Conversations at the Nursing Home: A Mother, a Daughter, and Alzheimer’s

Deanna Shapiro
PRA Publishing (2006)
ISBN 0972770356
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (12/06)


“Conversations at the Nursing Home” is a journal filled with wisdom in the form of poetry and thoughts about the visits to her mother.  Deanna Shapiro’s mother was a victim of Alzheimer’s.  She spent the last fourteen months of her life in a nursing home.  Ms. Shapiro shares with her readers the conversations she had with her mother during those visits. I found “How It Came About” especially touching. 

From the moment I picked up this book I knew it was written for me.  Only someone else who has experience Alzheimer’s firsthand can truly understand the pain and that the whole family is the victim. Ms. Shapiro points out something that I also learned, we must find humor to be compassionate.  My dad is one of seven children; four have the diagnosis of this dreaded disease.  At this point, I see no signs in my father.  I am the Health Care Surrogate of my Aunt Libby; on her next birthday she will be 89. She has been in a nursing home approximately 10 years, and her mind has outlived her body.  This book speaks poignantly to the situation many of us find ourselves in. 

Ms Shapiro is an excellent writer and speaks to the heart of the situation.  I commend her for sharing her story.  My heart aches for her loss and rejoices that she has the strength and spirit to serve her mother.  “Conversations at the Nursing Home” is well written.   This should be required reading for doctors, nurses and all who have aging parents or who will have someday.   I highly recommend it to all.

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