Trying to Care

Auteur

William had led a nomadic life until retirement, when he gradually found himself as a full-time carer of two ailing nonagenarians. He became trapped 24/7 in the parental home in Kent, trying to learn how to take care of a physically and emotionally vulnerable but demanding couple. Putting his fiction writing on hold, he began to record four years of challenge, despair and, sometimes, humour. Since writing this book, William has moved to Cumbria and a new life. He is currently back at work on his fiction and catching up on friends in France, Spain and Norway.

Texte du rabat

After a life overseas, William agrees to lend a hand to his ageing parents in their cottage in Kent. Both in their 90s, the couple's initial frailty deteriorates into dementia and illness, and they are clearly unable to cope alone. Imperceptibly, William's help turns into full-time caring as he moves in with them. At first, he has little understanding of their condition. He witnesses his ailing father's dedication to an unappreciative wife of 70 years, while he does his best to keep them both fed and comfortable. His struggle is not without moments of humour and self-enlightenment.