Book review: Learning to let go - Making the Transition into Residential Care

By Penelope Wilcock

Lion Book, ISBN 9780745953984, 150 pp

This insightful book is full of practical insights as expected from an author who has served both as a chaplain and as a care assistant in nursing homes for the chronically and terminally ill, and also as a hospice and hospital chaplain.

She identifies that there may be a time in a person's life when a person may not be able to live independently, so they have to leave a house that has been a home for many years and the many memories that it contains.

It is timely as, in 2007, a Lancashire County Council research showed that the top concern for people aged 65 years and over was the fear of losing their independence.

Mrs Wilcock provides wisdom in guiding the potential resident of a care home and their relatives through the process of preparing for such care. She assists with the difficult questions which will be faced by older people and those that love them, such as the best type of care is required, the evidence of a well-run home, and the expected attitudes from staff members.

She addresses the emotions that are felt at this time with sensitivity, such as loss by the older person and guilt by their children as their parent enters the home. It is recognised that the family dynamics will change and that emotional honesty is required. 

It was encouraging to observe the promotion of person-centred care where the resident is central to all that concerns him/her, from getting up in the morning to go to sleep at night. The book would be a good read for those involved in the running of care homes and their employees as it gives an insight into the feelings of their relatives and those who love them.

The writing is clear and easy to understand, with a helpful appendix of useful contacts.

Although the book is written by a Christian, it would be appreciated by many who would not share her religious convictions.

I would recommend this book to older (and younger) people who need to go into a care home, their friends and family, and those employed in care homes.