What do you think?
Rate this book
Helpers Anonymous : A Disabled Woman's Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic
A sudden rise in opioid addicts coinciding with a sudden drop in legally available opioids, created a desperation for prescription drugs never seen before in this country. Physicians shut down their previous practice of repeated refills once the death toll was too high to ignore. As hospitals and rehab facilities instituted drug testing and CORI checks to ensure employees were clean, one healthcare option stood alone as a place to easily obtain painkillers. That place was home healthcare.
Jeanne Tiberio tells her story of living with her Personal Care Attendants on the front lines at that turbulent time. Equal parts comical and heartbreaking, Jeanne invites us into her world as she struggles with and adapts to, living with a neuromuscular disease.
Jeanne Tiberio tells her story of living with her Personal Care Attendants on the front lines at that turbulent time. Equal parts comical and heartbreaking, Jeanne invites us into her world as she struggles with and adapts to, living with a neuromuscular disease.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2023
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 2, 2024
Book Title: Helpers Anonymous: A Disabled Woman’s Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic
Author: Jeanne Tiberio
Genre: Memoir, Social Issues, Healthcare
Jeanne Tiberio’s “Helpers Anonymous: A Disabled Woman’s Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic” is a poignant and eye-opening memoir that sheds light on the complexities of living with a disability amidst the chaos of the opioid crisis. Through her candid narrative, Tiberio offers readers a glimpse into her personal struggles and triumphs, as well as the broader societal issues that intersect with her life.
A Frontline Perspective:
Tiberio’s memoir provides a unique frontline perspective on the opioid epidemic, revealing how the crisis has impacted the often-overlooked realm of home healthcare. As physicians curtail prescription refills and healthcare institutions tighten their drug policies, home healthcare emerges as a vulnerable sector. Tiberio’s experiences with Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) highlight the challenges faced by those relying on home care, where the desperation for painkillers can lead to unintended and dangerous consequences.
A Tale of Resilience and Adaptation:
Living with a neuromuscular disease, Tiberio’s journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. Her memoir captures the daily realities of managing her condition while navigating the shifting landscape of home healthcare. Through both comical and heartbreaking anecdotes, she shares how she copes with the physical and emotional demands of her illness, offering inspiration and insight to readers facing similar challenges.
Humanizing the Epidemic:
One of the most compelling aspects of “Helpers Anonymous” is Tiberio’s ability to humanize the opioid epidemic. By inviting readers into her world, she puts a face to the statistics and headlines, showing the personal toll of the crisis. Her interactions with PCAs who are struggling with addiction themselves reveal the complexities and nuances of the epidemic, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing this public health issue.Balancing Humor and Heartache:
Tiberio masterfully balances humor and heartache in her storytelling. Her wit and humor provide levity amidst the serious subject matter, making her narrative both engaging and relatable. At the same time, she does not shy away from the difficult moments, offering a raw and honest account of her experiences. This balance creates a memoir that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.A Call to Action:
"Helpers Anonymous" is more than just a memoir; it is a call to action. Tiberio's story highlights the urgent need for better support systems and policies for both patients and healthcare workers. By sharing her experiences, she advocates for greater awareness and reform in the home healthcare sector, urging readers to consider the broader implications of the opioid epidemic. In conclusion, Jeanne Tiberio's "Helpers Anonymous: A Disabled Woman's Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic" is a powerful and moving memoir that offers valuable insights into the intersection of disability, healthcare, and addiction. Through her personal narrative, Tiberio provides a compelling account that is both informative and emotionally resonant, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human side of the opioid crisis.
Author: Jeanne Tiberio
Genre: Memoir, Social Issues, Healthcare
Jeanne Tiberio’s “Helpers Anonymous: A Disabled Woman’s Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic” is a poignant and eye-opening memoir that sheds light on the complexities of living with a disability amidst the chaos of the opioid crisis. Through her candid narrative, Tiberio offers readers a glimpse into her personal struggles and triumphs, as well as the broader societal issues that intersect with her life.
A Frontline Perspective:
Tiberio’s memoir provides a unique frontline perspective on the opioid epidemic, revealing how the crisis has impacted the often-overlooked realm of home healthcare. As physicians curtail prescription refills and healthcare institutions tighten their drug policies, home healthcare emerges as a vulnerable sector. Tiberio’s experiences with Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) highlight the challenges faced by those relying on home care, where the desperation for painkillers can lead to unintended and dangerous consequences.
