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—or—
Take My Father...Please!

How To Survive
Caring For Aging Parents

by Jacqueline Marcell
Eldercare / Alzheimer’s Speaker, Author, Radio Host, Caregiver Advocate

ENDORSEMENTS AND REVIEWS

"It's like fiction, or a made-for-TV movie, filled with despair and deception, then resolution and redemption--leavened by doses of humor."
AARP's BULLETIN, by Susan L. Crowley
5 page cover story
Distribution: 22 million households.

"She writes her story with a great deal of compassion and reality. She is down to earth and honest but also is able to give much in the way of concrete help and advice for a variety of situations that can arise. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who will be caring for elderly parents, either now or in the future."
Marian Eure, About's Guide to Senior Health

"What a wonderful story! Congratulations for having the courage to go through this, and the ability to express it so beautifully. Anyone with aging parents will want to read this heart-warming book. "
JoAnn Padgett, Managing Editor
Advantage Publishers Group

"Marcell's lively, if at times harrowing, tale is told in 16 chapters, with some intriguing titles, such as 'Honey, I Blew Up the House.' Along the way, she conveys a considerable amount of insight and practical information. "
Aging Today, Caring Books

"So many family practitioners are not up to speed on the problems of dealing with the elderly and could benefit from reading this book. I highly recommend it."
Pat Ashley, Alzheimer Resource Center Board Member

"I recommend this book to everyone. Jacqueline incorporates humor into a devastating situation and gives valuable information on caring for an older adult."
Rosemarie Wheeler, RN, Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses

"Bravo! What an incredible learning adventure, written with humor and wit, keeping you as spellbound as a riveting novel."
Art Linkletter, Television Personality

"Instantly engaging and readable account of dealing with an elderly parent with dementia. Through example and experience, Marcell imparts practical information/advice for the carers of the elderly."
Dr. Brendan Hyland, Consultant Psychiatrist
Australasian Journal on Ageing
The Albert Road Clinic, Melbourne, Australia

"At some point in our lives we will all deal with aging parents. When that time comes, you'll want Jacqueline's breakthrough book by your side. Her appearance on my show generated some of the most poignant and appreciative email from our viewers, who were helped by just seeing her."
Barry Kibrick, Host of 'Between the Lines'

"Jacqueline illustrates that love is always the most powerful medicine."
Dr. Bernie S. Siegel, MD, Best-selling Author
“Love, Medicine & Miracles”

"A fascinating look at human behavior that illustrates the success of a daughter's devoted persistence. Written with the wit, compassion and integrity that you'll never forget."
Betty Friedan, Lecturer, Best-selling Author,
“The Feminine Mystique”, “It Changed My Life”,
“The Fountain of Age” and “Life So Far”

"Methinks you have a blockbuster on your hands. You deserve some sort of an award for producing a wonderful book like this—it's going to help so many people."
Irwin Zucker, Founder
Book Publicists of Southern California

"I wish I'd known about this book when I needed it, both for its wise advise and brave good humor."
Lary Shapiro, Editor-in-Chief
Doubleday Bookspan Book-of-the-Month Club

"I recommend this book to all nurses who care for older patients, and to all of us who care for confused older loved ones. The story entertains while teaching, and is as riveting as a good novel."
California Nurse Newsletter
RN Bookshelf, by Kathy Carder

"It's a book you'll want to share with your parents -- and your brothers and sisters. You'll find some parts humorous, as long as it does not happen in your family! And you'll find plenty of very practical advice in case it does. "
Terry Savage, nationally syndicated
Chicago Sun-Times columnist

"This sharing of a caregiving experience, which reflects a journey of self discovery and perseverance in creativity, is a welcome addition to the shared journeys of adult children caring for their aging parents. "
Brian M. Duke, President, Children of Aging Parents

"An outstanding achievement! A page-turner with delightful humor--keeping you laughing, crying, identifying, learning, and feeling very grateful that she went through this, so you don’t have to! "
Connie Stevens, Actress

"While telling her story, Marcell provides tips on how to cope with elderly loved ones. This book is endorsed by many celebrities and professionals, it is well written and has an outstanding title. As the author of 113 books, including revisions and foreign-language editions, and over 500 magazine articles, I like this book. "
Dan Poynter, Top 500 Reviewer for Amazon

"Elder Rage is a real lifeline for people affected by dementia and their caregivers. It is full of helpful suggestions and useful information. "
Daniel G. Amen, MD, Amen Clinics, Newport Beach, CA

