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megan_rang's review against another edition
5.0
This book really hit home. My father had Alzheimer’s and my mother was his caregiver until placing him into memory care at a Veterans Home. It was difficult until his passing.
caracalico's review against another edition
5.0
This book was very well written, charming, and also sad. It read extremely quickly and Dr. Dosa does a really good job setting up the mood and scene with few words. He's a great writer. The story itself was slice of life, while still being about something particularly special. I enjoyed the reflections on dementia and watching ones parents die. It made me call of my mom to talk with her because I felt so thankful that I still have her and my dad, and most people I have loved. A very good little read. I would recommend it to anyone, but if you're an empathetic person, it's definitely a tear jerker so be careful where you read.
bookstacker's review against another edition
5.0
A non-fiction book written by a Doctor who works in a home for patients with Alzheimers. Oscar is one of the resident cats that is not sociable until death is imminent. Dr. Dosa is skeptical at first when he starts hearing the stories so he starts interviewing families who have had loved ones pass with "Oscar in attendance". (He uses their stories only with their permission.)
This is not as depressing a book as some might think. Yes it is about the inevitable, death. However, this book is also about love. I've learned about how as a caregiver of an elderly person with memory problems it is important *not* to "bail them out" by prompting memories when they are being interviewed by a Doctor. What behavior not to do to make sure my loved one gets the care they need. Also, that hospital ICUs are not about comfort but stabilization. I, like the Doctor, would "prefer the cat over the ICU".
It is comforting to know that a simple act of a cat cuddling with the dying eases the process for both the patient and their family. No-one knows how Oscar knows but his track record is impeccable even to holding his "vigil" on a patient's bed when the patient is in the hospital. All are amazed that he doesn't leave until the patient has passed. He lashes out if anyone tries to remove him and panics if he cannot get in a room of someone who is dying. To many observers it appears to them that he believes it is his sacred duty to be there for the dying.
I recommend anyone with aging parents or even those with loved ones with a chronic illness of other types to read this. It gives a good insight towards the natural human tendencies when a loved one is ill especially when the illness changes the personality of your loved one. It has also taught me what *not* to do when I am a caregiver for another dealing with an illness or other chronic issue.
For more about Oscar please visit this website. http://www.steerehouse.org/Mediarelations/oscar
This is not as depressing a book as some might think. Yes it is about the inevitable, death. However, this book is also about love. I've learned about how as a caregiver of an elderly person with memory problems it is important *not* to "bail them out" by prompting memories when they are being interviewed by a Doctor. What behavior not to do to make sure my loved one gets the care they need. Also, that hospital ICUs are not about comfort but stabilization. I, like the Doctor, would "prefer the cat over the ICU".
It is comforting to know that a simple act of a cat cuddling with the dying eases the process for both the patient and their family. No-one knows how Oscar knows but his track record is impeccable even to holding his "vigil" on a patient's bed when the patient is in the hospital. All are amazed that he doesn't leave until the patient has passed. He lashes out if anyone tries to remove him and panics if he cannot get in a room of someone who is dying. To many observers it appears to them that he believes it is his sacred duty to be there for the dying.
I recommend anyone with aging parents or even those with loved ones with a chronic illness of other types to read this. It gives a good insight towards the natural human tendencies when a loved one is ill especially when the illness changes the personality of your loved one. It has also taught me what *not* to do when I am a caregiver for another dealing with an illness or other chronic issue.
For more about Oscar please visit this website. http://www.steerehouse.org/Mediarelations/oscar
awbookgirl's review against another edition
4.0
I had to travel for work last week. I finished the book I brought with me for the trip out. And because of the “no electronics during take-off and landing” rule, I needed another book to keep me occupied on the return trip until I could read on the iPad (or, in this instance, re-watch the season finale of Sons of Anarchy). Anyway, I was in a really small airport that had a really small selection of books. The only one that really caught my eye was Making Rounds With Oscar.
Dr. David Dosa works with dementia patients and their families at a nursing home called Steere House in Rhode Island. Steere House is also home to Oscar and several other cats. While all the cats interact with the staff and patients, Oscar seems to know when a patient is going to die. Normally standoffish, Oscar makes a point of waiting, curled up next to a patient, in their final hours. He doesn’t leave until the patient has passed.
SPOILER ALERT: I only do this with books about animals, but before I bought the book, I flipped through the last few pages to make sure we were still talking about Oscar in the present tense. I cannot read books where the animals die, so I know it is a spoiler, but it’s one I’m OK sharing. SPOILER OVER
A scientist, Dr. Dosa was admittedly skeptical of Oscar’s ability to sense death. But he began interviewing the families of former patients about their experience with Oscar. And while he learned that Oscar provides a great sense of comfort to the families (and staff) during their loved one’s final hours, he also gained a greater understanding on the impact of dementia (which includes but is not synonymous with Alzheimer’s) on the patient and their families.
I enjoyed the book because as a pet owner I’m firmly convinced that animals can sense our moods and provide comfort and companionship when we need it most. But at the same time, I call the experience of reading the book bittersweet. My family has a history of Alzheimer’s, and those personal experiences (and fears that come from that place deep down inside that make me wonder if one day, I too, will suffer from it) brought a special poignancy and touch of melancholy to the story.
Still, it is a story of companionship and love in the sense of Oscar being a part of a patient’s final hours and in the stories of love from the patient’s families. It is overall heartwarming and comforting, and one I would recommend.
Dr. David Dosa works with dementia patients and their families at a nursing home called Steere House in Rhode Island. Steere House is also home to Oscar and several other cats. While all the cats interact with the staff and patients, Oscar seems to know when a patient is going to die. Normally standoffish, Oscar makes a point of waiting, curled up next to a patient, in their final hours. He doesn’t leave until the patient has passed.
SPOILER ALERT: I only do this with books about animals, but before I bought the book, I flipped through the last few pages to make sure we were still talking about Oscar in the present tense. I cannot read books where the animals die, so I know it is a spoiler, but it’s one I’m OK sharing. SPOILER OVER
A scientist, Dr. Dosa was admittedly skeptical of Oscar’s ability to sense death. But he began interviewing the families of former patients about their experience with Oscar. And while he learned that Oscar provides a great sense of comfort to the families (and staff) during their loved one’s final hours, he also gained a greater understanding on the impact of dementia (which includes but is not synonymous with Alzheimer’s) on the patient and their families.
I enjoyed the book because as a pet owner I’m firmly convinced that animals can sense our moods and provide comfort and companionship when we need it most. But at the same time, I call the experience of reading the book bittersweet. My family has a history of Alzheimer’s, and those personal experiences (and fears that come from that place deep down inside that make me wonder if one day, I too, will suffer from it) brought a special poignancy and touch of melancholy to the story.
Still, it is a story of companionship and love in the sense of Oscar being a part of a patient’s final hours and in the stories of love from the patient’s families. It is overall heartwarming and comforting, and one I would recommend.
rswenden's review against another edition
4.0
A doctor relates stories of families coping well or badly with loved ones suffering from dementia. The cat is a charming touch, but Alzheimers is the star of the story.
loveisastateofmind's review against another edition
3.0
Although this book is marketed at cat lovers its focus is actually:
1. The care of dementia patients
2. The career of Doctor Dosa
3. The cat
in that order.
1. The care of dementia patients
2. The career of Doctor Dosa
3. The cat
in that order.
cynragona's review against another edition
4.0
First, a disclaimer. I know the author, which is the only reason I initially chose to read this book. I was familiar with the story of the cat who knew when the nursing home residents were about to die and wasn't particularly interested in hearing more about it. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that (despite the way the publisher promoted it) the book is not really about the cat at all. While intriguing in its own right, the cat is merely a vehicle for discussing much more important and complex topics--aging, dementia, end-of-life care, and the effect of all of these things on family members.
While that description might lead you to think it is a depressing book, it surprisingly is not. The author has an easy-to-read style and conveys his points using true anecdotes from his geriatric practice. It is heartwarming and thought-provoking. I imagine that this might be a very difficult book for someone currently (or recently) dealing with a family member suffering from dementia, as it very clearly states that there are ultimately no long-term positive outcomes to be expected. However, I think it provides perspective on saying goodbye to the loved one who once was, while delicately raising end-of-life care issues that will be relevant to nearly all of us someday (as patient or caregiver).
An easy read that left me thinking about it days after I completed it.
While that description might lead you to think it is a depressing book, it surprisingly is not. The author has an easy-to-read style and conveys his points using true anecdotes from his geriatric practice. It is heartwarming and thought-provoking. I imagine that this might be a very difficult book for someone currently (or recently) dealing with a family member suffering from dementia, as it very clearly states that there are ultimately no long-term positive outcomes to be expected. However, I think it provides perspective on saying goodbye to the loved one who once was, while delicately raising end-of-life care issues that will be relevant to nearly all of us someday (as patient or caregiver).
An easy read that left me thinking about it days after I completed it.
ghostowngranny's review against another edition
4.0
What a great little book! So much more than the story of a special cat (but then, they're all special, aren't they?). Plenty of info here for those of us who are caretakers: how dimentia affects, not only the patient, but their families and caretakers. Plenty of good advice about dealing with death and dying, which is certainly relevant to all of us. Thanks to Dr. Dosa for sharing his experiences and observations with us, and for introducing us to Oscar.
tiredcat51's review against another edition
4.0
I love it! I started reading it today and I couldn't put it down. My grandma died from alzheimer's disease and this book really hit home for me. I have been thinking about my grandma a lot recently. But it didn't make me feel sad. I felt hopeful and at peace.