A Tale of Resilience and Adaptation:
Living with a neuromuscular disease, Tiberio’s journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. Her memoir captures the daily realities of managing her condition while navigating the shifting landscape of home healthcare. Through both comical and heartbreaking anecdotes, she shares how she copes with the physical and emotional demands of her illness, offering inspiration and insight to readers facing similar challenges.
Humanizing the Epidemic:
One of the most compelling aspects of “Helpers Anonymous” is Tiberio’s ability to humanize the opioid epidemic. By inviting readers into her world, she puts a face to the statistics and headlines, showing the personal toll of the crisis. Her interactions with PCAs who are struggling with addiction themselves reveal the complexities and nuances of the epidemic, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing this public health issue.Balancing Humor and Heartache:
Tiberio masterfully balances humor and heartache in her storytelling. Her wit and humor provide levity amidst the serious subject matter, making her narrative both engaging and relatable. At the same time, she does not shy away from the difficult moments, offering a raw and honest account of her experiences. This balance creates a memoir that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.A Call to Action:
"Helpers Anonymous" is more than just a memoir; it is a call to action. Tiberio's story highlights the urgent need for better support systems and policies for both patients and healthcare workers. By sharing her experiences, she advocates for greater awareness and reform in the home healthcare sector, urging readers to consider the broader implications of the opioid epidemic. In conclusion, Jeanne Tiberio's "Helpers Anonymous: A Disabled Woman's Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic" is a powerful and moving memoir that offers valuable insights into the intersection of disability, healthcare, and addiction. Through her personal narrative, Tiberio provides a compelling account that is both informative and emotionally resonant, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human side of the opioid crisis.
December 14, 2024
‘Helpers Anonymous: A Disabled Woman's Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic’ is truly beautiful, powerful and uplifting memoir written by Jeanne Tiberio, on her challenges living with muscular dystrophy and the broken Health Care System.
Jeanne recounts her journey from a young age where she realises she is having mobility issues, and although notices there is an issue, avoids letting it dampen her spirits and avoids highlighting her difficulties, to safeguard her family from stress. As the years progress, so does her condition, together with the discovery that she has a neuromuscular disability, which ultimately renders her incapacitated from basic movements (lifting a hand), leaving her wheelchair bound and dependant on carers.
Full of heartache and humour, Jeanne has crafted a wonderful book, sharing her experiences and expressing the helplessness felt by the incapacity to be left alone, and ultimately have the need to have suicidal and overdosed PCAs, in order to survive, causing additional physical and emotional distress.
The author shares various accounts of the indignity experienced, from PCAs mistreating, robbing and assaulting her; and how in two circumstances, the judicial system failed to act in her defence.
This book is an eye-opener to highlight the unnecessary burden on disabled individuals having to employ Personal Care Attendants (PCA), without any knowledge or backing whether the person has any criminal record/be able to enforce drug tests, and fill out and submit paperwork for their carers (W2 forms). Jeanne is a beacon of hope, advocating for the much needed change in a failed care system for disabled individuals in need of safeguarding and care.
This book is a testament to the resilience and empathy shared by Jeanne, and how even though she suffered countless grievances by some PCAs, due to their intoxication with alcohol, drugs or opioids, she never lacked empathy and strived to help in any way she could.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys personal stories, as it will lift your spirits and inspire you to have a more empathetic view, through the eyes of a disabled individual.
A memoir filled with wit and kindness, against all odds.
Jeanne recounts her journey from a young age where she realises she is having mobility issues, and although notices there is an issue, avoids letting it dampen her spirits and avoids highlighting her difficulties, to safeguard her family from stress. As the years progress, so does her condition, together with the discovery that she has a neuromuscular disability, which ultimately renders her incapacitated from basic movements (lifting a hand), leaving her wheelchair bound and dependant on carers.
Full of heartache and humour, Jeanne has crafted a wonderful book, sharing her experiences and expressing the helplessness felt by the incapacity to be left alone, and ultimately have the need to have suicidal and overdosed PCAs, in order to survive, causing additional physical and emotional distress.
The author shares various accounts of the indignity experienced, from PCAs mistreating, robbing and assaulting her; and how in two circumstances, the judicial system failed to act in her defence.
This book is an eye-opener to highlight the unnecessary burden on disabled individuals having to employ Personal Care Attendants (PCA), without any knowledge or backing whether the person has any criminal record/be able to enforce drug tests, and fill out and submit paperwork for their carers (W2 forms). Jeanne is a beacon of hope, advocating for the much needed change in a failed care system for disabled individuals in need of safeguarding and care.
