SUSIE & HERMAN: A Story of Love and Caregiving

In this slight, gently humorous anecdotal account, Smith, president of a hotel-consulting company, relates his experiences as caregiver to his mother and stepfather in their last years. The elderly couple (Susie and Herman) suffered from dementia and were in an assisted living facility in South Florida, some 40 miles from Smith's home. Even though he was bolstered by ample financial resources, Smith found caretaking an anguishing role. He relates the difficulties in finding a competent aide to help with the basics—bathing, dressing, reminding about eating and being on time for medical appointments—and how he often had to come to Susie and Herman's rescue in one crisis after another. Many of his tales will connect for readers caring for their own elderly relatives. Smith recounts his family's emigration from Germany to the Bronx, the death of his father, and his mother's career at Bloomingdale's, where she worked until she was 80. He convinced her to move near him in South Florida, and in the retirement home she met and married Herman. Like many adults in his situation, Smith is mindful that he, too, may someday need the care he extended to Susie and Herman. While he expresses his frustration at their diminishing awareness and competence, he remains a steadfast friend, caring for his stepfather until Herman's death six months after Susie's. This warmly sentimental account of caregiving for the elderly is certainly not original, but readers facing similar problems will find themselves nodding in recognition at the humor and pathos of Smith's story. (Feb. 1)

Forecast:This small tome should fare well with baby boomers, whose parents are now reaching old age. Its low price also makes it an ideal gift item.