I'll Die After Bingo

I'll Die After Bingo

My unlikely life as a care home assistant

Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Resident: I feel I want to keep talking.
Me: Of course! What do you want to talk about?
Resident: My heart.
Me: What about your heart?
Resident: I feel I want to touch it.
Me: Your heart? You want to touch your heart?
Resident: Yes, but I'm too frightened.
Me: What are you frightened about?
Resident: Everything. People. Things.
Me: What's frightening you at this very moment?
Resident: (Closes eyes). That I'll never be touched again. That I won't be able to get to my heart.
Me: Metaphorically?
Resident: More carrots please.

Whether he's initiating a coup d'état against new regulations with the residents, or forging a bond with the 98-year old who once called him a fat slut, Pope Lonergan's work is infinitely varied. This no-holds-barred account shows what life inside a care home is really like, for both residents and carers. Featuring night-time drama, incontinence pads and the uniquely dark humour of one double-amputee Alzheimer's patient, here you can learn everything you ever wanted to know (and a few things you probably really didn't) about Britain's care system.

This important memoir challenges us all to think differently about the value of our elderly, and also the carers who look after them.

'From fearless and funny to heart-stoppingly raw' Evening Standard

© Pope Lonergan 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Reviews

  • Funny and moving... deeply affecting
    Daily Express

About the author

Pope Lonergan

Pope Lonergan is a comedian, Quaker and (recovering) drug addict. He is also a care assistant. I'll Die After Bingo is his tough yet hilarious, intelligent and honest account of 9 ½ years caring of for the elderly.

Twitter: @PopeLonergan
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