Books About Caregiving

After much deliberation, you’ve decided it’s time for your elderly loved one to receive support at home. Whether it’s their physical or cognitive decline that requires your assistance, it takes time to determine the best form of care for your loved one. The answer to that? Research, research, research.

When you first begin your caregiving journey, doing your own research will help strengthen your skills and mold your expectations. Books about caregiving can give you key insight into the world of family caregivers that you will utilize on a daily basis.

The Conscious Caregiver by Linda Abbit

Long-time caregiver and “veteran of the industry,” Linda Abbit imparts her wisdom to prospective caregivers in this mindful approach to care, The Conscious Caregiver. Abbit discusses not only the traits necessary for quality care, but how the caregiver needs to be kind to themselves. Stress can be debilitating, and making a point to tend to one’s own needs is the best way to combat it. Abbitt stresses this, and more, in this caregiving guide.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers by Loan Lunden and Amy Newmark

Another installment in the renowned Chicken Soup for the Soul series, this Family Caregiver edition illustrates 101 stories from all kinds of caregivers. Between stories about young parents caring for their parent, supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s, and more, there is a story for everyone. Readers say these tales help remind them that they aren’t alone in their care journey.

The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are unfortunately common problems for caregivers to deal with. The 36-Hour Day acts as a comprehensive guide for those providing care to a loved one with one of these serious conditions. The book addresses basic facts about dementia, how to cope with difficult behaviors, and how one’s care plan may have to change as the condition progresses.

The Sudden Caregiver by Karen Warner Schueler

While some individuals have a long-standing care plan for their elderly family member, many do not. Sometimes a health concern or medical crisis arises seemingly out of nowhere, and you are thrust into a caregiving role. The Sudden Caregiver by Karen Warner Schueler acts as a savior for these individuals. As someone who has been through this exact situation, Schueler has the knowledge readers are looking for.

Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

Where most books for caregivers are dry, Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?  puts some much-needed fun into the at-times difficult world of caregiving. Cartoonist with the New Yorker, Roz Chast, transforms her signature wit and style to create a memoir illustrating her journey of caring for her aging parents. The book is funny, emotional, and honest, all factors that most caregivers find themselves in need of.

A Bittersweet Season by Jane Gross

Potentially one of the most difficult parts of caring for an elderly loved one is the role reversal that occurs. In this memoir, A Bittersweet Season, Jane Gross discusses this crucial topic, all while sharing the valuable lessons she learned while caring for her elderly mother. As a health journalist, Gross grins a unique perspective on the world of caregiving that many others don’t possess.

Multicultural Guide to Caregiving by Angelica Herrera Venson

If your elderly care journey takes you into a career of caregiving, Multicultural Guide to Caregiving is a must-read. The guide helps readers navigate caring for a senior while being sensitive to their cultural expectations. Even if you just care for your elderly loved one, this book may provide you insight into understanding an individual from another generation. It also discusses important topics such as Medicaid, housing arrangements, preparing for crisis, and more.

The Complete Eldercare Planner by Joy Loverde

While it’s certainly helpful to read stories about care, sometimes all we need is an answer about where to start. Thankfully, The Complete Eldercare Planner by Joy Loverde provides you with just that. With this informational booklet, readers can find tips about creating a long-term care plan, managing finances, and talking to older adults about sensitive issues. They also get important informational charts and documents to use on a daily basis.

Be paid for the care you provide

One of the most difficult parts of taking a caretaking role is how it may force you to pull back from your job. The loss of finances is challenging for anyone to navigate. However, Home Care Powered by AUAF, you can help supplement your income. Thanks to the Community Care Program, you can be trained in the proper standards and compensated for your work.

For more information on the program, give us a call at 773-274-9262. We would be happy to help you start your caregiving journey.