This book is a testament to the resilience and empathy shared by Jeanne, and how even though she suffered countless grievances by some PCAs, due to their intoxication with alcohol, drugs or opioids, she never lacked empathy and strived to help in any way she could.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys personal stories, as it will lift your spirits and inspire you to have a more empathetic view, through the eyes of a disabled individual.
A memoir filled with wit and kindness, against all odds.
June 21, 2024
"Helpers Anonymous" by Jeanne Tiberio is a poignant and compelling memoir that dives deep into the complexities of the opioid crisis through the lens of home healthcare. Set against the backdrop of changing regulations and the growing desperation for pain management solutions, Tiberio offers a unique perspective as both a patient and observer of the often overlooked vulnerabilities within the system.
Jeanne Tiberio's narrative is raw and enlightening, blending humor with the harsh realities of living with a neuromuscular disease in a time when the very system meant to provide care and relief also becomes a conduit for addiction. The book is an eye-opening exploration of the challenges faced by those who rely on personal care attendants, whose roles are critical yet fraught with the temptations posed by easy access to prescription medications.
Tiberio does an exceptional job of humanizing a national crisis, focusing on the day-to-day interactions with her caretakers, whose personal struggles with addiction reflect broader systemic issues. Her story is not just about the difficulties of managing her disease but also about the resilience and adaptability required to navigate a life dependent on others in a world rife with addiction.
"Helpers Anonymous" is not only an autobiography but a critical commentary on the state of healthcare and opioid availability. It’s an essential read for those looking to understand the personal impacts of broad regulatory changes and the opioid epidemic. Tiberio’s insights are invaluable, offering a blend of personal anecdote and broader social critique that is both engaging and educational.
This book is highly recommended for readers interested in personal stories of survival and resilience, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the opioid crisis’s complexities. Jeanne Tiberio's "Helpers Anonymous" is a testament to the human spirit’s tenacity and the ever-complicated relationship between health management and drug dependency, making it a crucial addition to discussions about healthcare and addiction recovery.
Jeanne Tiberio's narrative is raw and enlightening, blending humor with the harsh realities of living with a neuromuscular disease in a time when the very system meant to provide care and relief also becomes a conduit for addiction. The book is an eye-opening exploration of the challenges faced by those who rely on personal care attendants, whose roles are critical yet fraught with the temptations posed by easy access to prescription medications.
Tiberio does an exceptional job of humanizing a national crisis, focusing on the day-to-day interactions with her caretakers, whose personal struggles with addiction reflect broader systemic issues. Her story is not just about the difficulties of managing her disease but also about the resilience and adaptability required to navigate a life dependent on others in a world rife with addiction.
"Helpers Anonymous" is not only an autobiography but a critical commentary on the state of healthcare and opioid availability. It’s an essential read for those looking to understand the personal impacts of broad regulatory changes and the opioid epidemic. Tiberio’s insights are invaluable, offering a blend of personal anecdote and broader social critique that is both engaging and educational.
This book is highly recommended for readers interested in personal stories of survival and resilience, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the opioid crisis’s complexities. Jeanne Tiberio's "Helpers Anonymous" is a testament to the human spirit’s tenacity and the ever-complicated relationship between health management and drug dependency, making it a crucial addition to discussions about healthcare and addiction recovery.
March 13, 2025
Jeanne Tiberio's book Helpers Anonymous is the best and most subtle motivational book anyone could read. It first opened my eyes to how flawed the healthcare system is and how drugs could affect a person's life.
The story starts with a sweet girl who is timid and comes off as weird to her classmates and other people; she chooses to change her life with her hands, from being a girl who was reticent to being a girl who would do anything and give anything to get where she wants, no matter how many times she fails. At first, her primary goal was to be good at sports, but little did she know that her life could get worse than it already was. Jeanne was diagnosed with Muscle Dystrophy (MD), which is a group of genetic disorders that cause muscles to weaken over time. She went from being a healthy young woman hoping to be an outstanding athlete to a woman who depended on personal care attendants even for essential activities. The story opened my eyes to her experiences with Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) and how things couldn't change if this part of the healthcare system were looked into. But this did not stop her or change who she was; she worked hard and fought for her life, doing everything to have an everyday life like everyone else.
I liked many things about this book, but the most important is how resilient Jeanne was in living an everyday life and moving forward despite her predicament. She never backed down for a second, and she never gave in to the depression that was attached to her health condition. She remained kind and patient to her Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) and always tried to understand them.
I disliked nothing about this book. It was exciting and motivating, and I enjoyed every bit of it. The best thing about this book was that a true life story inspired it, and I could also see and get a clearer picture of how the healthcare system worked.
