Local author Patricia A. Nugent will read excerpts from her recently published book, They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad, on Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa. The event is part of the Caregiver Series, monthly discussion groups.
The book consists of 300 vignettes that portray the stages of caring for and saying goodbye to a loved one, as seen through the eyes of a daughter and her terminally ill parents.
According to Nugent, `Family members struggle with how best to support loved ones in a long term care facility. Should we bring food? Take them out? Clean them up? Or just sit and talk? The readings will help family members understand the importance of just showing up, holding hands, listening and talking. But that’s much easier said than done.`
Discussion after the readings will focus on the participants’ experiences and how to stay present when visiting infirm loved ones.
Maplewood Manor is hosting these monthly discussion groups on issues related to the aging, long-term illness and death of loved ones. They are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 149 Ballston Ave. The community is invited to attend free of charge and refreshments will be served.“