Must Read Books for Caregivers
“The Family Caregiver’s Guide” by Harriet Hodgson
This book is a great resource for caregivers who are just beginning their journey, as well as for those who have been caring for a loved one for a long time.
It provides a structure that will help you organize your thoughts and actions. Although it is only 149 pages, it is packed with practical, applicable advise that will be helpful to you as your care receiver’s condition progresses. I especially love the Smart Steps list at the end of each chapter. I was also impressed with the Assessment Checklist, Home Safety Checklist, and Medicine Cabinet Checklist.
The combination of the author’s experience and personal stories, along with the expert medical advise provided by her husband, provides thoughtful wisdom and practical insights that only come with extensive experience.
Buy the Book on Amazon
“Being Mortal”
By Dr. Atul Gawande
Dr. Gawande boldly states that old age is not an illness that can be healed. He explains how medicine can improve life, but how it can also prevent a peaceful passing. His approach to end-of-life decisions will make you realize you have a choice about how you want your healthcare managed when there is no chance for healing or recovery.
“Doing the Right Thing – Caring for Your Elderly Parents Even if They Didn’t Take Care of You”
By Dr. Roberta Satow
This book offers valuable insights into managing the care of aging parents who may have been uncaring, unsupportive, or unavailable at critical times in your life. It helps you understand the importance of setting limits and not allowing yourself to be controlled by guilt or old patterns of behavior.
“The Eldercare 911 Question and Answer Book”
By Susan Beerman and Judith Rappaport-Musson
This book offers common sense answers to caregivers’ questions. The authors are knowledgeable and compassionate, and they cover the issues and challenges faced by both male and female caregivers.
“A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the Dementia Ward”
By Charles Schoenfeld
This is a delightfully entertaining and insightful account of a male CNA who works in a nursing home. If you are struggling with the idea of moving a loved one into a memory care facility, you need to read this book. You will learn that there is a whole lot of living that happens on an Alzheimer’s unit, and that even though the residents have lost a lot of skills, they are still capable of being loved.
“A Better Way of Dying: How to Make the Best Choices at the End of Life”
by Jeanne Fitzpatrick and Eileen Fitzpatrick
This book provides a simple and effective outline on how to create a “Compassion Protocol” that guarantees the dignity of a natural death. If you want to ensure your own comfort, or that of a loved one at the end of life, get this book.