I did not spot any errors while reading this book, which means it was perfectly edited. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it was worth the read, and I learned much from it. I recommend it to people with health challenges and those who love documentaries.
The story starts with a sweet girl who is timid and comes off as weird to her classmates and other people; she chooses to change her life with her hands, from being a girl who was reticent to being a girl who would do anything and give anything to get where she wants, no matter how many times she fails. At first, her primary goal was to be good at sports, but little did she know that her life could get worse than it already was. Jeanne was diagnosed with Muscle Dystrophy (MD), which is a group of genetic disorders that cause muscles to weaken over time. She went from being a healthy young woman hoping to be an outstanding athlete to a woman who depended on personal care attendants even for essential activities. The story opened my eyes to her experiences with Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) and how things couldn't change if this part of the healthcare system were looked into. But this did not stop her or change who she was; she worked hard and fought for her life, doing everything to have an everyday life like everyone else.
I liked many things about this book, but the most important is how resilient Jeanne was in living an everyday life and moving forward despite her predicament. She never backed down for a second, and she never gave in to the depression that was attached to her health condition. She remained kind and patient to her Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) and always tried to understand them.
I disliked nothing about this book. It was exciting and motivating, and I enjoyed every bit of it. The best thing about this book was that a true life story inspired it, and I could also see and get a clearer picture of how the healthcare system worked.
I did not spot any errors while reading this book, which means it was perfectly edited. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it was worth the read, and I learned much from it. I recommend it to people with health challenges and those who love documentaries.
January 7, 2025
"Helpers Anonymous" by Jeanne Tiberio is a poignant and unflinching memoir that delves into the complexities of living with muscular dystrophy. Tiberio candidly shares her personal struggles with navigating the healthcare system, relying on home care during the escalating opioid epidemic, and grappling with the emotional and physical challenges of her condition.
The book offers a raw and intimate look at the realities of disability, from the mundane frustrations of daily living to the profound impact on one's sense of self and independence.
"Helpers Anonymous" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the lived experience of disability. It provides crucial insights for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers, highlighting the systemic barriers faced by disabled individuals and the urgent need for improved support systems.
The book offers a raw and intimate look at the realities of disability, from the mundane frustrations of daily living to the profound impact on one's sense of self and independence.
"Helpers Anonymous" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the lived experience of disability. It provides crucial insights for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers, highlighting the systemic barriers faced by disabled individuals and the urgent need for improved support systems.
October 19, 2024
In this memoir, the author provides a personal account of her journey with muscular dystrophy, and her experiences with home healthcare. I found this very moving, engaging, and inspiring to read, with many personal anecdotes that were both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
I think that we never fully understand someone else's journey, or what it is to fight their battles, and that was something which I thought about myself, while I was reading. As a person with a disability myself, I have often thought about it. You are the only one that knows what it is to be in your skin, and your journey is unique. I'm thankful that the author decided to share her story with readers.
I think that we never fully understand someone else's journey, or what it is to fight their battles, and that was something which I thought about myself, while I was reading. As a person with a disability myself, I have often thought about it. You are the only one that knows what it is to be in your skin, and your journey is unique. I'm thankful that the author decided to share her story with readers.
June 4, 2023
A unique glimpse into a life entwined with strangers
This book gives the inside view of how a debilitating Health condition mixed with a mismanaged government aid program leads to often frightening and sometimes funny relationships.
Jeanne Tiberio shows us how forcing someone with extremely limited capabilities to physically care for themselves to hire strangers leaves vulnerable people at incredible risk.
Her humor and humanity shines through.
This book gives the inside view of how a debilitating Health condition mixed with a mismanaged government aid program leads to often frightening and sometimes funny relationships.
Jeanne Tiberio shows us how forcing someone with extremely limited capabilities to physically care for themselves to hire strangers leaves vulnerable people at incredible risk.
Her humor and humanity shines through.
September 30, 2024
This is a memoir. Opioid epidemic time story. The struggles of a disabled woman.
This book was partly funny and heartbreaking too.
I liked the narrative style. How the struggles are described and all. But it was an emotional read also.
Good book.
This book was partly funny and heartbreaking too.
I liked the narrative style. How the struggles are described and all. But it was an emotional read also.
Good book.
December 19, 2024
This was a nice memoir book I have read so far. It is indeed very difficult to stand on any disabled's place and see thorugh their eyes. But Jeanne Tiberio has tried to picturize the difficulties she drived through. This book just doesn't have the difficulties but also have some funny things which has made the book even more want-to-read stuff. If someone's looking for motivation, starving to live the life - this will the good one to sugegst.