"An example of courage, strength, perseverance and love--a must read!"
Denise Brown
Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation

"Our family lived with an aging parent, but when she needed hourly attention, we put her in a nursing home. She died a few weeks later. I wish there'd been a Jacqueline Marcell then, spreading her gospel. She might make a believer of you, too."
Gib Twyman, Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah

"It gives me great pleasure to join the National Association of Women Business Owners of Orange County in congratulating you for being honored as Advocate of the Year. Your leadership and service makes you truly deserving of this distinguished recognition. In sharing the knowledge you have gained from your difficult past experiences, you have provided insight that will make a profound difference in the lives of many. This award attests to your outstanding integrity and work ethic. Please know that your exceptional dedication and commitment is valuable beyond measure, and serves as an exemplary model for others to emulate."
Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator

"Jacqueline tackles that part of life that most think will never happen, and shocks us out of our denial with what it can really be like dealing with the personality and diseases of our elders."
Dr. Dean Edell, MD
Host of “The Dr. Dean Radio Show”
Best-selling Author, “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry”

"This devoted daughter's amazing journey will give you the skills and strength to manage your own elderly loved ones with humor and grace."
Dr. John Gray, Ph.D., Best-selling Author,
“Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus”

"Jacqueline describes the extremes that a daughter must go through to save a father with dementia. She chooses the more difficult path of staying the course, a much tougher existence than just walking away, and brings honor to her parents and moves us to a world with insight."
Dr. Nancy L. Snyderman, MD
Medical Correspondent/ABC News

"Jacqueline's journey illustrates the power of wit, humor, and loving persistence that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will laugh, you will cry and you will never forget this daughter's story."
Lisa P. Gwyther, MSW
Duke University Center for Aging

"Jacqueline's persistence and grace in the face of overwhelming obstacles is incredible. Delightfully written with wit and compassion, this firsthand drama is a primer for anyone with aging parents."
Ed Asner, Actor

"How did Jacqueline come up with a fun-read about such a difficult subject? Well, here it is—laughter amid the tears. And don't they always say that laughter is the best medicine of all?"
Ed McMahon, Television Personality

"A good read even for the physician. Jacqueline fills in all the details between office visits, providing the background of love, caring, frustration and pain that can never be expressed in 20 minutes."
Eric G. Tangalos, MD, Dir. Information Transfer
Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rochester, MN

"My parents are approaching their 80's and I can relate so well to the problems associated with dementia. Your warmth, humor and courage in tackling this sensitive topic speaks volumes for your strength and character."
Erin Brockovich

"Thanks for a delightful and heart-warming book!"
Ernest Borgnine, Actor

"It is a poignant, yet often funny, story of how difficult it is to find appropriate geriatric care and how important it is for medical professionals to listen to family caregivers and to connect them to appropriate services in the community."
Family Caregiver Alliance
www.caregiver.org

"I found Jacqueline's style of writing delightfully refreshing. It's a direct result of someone taking life's lemons and making lemonade. What is especially unique is its carefully chosen and skillfully selected symbolism and metaphors. A wonderful gift for a caregiver."
Anita Martin, Fifty Plus Lifestyles

"Rarely does a book come along that merits the interest of everyone age fifty-something, and their children. 'Elder Rage' is just such a book. I was asked to review it, and I couldn't lay it down and neither will you. True to the adage that laughter does a body good, the author softens her sorrow with humor that will keep you chuckling into the night. Woven into the fabric of this heart-warming account are strands of caregiving tips that alone are well-worth the price of the book."
FiftySomething Magazine
Caregiver's Corner by Bob DeBuhr

"Fascinating! Once you open it, you won't be able to close it—until you finish it."
Fred de Cordova, Executive Producer
“The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”

"Jacqueline has written a powerful and poignant story about the family devastation of dementia. This is a must-read for caregivers."
Harold H. Bloomfield, MD, Best-selling Author
“Making Peace With Your Parents”
“Making Peace With Your Past”

"Congratulations! A very important subject that does not get enough attention, as more and more people are finding themselves having to cope with caring for their elderly parents."
Hayley Mills, Actress

"Jacqueline has been there--done that, and now helps others deal with taking care of elders. She is upbeat! You will learn something to help you cope. A real professional, on all accounts. "
Heloise, Talk America Radio Host
Hints from Heloise Columnist

"Jacqueline's story and style of writing will surely grab a large readership. Studded with flashes of humor, it demonstrates the enormous resourcefulness and resilience of the human spirit."
Hugh Downs
Former host of '20/20' with Barbara Walters

