is easy to follow. I realize the book is geared towards multiple sclerosis caregivers but it has so much information that is useable for me, a person living with MS, that it will find a valued spot in my library of books on multiple sclerosis. The tips, notes, checklists, resource information, and the publication guides are all great tools. Anyone living with MS, whether patient, family member or caregiver, will find information that they can immediately use in this edition.

Review by F. Hanafin Elliott:

What an inspiring journey for caregivers! This book presents a beautifully photographed trip, taken by a caring man, as a brief respite from his 24/7 job as caregiver for his lovely wife, Corky.

It serves as an inspiration for any and all caregivers; it places the situation of a caregiver into a sensitive and loving perspective.

The message I took from the book is that being a caregiver does not mean giving up a life - instead, it means expanding two lives.

Review by Linda Pendleton:

This book is a story of love and dedication. It is also the story of the challenges of life. Ted Grussing embarks on a "Respite Break," long overdue in his many years of caregiving 24/7 for his wife, Corky. Corky was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1966.

In January of 2006, with only a few days off here and there in fourteen years of his full caregiving, Ted, with Corky’s blessing, takes a ten day journey cross country, by private plane and rail, visiting their daughter and family on the East coast, and their other daughter and family on the West coast.

Along the way Ted shares stories of his adventures and includes beautiful photographs of his journey.

After Ted’s return home to Sedona, Arizona, he and Corky bought a two-seat motor glider and they are often in the skies over Sedona and Northern Arizona, soaring on air currents like the hawks and eagles, always enjoying life and nature despite life’s challenges.

You might want to check out Ted Grussing’s photo calendars, too.
Sedona Pathways 2010
From The Air - 2010

Review by Susan L. Cellucci:

Life Interrupted is a great book to help readers understand what it is like to live and love with a disability. The author is truthful about his struggles within a relationship that didn’t work, and he desperately wants the reader to understand how not to make the same mistakes. This book is a must have for anyone who knows of someone with a disability. It is an extremely helpful guide for others living with MS and those that love them. I highly recommend Life Interrupted to anyone who is interested in a heartfelt, true story. It will certainly be an inspiration to all, and is as funny as it is truthful. It is an easy read, and can be easily shared with others. It is quite refreshing to read the author’s point of view, along with his desires to helping the needs of others.

Review by Vivian Schaffers:

I am the spouse of a man living with MS. This book opened my eyes to a lot of feelings my husband deals with but also helped me deal with emotions I have as well. Before reading this book I knew that we have a strong marriage. I now realize how fragile that can be when a chronic illness lives with you day in and day out. The author has opened my eyes to many pitfalls that can be avoided by good communication and paying attention to your partner’s perspective.
I am thankful that the author was willing to share his journey in order to help others. Definitely a must read.

Review by Reader Views:

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (8/07)

I was really impressed with the comprehensive material in this 3rd edition of "The Comfort of Home." As a Social Worker in a previous life, this would have been the book that I would have given to individuals who were considering becoming a primary caregiver. Nothing has been left out in this very well-written guide that a person needs to consider when undertaking this process.

"The Comfort of Home" is set up so that it can be read from beginning to end, or as a reference guide that a person can look up specifics. Oftentimes, taking on the task of a caregiver seems completely overwhelming. Meyer helps break the tasks down into manageable steps that include tips, questions that need to be asked and additional resources to follow up with. The author begins the book by helping the reader decide if home care is an option for them to consider. Her approach is honest and guilt-free for the person making this decision. Following this process, a person needs to decide what level of care is needed and whether this can be provided at home. I really thought that the section on paying for care through Medicare, Medicare part D, Medigap and the many other types of benefits was easy to follow.

As a proponent of long-term planning, I especially liked the section for setting up a care plan. Following these suggestions will make it easy to have someone step in as a temporary caregiver to give the primary caregiver a break, reporting to medical staff and in helping the caregiver not to make mistakes. Being a caregiver can be exhausting and keeping records on the patient, especially with important medication schedules. There are so many chapters that cover every aspect of a person’s life such as exercise, diet, nutrition, special challenges and daily activities. Each area is thoughtfully addressed and ends with other available resources in dealing with that area.

The author does an excellent job throughout "The Comfort of Home" in reminding the caregiver to take care of themselves. She even includes a whole section on how to avoid burnout and ends with dealing with funeral arrangements and the grieving process. I would highly recommend this guide to anyone who is considering becoming a caregiver.

Review by source reviewers:

The Midwest Book Review (April 2007) writes: Now in a newly and substantially revised and expanded third edition, "The Comfort of Home: A Complete Guide For Caregivers" continues to earn its reputation as the ‘bible’ for providing home caregivers to aged, ill or handicapped loved ones with a thoroughly ‘user friendly’ illustrated guide that covers everything necessary from daily living tasks to preparations for hospice care, to making funeral arrangements. This is a complete and superbly organized, 216-page, comprehensive ‘how to manual that will help the caregiver to develop their skills, expertise, and confidence, which will in turn enhance their peace of mind with respect to the quality of life for the person they are caring for. [Vogel's Bookshelf - The Midwest Book Review, April 2007]