Review of Polka-Dot Bath

[Nisha Ward]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Polka-Dot Bath" by Marklyn Beck.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Long-term care is a business I had no intention of going into. From the practitioner’s side, I’m not made for it. From the patient’s side? It seems less than pleasant.

Marklyn Beck's Polka-Dot Bath sheds more than a little light on this in what is more of a collection of anecdotes than a memoir. Organised thematically, this book is about her experiences in long-term care nursing facilities. Through Beck's eyes, we come to know not only the challenges faced by RN nurses but also the spirits and lives of the people they serve and care for daily.

It was a heartbreaking journey that I couldn’t help but give 3 out of 4 stars to by the end of it. Not only is it, despite a handful of errors, edited well, but it also tugs at the heartstrings and makes you feel for the patients being cared for by these facilities.

I say cared for, but the picture Beck paints is far from pleasant. Rather than just getting to know the residents, we also come to know the myriad of issues that Beck has come up against within the corporate system, and how easily they could be avoided if someone simply cared enough.

The author does have a way with words. Even while telling such unfortunate tales, she made me love the people behind them. It’s why I gave the book a high rating. To be able to do that, even when talking about the grossest things imaginable, is a gift, one that Beck has in spades. Her language is beautiful, and her prose takes me to her side immediately. I could see myself getting along with many of the patients, including John, Gilmer and Leese.

Of course, not all is heartwarming. There are stories of deaths that could have been easily prevented and situations that come close to elder abuse. The lack of care provided in terms of giving the patients showers was particularly horrifying to me as it’s such a basic need that was denied out of sheer laziness on the part of the staff.

I almost took off a star because of how depressing these stories can be. As uplifting as it is to see how the human spirit can thrive, so many stories of neglect, one after the other, aren’t good for the soul. Still, Beck’s prose works to soften the blow a little, making it easier to digest.

This is not an easy book to read. For as quickly as I devoured it, it stayed with me for a long time after. If that’s the kind of book you’re into, then I say go for it. You won’t regret it, and it will open your eyes to the truth of long-term care. It’s not for everyone, but I think that’s fine.

Happy reading, everyone!

******
Polka-Dot Bath
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Fareed Regal]

I am almost reluctant to say that I would like to read this book as the obvious neglect, and almost abuse, of the elderly, will be very hard to swallow. I sincerely hope that a book like this will get the attention of the proper authorities who can rectify these situations. I appreciate the good review you have delivered on this one.

[Ghuddie]

I don't know a lot about the business of long-term care. I'll read the book to find out more about it. Great review.

[Aisha Yakub]

It really is an art to discuss gross ideas in the most appealing manner. This book seems worth a read. Thank you for the review.

[Asiaa Szn]

This is an insightful review, great work

[Nwadinso Okoro]

This book recounts the experience of the author as a long-term care nurse. There is always challenges within the faucets of every career. I think this book would strengthen the resolve of fellow long-term care nurse. Thanks for your review.