The Best Books for Caregivers (2023)

The role of caregiver is one of the toughest jobs you’ll ever have — and possibly one of the most rewarding. It’s easier to navigate the challenges of caregiving for an aging loved one when you can lean on the wisdom and support of others’ experiences. These 12 highly recommended books for caregivers offer practical advice, 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 books for caregivers of elderly parents. Many are available as e-books, and you may find some in audiobook format as well.

1. The Sudden Caregiver: A Roadmap for Resilient Caregiving — Karen Warner Schueler
   Life can change fast and without warning. This guide provides down-to-earth advice for those who find themselves suddenly in a caregiver role.

2. The Fragile Years: Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones — Amy Cameron O’Rourke
   This book provides helpful tips for adult children managing a parent’s care, whether they’re living at home, in an assisted living community, or nursing home.

3. Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul — Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and LeAnn Thieman
   Find strength and hope through the personal stories and daily adventures of other caregivers in this inspiring book from the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

4. 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.

5. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias — Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
   This practical resource offers guidance on the complicated issues of caring for someone with memory loss, including how to find appropriate living options and seek help for various financial and legal issues.

6. The Complete Eldercare Planner: Where to Start, Which Questions to Ask, and How to Find Help — Joy Loverde
   This hands-on workbook includes worksheets, checklists, and action plans to help manage the financial aspects of caregiving, including arranging care from afar.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 a frustrating, heartbreaking, enlightening, and ultimately redemptive journey of caring for her 85-year-old mother.

10. Meditations for Caregivers: Practical, Emotional, and Spiritual Support for You and Your Family — Barry J. Jacobs and Julia L. Mayer
    The chapters in this caregiver book are organized by theme so you can easily find encouragement and meaningful ways to lower stress and find inspiration.

11. 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.

12. Living with Dying: A Complete Guide for Caregivers — 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.

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country. Use our Community Locator Tool to connect with resources and find senior care near you.