"I have consulted families with aging issues for over 25 years, and the problem of anger in dementia is one of the toughest. Jacqueline's story is a valuable resource that offers guidance and inspiration."
John W. Gibson, DSW, MSW, MS
Institute For Successful Aging

"Anyone caring for a difficult elder will be comforted as they read about the case of rage that the author survived. Unexpected emotions that caregivers experience will be validated and understood when you read 'Elder Rage.'"
Lee Ann Johnson
Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, MI

"The reader will feel privileged to experience the challenges and eventual gratifying solutions that Jacqueline presents in this poignant narrative. Her courage, sensitive insights and excellent writing style will offer adult children a lifeline of hope and positive expectations."
Irene C. Kassorla, Ph.D., Best-selling Author

"As someone who has been through a similar journey with my own mother (for thirty-five years of dementia), I can relate to the sacrifice and reward, the horror and humor, and the evolution and eventual acceptance of circumstances that Jacqueline has gone through."
Jacqueline Bisset, Actress

"Yours is a book of warning for all ages. To quote Mel Brooks, 'We must never mock the thing we are to become'... and Dylan Thomas, 'Rage, rage against the dying of the light.' And now at 81 years I know... and I thank you."
James Whitmore, Actor

"Ms. Marcell has turned a tragedy into valuable guidelines for caregivers."
Jane Powell, Actress

"You'll learn, you'll laugh, you'll cry—what a wonderful combination of emotions—and you'll never forget this daughter's incredible journey."
Janet Leigh, Actress

"As Frank McCourt did so poignantly in his best seller ‘Angela's Ashes’, so too has Jacqueline captured in ‘Elder Rage’. Both experienced devastating family tragedies, yet kept their sanity with touches of humor. As an elderly father, I would like to feel assured that there is someone as special in my family to play the role of caregiver with tough love and tender compassion as Jacqueline has done so avidly."
Jerry Dunphy, Newscaster, KCAL 9, Los Angeles

"Jacqueline is red hot and right on target. Take this interview... please! "
Jim Bohannon, Westwood One Radio

"'Elder Rage' is a wonderful book!"
Joan Rivers

"This powerful and rewarding daughter's story illustrates that it's never too late to conquer family secrets. Anyone struggling to manage an elderly loved one will be grateful for this heart-warming book."
John Bradshaw, Best-selling Author
“Bradshaw: On the Family”, “Family Secrets”, “Homecoming”, “Healing the Shame That Binds You”

"It's a great read, an inspiring story and practical handbook. Get a copy today!"
John Kremer, Book Marketing Update
'1001 Ways to Market Your Books'

"Jacqueline's ingenuity and her ultimate understanding will inspire and comfort anyone dealing with a parent's not-so-gentle decline. This true-life story of one of the ultimate family struggles will help everyone grow in emotional depth and understanding."
Barry Gordon, MD, Ph.D., Professor of Neurology and Cognitive Science. Director, Memory Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD.

"Those of you with aging parents need to take stock of their situation so you can help them before it's too late. Jacqueline has shown you the way."
Journal of Longevity, by Dr. Paul Yutsis, MD

"What a contribution--a true story told with compassion and humor!"
Julie Harris, Actress

"Aside from being a riveting story, the book is punctuated by wit, humor, and an easy-to-read writing style. A valuable text, not only for the lay public but for general physicians, psychologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists."
Kaiser Permanente Journal, Book Review
By Elliot S. Eisenberg, MD

"Fellow Baby Boomers listen up! With all the recent breakthroughs in medicine, you may find yourself caring for your parents for more years than they cared for you. ‘Elder Rage’ will show you how to be an effective caregiver without ruining your own life in the process."
Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D., Best-selling Author,
“Age Wave” and “Age Power: How The 21st Century Will Be Ruled By The New Old”

"Jacqueline's humor and wit turn the most difficult life experiences into an inspiring message of hope--a great book for everyone!!"
Lainie Kazan, Actress

"Jacqueline's heart-warming account of the love she gives her parents touched my heart. This is must-reading for the Baby Boomers."
Leeza Gibbons, Television Personality

"There is no voice more honest and comforting than the voice of experience. This devoted daughter's hardships will become blessings for all those struggling to care for an elderly loved one who resists their care. If this must-read compelling story helps one person reach out for resources sooner than later, it will be a success."
Linda Scheck, Executive Director
Alzheimer's Association of Orange County