November 25, 2024
"Helpers Anonymous: A Disabled Woman's Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic" by Jeanne Tiberio is a moving memoir that provides insight into the challenges of living with a disability amid the opioid crisis.
Tiberio's candid narrative offers readers a window into her struggles and successes, as well as the larger societal issues that impact her life.
Tiberio's memoir offers a unique frontline perspective on the opioid epidemic. It reveals how the crisis has impacted the often-overlooked realm of home healthcare.
As physicians limit prescription refills and healthcare institutions tighten their drug policies, home healthcare emerges as a vulnerable sector. Tiberio's experiences with Personal Care Attendants highlight the challenges faced by those relying on home care. The desperation for painkillers can lead to unintended and dangerous consequences.
Living with a neuromuscular disease, Tiberio's journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. Her memoir captures the daily realities of managing her condition while navigating the shifting landscape of home healthcare.
Through both comical and heartbreaking anecdotes, she shares how she copes with the physical and emotional demands of her illness, offering inspiration and insight to readers facing similar challenges.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Helpers Anonymous" is Tiberio's ability to humanize the opioid epidemic.
By inviting readers into her world, she puts a face to the statistics and headlines, showing the personal toll of the crisis. Her interactions with PCAs who are struggling with addiction themselves reveal the complexities and nuances of the epidemic, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing this public health issue.
Tiberio masterfully balances humor and heartache in her storytelling. Her wit and humor provide levity amidst the serious subject matter, making her narrative engaging and relatable. At the same time, she does not shy away from the difficult moments, offering a raw and honest account of her experiences. This balance creates a memoir that is both entertaining and enlightening.
"Helpers Anonymous" is not just a memoir; it is a call to action. Tiberio's story underscores the urgent need for improved support systems and policies for both patients and healthcare workers. By sharing her experiences, she advocates for greater awareness and reform in the home healthcare sector, urging readers to consider the broader implications of the opioid epidemic.
In conclusion, Jeanne Tiberio's "Helpers Anonymous: A Disabled Woman's Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic" is a powerful and moving memoir that offers valuable insights into the intersection of disability, healthcare, and addiction.
"Helpers Anonymous" by Jeanne Tiberio is highly recommended for readers interested in personal stories of survival and resilience, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of the opioid crisis.
The book is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the complicated relationship between health management and drug dependency.
Tiberio's candid narrative offers readers a window into her struggles and successes, as well as the larger societal issues that impact her life.
Tiberio's memoir offers a unique frontline perspective on the opioid epidemic. It reveals how the crisis has impacted the often-overlooked realm of home healthcare.
As physicians limit prescription refills and healthcare institutions tighten their drug policies, home healthcare emerges as a vulnerable sector. Tiberio's experiences with Personal Care Attendants highlight the challenges faced by those relying on home care. The desperation for painkillers can lead to unintended and dangerous consequences.
Living with a neuromuscular disease, Tiberio's journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. Her memoir captures the daily realities of managing her condition while navigating the shifting landscape of home healthcare.
Through both comical and heartbreaking anecdotes, she shares how she copes with the physical and emotional demands of her illness, offering inspiration and insight to readers facing similar challenges.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Helpers Anonymous" is Tiberio's ability to humanize the opioid epidemic.
By inviting readers into her world, she puts a face to the statistics and headlines, showing the personal toll of the crisis. Her interactions with PCAs who are struggling with addiction themselves reveal the complexities and nuances of the epidemic, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing this public health issue.
Tiberio masterfully balances humor and heartache in her storytelling. Her wit and humor provide levity amidst the serious subject matter, making her narrative engaging and relatable. At the same time, she does not shy away from the difficult moments, offering a raw and honest account of her experiences. This balance creates a memoir that is both entertaining and enlightening.
"Helpers Anonymous" is not just a memoir; it is a call to action. Tiberio's story underscores the urgent need for improved support systems and policies for both patients and healthcare workers. By sharing her experiences, she advocates for greater awareness and reform in the home healthcare sector, urging readers to consider the broader implications of the opioid epidemic.
In conclusion, Jeanne Tiberio's "Helpers Anonymous: A Disabled Woman's Experiences with Home Care During the Opioid Epidemic" is a powerful and moving memoir that offers valuable insights into the intersection of disability, healthcare, and addiction.
"Helpers Anonymous" by Jeanne Tiberio is highly recommended for readers interested in personal stories of survival and resilience, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of the opioid crisis.
The book is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the complicated relationship between health management and drug dependency.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews