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4 Fantastic Books for Caregivers: Our Reading Recommendations

Anyone who has spent any amount of time caring for an elderly relative or friend knows that it can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. Caring for an elderly or ailing loved one can often be a 24/7 job, and it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. One way to make sure that you are staying healthy both mentally and physically is to make time for reading. Reading can be a great form of self-care, and it can also help you to learn more about the challenges that you may face as a caregiver. In addition, reading can be a great way to reduce stress and relax. So if you are looking for a way to care for yourself while also caring for an elderly loved one, consider picking up a book. In this article, we’ll recommend some excellent books for caregivers.


Aging with a Plan: How a Little Thought Today Can Vastly Improve Your Tomorrow by Sharona Hoffman


Here’s a sneak peek:

Sharona Hoffman's book "Aging with a Plan: How a Little Thought Today Can Vastly Improve Your Tomorrow" offers readers a guide to making the most of their later years.


Hoffman begins by discussing the importance of having a plan for aging, whether that means making financial arrangements or simply considering one's housing needs. She then goes on to provide practical advice on a variety of topics, including staying healthy, staying socially active, and dealing with the death of a spouse. Throughout the book, Hoffman emphasizes the importance of taking an active role in planning for aging, rather than simply letting the years pass by.


With its clear and concise advice written by an expert in the field, "Aging with a Plan" is an essential read for middle-aged caregivers facing the challenge of balancing their own future planning with the needs of the loved one in their care.


My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver by Martin J. Schreiber


Here’s a sneak peek:

My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver is a book about the author’s experience caring for his wife, Elaine, who has Alzheimer’s disease. The book chronicles his journey from the early days of diagnosis to the present day, and includes tips and advice for other caregivers. Schreiber is candid about the challenges of caregiving, as well as the moments of love and hope that make it all worthwhile. My Two Elaines is both a touching story and a helpful guide for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.


Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver: Learning to PACE Yourself by Tami Anastasia, MA


Here’s a sneak peek:

According to Tami Anastasia, MA, in her book "Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver: Learning to PACE Yourself", the best way to provide quality care for a loved one with dementia is to PACE yourself. This means that you should take care of your Physical well-being, Attitude, Coping skills, and Emotional needs first, in order to be able to best take care of your loved one. Anastasia provides practical tips and advice on how to PACE yourself as a caregiver, in order to avoid burnout and provide the best possible care for your loved one. This book is essential reading for anyone who is caring for a loved one with dementia.


The Sudden Caregiver: A Roadmap for Resilient Caregiving, by Karen Warner Schueler


Here’s a sneak peek:

In "The Sudden Caregiver: A Roadmap for Resilient Caregiving", Warner Schueler provides readers with an overview of the challenges and stresses that come with being a caregiver. One of the challenges is the emotional roller coaster that caregivers ride as they experience a range of emotions, including anger, guilt, anxiety, and depression. In addition, caregivers often face practical challenges, such as managing medications, coordinating doctor's appointments, and handling finances.


To help caregivers cope with these challenges, Warner Schueler offers a number of tips and strategies. For example, she recommends that caregivers take time for themselves, develop a support network, and learn to accept help from others, along with so much more. If you follow her tips, caregivers can become more resilient and better equipped to handle the challenges of caregiving.


Finally: Anything Bingeworthy, Fun, Lighthearted, or Captivating (Fiction)

You have a lot on your plate, and you deserve to read something fun and uplifting too.


One guilt-free way to get some relief from the day-to-day experience of caregiving is to lose yourself in a good book. Whether it's a lighthearted romance or an edge-of-your-seat thriller, reading can be a great way to unwind and escape the challenges of caregiving.


Closing Thoughts

Books can be a source of comfort, providing solace and understanding for caregivers who are struggling. They can also be a valuable source of information, solidarity, or simply a mental health break. Books can help you to forget your troubles and/or see any situation you’re going through in a new light and find hope in difficult times. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, reach for a good book and let yourself get lost in someone else's story.


For further reading and resources, we invite you to check out our library of information for family caregivers by clicking here. You are also welcome to call us at 800-543-8312 to find out more about how we can support you on your caregiving journey.

If you are a caregiver in Orange County, please reach out to us. We would be happy to provide you with information on our Center and the many services we offer.


Additional Reading: How to Get Paid to Be a Caregiver

If you are a caregiver, we recommend you check out our article about getting paid to be a family caregiver. Becoming a caregiver is expensive–out-of-pocket costs average in the thousands each year for a family caregiver. The state of California offers several paths to receiving at least subsidized assistance, so click here to learn more about how to get paid to be a caregiver.


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