Reviews
"Family caregiving has long been considered 'women's work' and thus unworthy of due respect and support; Dr. Nanette Davis' fine work now shows us the folly of that stereotype. This is a most comprehensive and deeply spiritual examination of the broader aspects of caregiving, leading us to understand its inherent potential for bringing to full fruition the creative, joyful energy that it is to be a woman. Kudos for Blessed Is She: This book gives voice to every woman who feels guilty and burdened in this role, along with a brilliant roadmap for the healing that elder care promises."
...Beth Witrogen (McLeod), author of Caregiving: The Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss, and Renewal
"Nanette J. Davis’ book, Blessed is She, is a treasure trove for those who currently are caregivers and for the rest of us who, as women, likely will one day become caregivers or receivers. This book—as much a personal and spiritual journey as it is an academic analysis—takes us inside the gendered world of caregivers. In it we learn first-hand how profound are the physical, mental and emotional challenges of caregiving. We hear the voices of the caregivers, all women, and we gain a deep appreciation for their sacrifices, their love, their spirituality, their commitment and their determination to do what is right by their loved ones. Students of aging, and of religion, should find it compelling reading."
...Kathleen F. Slevin, co-author of Age Matters: Realigning Feminist Thinking
"Nanette Davis, Ph.D., has combined her knowledge as an educator and her personal experience as a caregiver for her former husband to write a book to help other caregivers have better insight into their own caregiving experiences. She describes how people become caregivers. She talks about the impact of caregiving. Some caregivers have difficulty in balancing the role of caregiving... in staying in charge of their own lives.
Some faced financial burdens. Some have lost relationships and friends. Other caregivers managed to build social networks and to find supportive family members. Davis discusses the role of the caregiver when the care shifts from being hands-on to having the care receiver move to a care facility... and the change to becoming a care advocate... to be a strong spokesperson for that person’s needs. She completes the book with a checklist for caregivers and includes strategies for 'The Ingenious Caregiver.'
Blessed Is She provides a wide range of situations to help caregivers evaluate their own experiences and suggestions to help them take better care of themselves while they are taking care of someone else."
...Josselyn Winslow, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society of Washington
"In her book, it is clear that Nanette Davis 'gets it.' When veteran family caregivers meet, they quickly bond because they share a special connection. Blessed is She brings these intimate insights to everyone. The stories reveal the secret known to seasoned caregivers...the challenging experience also provides joy, rewards and profound transformational learning. A must-read for all Baby Boomers."
…Louise M. Morman, Executive Coach/Speaker and Founder, www.EldercareLearnings.com