If you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or can't seem to grasp the role of caregiving, know that you're not alone. Many have written books that want to help you flourish through this journey.
Whether you're searching for help on navigating the realm of caregiving or learning about Alzheimer's and other dementias, taking time to seek advice on this life-altering experience can help soothe your all-consuming thoughts.
Set your eyes on this list of five must-reads to help you through the triumphs and stresses of caregiving.
Books for your caregiving journey
The Thoughtful Caregiver: Surviving, Thriving and Growing in Spirit as You Care for Your Elderly Parent by Rebecca James Hecking
The Thoughtful Caregiver takes you through Rebecca James Hecking's story of turning into the adult child caregiver. Rebecca shares practical advice and emotional support to help you through the reverse roles of caring for your parent. Some of the topics covered include finding balance between caregiving and the rest of your life; coping with sudden, unexpected crises; negotiating the parent/adult child relationship; sorting out the intersection of grief and dementia; plus much more.
Rave review: "This beautifully written book has validated the turmoil of emotions and thoughts as I navigate the journey of caring for my elderly parents. I cried many times, finally knowing someone else 'gets it.' Truly so grateful to have found it." —Anne D.
How to Care for Aging Parents by Virginia Morris (Author), Robert M. Butler M.D. (Foreword)
How to Care for Aging Parents is a "one-stop resource for all your medical, financial, housing and emotional needs." Touted as "an excellent resource" from the Family Caregiver Alliance, the book tackles the hard topics of the caregiving role, such as coping with dementia, caring for the caregiver, sharing care with siblings, the hospice question and more.
Rave review: "This guide, aimed at the 'Sandwich Generation,' provides a road map to assist adult children in caring for their aging parents. Combining personal experience with expertise in healthcare and social and political issues, Morris has produced a thoroughly researched, well-organized, and comprehensive manual. Chapters follow in logical progression, yet they can stand alone and be read on an 'as-needed' basis. The topics covered include the concrete, practical areas such as home care, finances, nursing homes/hospitals, legal issues, and medical/safety concerns as well as the psychosocial areas of handling emotions, dealing with death and dying, sibling conflicts, and spiritual needs. In her discussions, Morris adds useful details such as a suggested list of things to pack for the hospital. Support for the caregiver as well as to the elderly person is covered. Sprinkled throughout the text are agencies, phone numbers, and other reference information."
When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative by Aaron Blight
Caring for a loved one who can't care for themselves—whether it be due to age, infirmity or illness—is one of the noblest but stressful experiences an individual can face. When Caregiving Calls opens up the deep conversation about caregiving and ultimately what it means to you.
Rave review: “This book is an important road map from one who has journeyed as both a family caregiver and a professional caregiver. His guidance can help others have the best chance to survive and maybe even thrive while carrying the burden of caregiving.”—Martin J. Schreiber, former Governor of Wisconsin and author of My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Books for Alzheimer's and other dementias
Alzheimer's Through the Stages: A Caregiver's Guide by Mary Moller
Alzheimer’s Through the Stages explains how to care for your loved one while caring for yourself through this hard time. It takes you through the seven stages of Alzheimer's to help you know what to expect, what to say and what to do.
Rave review: “Alzheimer's Through the Stages - A Caregiver's Guide, by Mary Moller offers a wealth of information to anyone providing care for someone with Alzheimer's disease. Whether you are new to caregiving or have been in the role for many years, you will find practical ideas and strategies to implement along the way. Mary does a great job at explaining common caregiving challenges, why they happen, and what you can do about them in an easy-to-read guide that incorporates personal stories and real life examples. She also drives home the importance of caring for yourself in a way that works for you, so you can be the best caregiver you can.” —Erica S.
The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
The 36-Hour Day is a family's guide to caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias from conquering the challenges to coping with the emotions. The book covers new information on devices to make life simpler and safer for people who have dementia, choosing a residential care facility, strategies for delaying behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and much more.
Rave review: "From its knowing title to its knows-everything contents, The 36-Hour Day 'gets' what you're going through. This encyclopedia of dementia care misses no aspect of life affected, from tough behaviors to challenged relationships to medication decisions ― describing each with both the honesty and compassion we caregivers deeply need." —Paula Spencer Scott, author of Surviving Alzheimer's: Practical Tips and Soul-Saving Wisdom for Caregivers
The Caregiver's Guide to Dementia by Gail Weatherill
The Caregiver's Guide to Dementia brings "practical advice for caring for yourself and your loved one." In this guide, the author defines dementia, provides caregiver wellness exercises and shares resources and advice to help you through this journey.
Rave review: “As a neurologist and caregiver for my father who had Alzheimer’s, I wish my mother and I had had access to a resource as practical and helpful as The Caregiver’s Guide. What sets the book apart is its consistent attention to caregiver health and well-being, imploring them to stop and check in with themselves, making use of mindfulness and other techniques of centering in the present moment. Gail’s rich experience, knowledge, and compassion come through on every page. This book gets my highest recommendation.” ―Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN, neurologist, author, advocate
Even though caregiving can be stressful, emotional and trying, it can be one of the most beautiful experiences in your life. These books will help you discover your strengths, support your mental health and ease your mind with must-have advice and knowledge no matter where you are in your journey.
Dementia from the Inside: A Doctor's Personal Journey of Hope by Dr. Jennifer Bute with Louise Morse
Dementia from the Inside tells readers what it's like to live with dementia, how to communicate with people with dementia, especially in the later stages. With Jennifer's back story and mini case studies throughout, the book not only takes readers inside dementia, but describes, from a professional medical background, how to understand and how to help others.
Rave review: "I found reading the book helpful and interesting as my Mother has vascular dementia at 88. It opens up a different view of this disease, looking out to how it affects a person and their experience. Although I know about dementia, this has taught me how to approach different situations with my Mother. Very well written and helps with things that may crop up and how to get over them." ―SuzieLiz
Surviving Alzheimer's With Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine: A caregiver's guide to love, humor, patience, confusion, anger, and wine Kindle Edition by Dayna Steele
With unfiltered observations and sometimes dark humor, author Dayna Steele chronicled her mother's journey with Alzheimer's on Facebook. This collection of Alzheimer's updates posted on the social media network includes biting humor and raw emotion as Dayna carries you from the diagnosis to the inevitable end. Also included are sections from a neurologist, long-term care insurance specialist, other caregivers, documents expert, eldercare attorney, and an assisted living advisor.
Rave review: "Somehow Dayna and Heather have managed to capture the true essence of what it is like to travel the road of Alzheimer's. Her approach is novel. Dayna began to document her mother's journey on Facebook. Taking those "in the moment" thoughts and observations and then framing it with a narrative, we journey with Dayna and most importantly, with Fran, her mother. Always with love, Dayna honors the realism of this disease by sometimes talking about the dark side...for the patient and also for the caregiver. Raw, honest and loving, I've already recommended this to a friend who has a mother beginning the stages of this disease...and I will be passing on my copy to my sister. Be kind to yourself...grab this book...and a glass of wine." ―Deirdre Sartorelli
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