"Dementia threatens the essence of our humanity. Jacqueline's book chronicles her struggle to effectively change her parents' brain chemistry and improve their lives."
Lisa Routh, MD

"One message she stresses to audiences is that when your loved one does something that strikes you as illogical or irrational--it is! That's when you should seek help from specialists, as she did through the Alzheimer's Association. Medication can delay the dementia by two to four years."
Ann Shields, Special to The Los Angeles Times

"Wow, what a wonderful book! This is the ultimate eldercare roadmap. Everyone with aging parents should be required to read and enjoy it! "
Marilyn Michaels, Comedienne

"Most Baby Boomers will spend more time and money on elder care than child care. This great insightful book will help you to know that you are not alone."
Mark Victor Hansen
Co-creator #1 New York Times Best-selling:
“Chicken Soup for the Soul”® Series

"'Elder Rage' is very highly recommended reading for anyone concerned about dealing with an aging parent's needs when impacted by dementia or Alzheimer's."
Midwest Book Review, by Paul T. Vogel

"'Elder Rage' is a fine book filled with plenty of practical advice for anyone with elderly parents. Marcell's story gives us insights that are so necessary--and so often lacking--for anyone facing such tough decisions. It's important to know where to turn when we need counsel. She's been there, and we can all learn a lot from her experience."
Charles S. Lauer, Publisher,
Modern Healthcare Magazine

"Jacqueline has masterfully written a riveting true story, solving an issue that many adult children endure, but rarely speak about so openly--and illustrates the tremendous value of Adult Day Services in improving the lives of everyone involved with caring for an elder."
Jan Nestler, Immediate Past Chair,
National Adult Day Services Association

"Helpful to caregivers who are encouraged by the thought that if Marcell could solve her family dilemma, they can solve theirs. You will find this book fascinating."
National Center on Elder Abuse Newsletter

"There are plenty of books on how to raise children, but not so many on how to take care of your parents. Jacqueline Marcell aims to correct this with her informative and helpful book. Use this valuable resource to prepare for caring for aging parents. Even if not affected by dementia or aggression, Marcell's helpful hints will help improve other aspects of an aging parent's lifestyle."
Nancy B. Leake, NonfictionReviews.com

"A great tool for people who are faced with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, and a vital tool that I will use in my support of 3000 employees and their need for direction to resources."
Mimi A. Sackett, RN, BSN, COHN,
Vice President, Orange County Chapter Association of Occupational Health Nurses

"A godsend for anyone caring for an elderly relative."
Orange Coast Magazine, by Marylin Hudson

"A best seller on Amazon.com, Marcell was featured in the AARP Bulletin. A combination of proper medication and behavior modification has calmed her father and launched her on a national crusade to share her knowledge."
Orange County Register, by Jane Glenn Haas

"A poignant, humorous and entertaining roller coaster ride, laden with valuable and practical caregiving advice. Having survived being raised in a home shared by a demented grandmother, my hat is off to you. You should be canonized, my dear!"
Pam Dawber, Actress

"A compassionate and well-informed, reader-friendly, resource-packed volume, with a comprehensive appendix that gives readers specific guidelines through the sometimes terrifying problems of caring for a loved one with dementia."
Christina P. O'Neill
Editor, ParentCare Magazine

"A powerful, painful and hair-raising memoir. Caregivers can gain insights, techniques and tips for dealing with a wide variety of challenges and everyone can learn from her experience. The book is unique for its focus on the particularly difficult issues of identifying and dealing with different kinds of aggressive behavior that often surface with dementia. "
Partnership for Caring

"There's nothing like a real life story by someone who's been there, done that. This is a gripping true story that will make you cry and laugh."
Phyllis Diller, Comedian

"Jacqueline Marcell has boldly gone where most people fear to tread--dealing with the most difficult journey a son or daughter could--caring for her aging parents. The impact she makes on radio is a crucial tool for listeners everywhere. Her message is saving a lot of people a lot of pain. "
John St.Augustine, Power!Talk Radio

"I thought I knew Jacqueline until I read her book. Wow, what a story! If you're caring for an elder, you won't believe how much this book will help you."
Regis Philbin, 'Live With Regis & Kelly'

"This book is so helpful for dealing with difficult elders and besides that, you will have fun reading it. In some places I laughed so hard that tears came to my eyes, and then Jacqueline paints such a poignant picture of true love between two elderly people, that tears came to my eyes again."
Neal Asay, President
Retired Public Employees Association

