If you’re busy juggling a job, family, and caregiving, you need all the help and support you can get. So, here’s a list of eight books that function as caregiver resources and offer practical advice on all aspects of being a caregiver. Whether you need some emotional support or you want to know how to spend more quality time with your loved one, these books will help you.
1. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? – Roz Chast, cartoonist for the New Yorker.
Chast brings her unique sense of humor to bear on the topic of aging parents. The book centers around colorful cartoons and family documents and photos. This is a touching and funny memoir that will provide you with some comic relief and comfort.
2. My Two Elaines: Coping, Learning, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver – Martin Schreiber, a former governor of Wisconsin.
Martin Schreiber became the main caregiver for his wife, an Alzheimer’s sufferer. He shares his story and also provides advice on how not to lose sight of caring for yourself.
3. The Survival Handbook: Caring for an Aging Parent Without Losing Yourself – Alexis Abramson.
If you are a woman raising children and taking care of aging parents, this book will give you much helpful advice. Abramson also talks about how to deal with the emotional challenges that come with caregiving and how to find help when you need it.
4. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Caregivers: 101 Stories of Love, Sacrifice, and Bonding – Amy Newmark and Joan Lunden.
This is a caregiver resources book full of short, inspirational stories that offer up lots of support and encouragement and also remind you that you’re not alone.
5. Who Cares? The Give and Take of Family Caregiving – Jerry Bridge, motivational speaker and comedian.
This is a good read that can help you navigate the day-to-day challenges of caregiving with humor and grace.
6. Eldercare for Dummies – Rachelle Zukerman.
The author recognizes that caregiving is hard. Whether you’ve just begun to be a caregiver, or you’ve been doing it for some time, this is a reader-friendly guide that walks you through the many aspects of being a caregiver.
7. Meditations for Caregivers: Practical, Emotional, and Spiritual Support for You and Your Family – Julia Mayer and Barry Jacobs.
In this book, the chapters each have a theme. This makes it easy to find meaningful ways to find inspiration and lower your stress levels.
8. Daily Comforts for Caregivers – Pat Samples.
If you are often overwhelmed by your responsibilities and are looking for helpful caregiver resources, this small volume is just what you need. A topical index is provided, making it easy to find inspired ways to help you through those difficult days.
Read to Your Loved One – Reading a book aloud to your loved one is a good way to have some quality time together that is not focused on care. Why not find a good book or a collection of short stories or essays that you and your loved one can enjoy together.
After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world – Philip Pullman
Final Thoughts
Click on each book title to purchase online. You may find some of these books in your local library. In addition, some titles may be available as e-books, and some may come in the form of audiobooks. Above all, set some time aside for reading.
Caregiver Resources in Columbia, South Carolina We hope you will manage to find the time to read several of these books. Caring Healthcare is a comprehensive caregiver resource staffed with experienced in-home care professionals ready to provide you with the help you need. We would love to speak with you, so give us a call today.
