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“A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors.” – Charles Baudelaire
As a busy caregiver, you need all the help you can get. These 10 highly recommended books for caregivers offer practical advice for caring for aging parents, emotional support, humor and some simple ways to practice self-care or spend quality time with your loved one. We’ve provided links so you can purchase them online, but you can also see if your local library has these caregiver books. Many are available as e-books, and you may find some in audiobook format as well.
1. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? – Roz Chast
New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast brings her signature humor to the topic of aging parents. Told through four-color cartoons, family photos, and documents, this funny and touching memoir brings both comfort and comic relief to family caregivers.
2. My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver – Martin J. Schreiber
Former Wisconsin governor Martin Schreiber shares his story as the primary caregiver for his wife Elaine, who developed Alzheimer’s. He also has advice about providing care while also taking care of yourself.
3. The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself — Linda Abbit
Find resources on how to appreciate life’s little moments to prevent the duties of caregiving from becoming overwhelming. This mindful guide for caregivers incorporates self-care, time for rest, communication and patience.
4. A Bittersweet Season: Caring for Our Aging Parent and Ourselves — Jane Gross
New York Times elder care expert and founder of the New Old Age blog shares her stories of love and sacrifice that are frustrating, heartbreaking, enlightening, and ultimately redemptive journey of caring for her 85-year-old mother.
5. Who Cares? The Give and Take of Family Caregiving – Jerry Bridge
Written by a motivational speaker and comedian, this book for caregivers can help you and your family members navigate the day-to-day challenges of caring for an elderly parent with grace and humor.
6. Eldercare for Dummies – Rachelle Zukerman
Caregiving is hard. Whether you’re just now entering the caregiver role, or you’ve been doing it for a while now, this user-friendly guide will walk you through the many aspects of being a caregiver.
7. Meditations for Caregivers: Practical, Emotional, and Spiritual Support for You and Your Family – Barry J. Jacobs and Julia L. Mayer
The chapters in the caregiver book are organized by theme so you can easily find encouragement and meaningful ways to lower stress and find inspiration.
8. Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Caregivers – Deborah Barr
Caregivers walk a long, difficult road. This devotional gives grace for the journey. When stress floods in, it points to peace. And when darkness falls, it illuminates hope.
9. The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook — Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, and Matthew McKay
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this workbook has a variety of stress reduction strategies to help you relax and better manage stress and well-being.
10. Living with Dying — Jahnna Beecham and Katie Ortlip
This caregiver book offers help balancing the gravity of life and death in the midst of disease and age. You’ll find practical advice on everything from helping a loved one get their affairs in order, to pain management while also considering the spiritual and emotional implications of death.