With 33 years' experience in health and social care, Suzan Collins was delivering training on best practice when she was first contacted with the news that her mother had broken her leg at her nursing home and been transferred to hospital. There followed a chain of ongoing bad practice and poor care that Suzan, with all her knowledge and experience of 'the system' could not influence. What had really happened? Who was responsible? How could they be called to account? How could this be prevented from happening again? What would you do in her place? Share her experience and what she learned that could help you and those you care for.
...... Amazon product description
SOURCE: Received for review from the author.
FIRST SENTENCE (Chapter 1:Accidents don't happen): It was 11 March when my sister called; our mother had a broken ankle due to an accident with the hoist in her nursing home.
MEMORABLE MOMENT: Suzan's reflections on what should/could have been done.
MY THOUGHTS: A chronicle of what happens when the authors mother is failed by the very people who should have been caring for her. Beyond My Control is a topical read written by a health care trainer who, with over 30 years experience, found herself battling bureaucracy after her mother, having broken both her legs at the nursing home where she is a resident, is admitted to hospital where once again she is failed by a flawed system.
A harrowing read that one cannot help but be moved by. Given my personal circumstances I did think twice about reading this but, despite having shed more than a few tears, I did find all of the advice including the extensive appendices (much of it written using bullet points) concise, very informative and, best of all, easily read by the layperson.
Though undeniably a shocking account of grave negligence I'd recommend this to anyone who finds themselves in the position of a loved one needing care for as the saying goes 'to be forewarned is to be forearmed'. And as for those in the care profession? This is definitely something they should read.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper. All original content on http://pettywitter.blogspot.co.uk/ is created by the website owner, including but not limited to text, design, code, images, photographs and videos are considered to be the Intellectual Property of the website owner, whether copyrighted or not, and are protected by DMCA Protection Services using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act Title 17 Chapter 512 (c)(3). Reproduction or re-publication of this content is prohibited without permission. In addition I would also urge that if you are reading this on any other page you contact the original blog owner/reviewer.
8 comments:
Where does this book take place - US, UK, Canada?
Given I usually read for entertainment and escape, I don't think this is for me...but I can appreciate your review.
Thanks for the review! This sounds like such a sad book to read, although one people should read too.
(And thank you so much for commenting on Surrounded by Books Reviews! I appreciate every single one of them.)
In England Kelly.
As I said I'm sorry 'Surrounded By' has come to an end Cherie but I'll be sure to stop by your other site.
Hi Tracy,
A harrowing book to read I am sure, however it only serves to reinforce what most of us know of the failings in the healthcare system in this country.
From personal experience with my own mother before she died and the terrible conditions my father was subject to when he needed quadruple bypass surgery, I am only praying that our remaining three parents go quickly and painlessly, without the need for any medical intervention.
Me, I stay as far away from doctors as possible, what I don't know is wrong with me can't hurt me, at least not as much as being subject to the system's tender mercies!
Thanks for an honest review, although this probably isn't a book for me.
Yvonne
This sounds like an important book. I love books like this that inform and also help. So happy it has appendices within the book as well.
This sounds like an eye opener. From the point of view of someone ho really know nothing about medical care, the treatment administered to me and my loved ones over the years seems to have been very good. Of course some things may have been terrible and I might not have known it.
Amazing that this could happen to someone whose daughter knew so much about the health care system.
Looks like a very informative book to read, Tracy. I would like to go for it only because you have given this a thumbs up, this book reminds me of that old saying - Precaution is better than cure.
It amazes me how different the care that patients can have. My dad had very good care while he was treated for cancer. He also had dental surgery, heart attack then an angioplasty, and finally dialysis before passing away. I couldn't find any problem with his care, yet I have heard from others who had trouble with care at the same hospitals. We each have to be our own health advocate as well as watch out for our parents' care. Thanks for making me aware of this book.
Post a Comment