Singing Solo: In Search of a Voice for Mom

by JacLynn Herron

As dementia transported her mother into a world devoid of memory, language, and ability, the author shed denial and began a ceaseless struggle for the only “treatment” that her mother compassionate care. Singing In Search of a Voice for Mom relates a family’s true story of the perils of growing old and vulnerable in America.

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

JacLynn Herron, a Minnesota author, not only lost her mother to dementia, but also witnessed the strengths and flaws of the eldercare system that was responsible for her mother’s care. Believing in the power of story, she crafted her memoir, SINGING SOLO: IN SEARCH OF A VOICE FOR MOM, as a cautionary tale about the realities of nursing home care. Now she is committed to sharing that story with readers and audiences at a variety of places: bookstores, libraries, book groups, dementia conferences, and elder groups. The book prompts discussion of the question: How can we (as individuals, families and society) promote quality-of-life until the very end of life?

Reviews

[Jeanne]

I sought this book at the library after reading "Rewriting Marguerite" by JacLynn Herron because I enjoyed her writing style. Her easy style is evident in this book but the message starkly different. I believe "Singing Solo" is the first book published by Herron. While "Rewriting Marguerite" is fiction, this book is a non-fictional account of her mother's nursing home experience without sugar coating. Herron has become an advocate for nursing home reform. The book resonated with me in many ways because it parallels some of the frustrations my siblings and I are experiencing with the management of our mother's corporate run senior living experience. This book ends on a positive note with Herron's exposure to an advocacy initiative striving for resident-focused nursing home reforms.

[Marie Zhuikov]

As a person with both of my parents in assisted living, I found this book extremely eye-opening and helpful. It has forewarned me of some things to expect in the future, although I really hope my parents don't go through what the author's mother did in a nursing home. The book was well-written although there were a few grammar errors and tense errors that distracted. Not many, just a few.

[Jane]

Wonderful story of how the author advocated for her mom as she grew older and lost her memory. Follows the journey of their experiences in the various assisted living situations and how the old are treated or neglected if they don't have a strong advocate. A local MN story.

[Terri]

It was a very well written book. The first half of the book was very easy to read. The second half got a little less interesting. Fortunately I have not had the same experience as the author regarding the long term care facility where my Mother is living