"Elder Rage works! First, as a riveting non-fiction novel about a daughter's unconditional love for her aging parents. Secondly, as an informational book on caring for the elderly that solves the mystery of managing difficult elders. You will be helped and you will be touched by this amazing story's heart-line."
Robert Stack, Actor

"If you're interested in happiness while caregiving--read this book!"
Rod Steiger, Actor

"Delightfully real, often funny, with twists and turns that will have you nodding in recognition, often laughing and sometimes crying. Jacqueline triumphs when she discovers that demented does not mean stupid (a concept that is not widely appreciated) and demonstrates that there can still be a good life after dementia, when it is properly managed both medically and behaviorally."
Rodman Shankle, MS, MD
Neurologist Specialized in Dementia
Founder of the U.C. Irvine Alzheimer's Center

"Anyone who has been a caregiver handling health care, insurance, financial, and practical problems, on top of the emotional and mental fallout, knows what Jacqueline’s been through."
Round Table West, Margaret Burk, Chairman

"Straight ahead advice and a wealth of practical information for everyone with aging parents, as well as geriatric professionals. "
Rudolph Tanzi, MD, Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School; Director, Genetics & Aging Research, MA General Hospital. Author, 'Decoding Darkness: The Search for the Genetic Causes of Alzheimer's Disease'

"This book is going to be a best seller. Marcell has managed to leave me laughing when by all rights I should have been crying. She takes what should be an uncomfortable subject and makes it not just fascinating but also entertaining. She never loses her quick and wry sense of humor, and shows a rare ability to keep her perspective and her balance when she could just as easily have lost both. I was transported back 40 years to the days when, like hers, my parents were young, vibrant, and the center of the universe. "
Robert Goodman, Founder
San Diego Publishers Alliance

"Jacqueline has depended on her sense of humor to get through myriad less-than-humorous situations."
Marsha Kay Seff, Editor, San Diego Union Tribune

"This is a text for everyone who works in the elder care portion of society, and for every child who has an elderly parent... or one who is approaching that milestone in life. I plan to encourage both my young adult sons to read this book. "
ScribesWorld.com, review by Molly Martin

"This book provides great solace for anyone who has ever been through the pain of watching someone you love lose control and slowly become someone else entirely. I have lived through this nightmare and can attest to how difficult it is. ‘Elder Rage’ is a thoughtful, personal story that will touch your heart and inspire you to keep going even in the most trying of circumstances."
Senator John D. Rockefeller IV — West Virginia.
Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute. Dedicated to finding cures for neurological disorders.

"Jacqueline has a story to tell that will engage anyone coping with the aging process in their own family."
Senator Tom Hayden of California

"Living with, caring for and protecting those with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias isn't pretty, and Marcell exposes the horrific along with the hopeful in a gutsy, riveting style that reads like a best-selling novel."
Marie Dykes, Editor
Society of Certified Senior Advisors Journal

"A remarkable book! You have charted a relatively untrod field associated with the aging process. You deserve a great credit, congratulations!"
Steve Allen, Television Personality

"Her story will ring responsive chords in family members dealing with similar situations. Two excellent appendices, one on behavioral tips for handling dementia, and the other a physician's guide to treating aggression in dementia, provide good practical advice."
The Gerontologist, by James J. Callahan

"The author's humor is woven with compassion about her overwhelming caregiving journey that led her to be an cheerleader for adult day services."
The Information Source Newsletter

"It's rare that you read a book on taking care of elderly parents that actually makes you laugh. That's the miracle of this book--it's filled with laughter and love. It's a page-turner that you won't want to put down. Elder Rage is a very special book."
Toni Grant, Psychologist
Host of The Dr. Toni Grant radio program

"The most impressive book about eldercare that I have ever read. As a gerontologist, I teach 'Social Policy for the Aging Population' in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. I have selected your book as one that my students have to write a report about and will assign it as required reading. I have told a couple of gerontologists in other schools of social work to read your book. You did a marvelous job. I cried and laughed at the same time. It is really an amazing book. "
Namkee Choi, Gerontologist

"In addition to being a good story and a practical guide, it's an excellent reference book. The major value for caregivers is the feeling of support that Jacqueline manages to convey."
Ventura County Star, by Eugenie Wheeler

"If you have aging parents, this is a must read. Jacqueline Marcell has put together a book that will help every family member deal with the process of aging, and explores it in a way that is easy to understand. "
Steve Cochran, WGN Radio, Chicago
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"I thought I knew Jacqueline until I read her book. Wow, what a story! If you're caring for an elder, you won't believe how much this book
will help you."

—Regis Philbin
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