Here Are Some Great Reads for Family Caregivers

Whether a family caregiver wants or needs some advice, inspiration, or some laughs, there are many books that are highly recommended. In America, there are many caregivers, who need to practice self-care and reading is one of the ways they can do that.

Books Best for Spousal Caregivers

The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook, written by Diana Denholm, is a great read. Denholm has practical advice on how to deal with the many emotions that a spousal caregiver will face. For those who need to restore intimacy with their partner or handle in-laws, this book would be a great help.

Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos Into Confidence, written by Gail Sheehy, is a great book, as well. It talks about the journey of a wife caring for the husband, who passed from cancer, and the social nature of the emotions throughout that journey.

For Caregivers of Alzheimer Patients

The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Takes on Alzheimer’s, written by Maria Shriver, is a comprehensive book on how Alzheimer’s disease impacts caregivers. There is research, diversity, resources, and more regarding the Alzheimer epidemic in this country.

The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Person with Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses and Memory Loss in Later Life, written by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins, is an excellent guide to knowing what expectations to have and how to cope with a loved one having Alzheimer’s disease.

Inspiration for Caregivers

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers, edited by Joan Lunden and Amy Newmark, shows that no caregiver is alone. There are 101 stories in this book to share inspiration from one caregiver to the next.

For Caregivers Who Have Siblings

They’re Your Parents, Too!: How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy, written by Francine Russo, covers the stress surrounding siblings when their parents are aging. Many siblings don’t agree with what to do with their parent’s issues during this time. This book helps siblings to deal with these things together.

For Humor

What’s So Funny About … Heart Disease?, written by Karyn Buxman, shows the funny side to caregiving and chronic illness. Humor is how many people cope. This book is a great way to help anyone handle aging parents and caregiving.

From the Male Perspective

Family Meals: Coming Together to Care for an Aging Parent, written by Michael Tucker, is a witty read. It looks at the journey of a couple who is taking care of the mother. The mother has dementia and the story is real.

Family caregivers often have a lot going on. They may not have all the time in the world to read books and practice self-care. However, as a caregiver, it is important to take care of oneself. This is the only way to be a great family caregiver. The above-mentioned books are great reads on how to handle Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, and other age-related issues.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Caregiver Services in Simpsonville SC, please contact the caring staff at Upstate Home Care Solutions today. Call (864) 527-0455.