Being a caregiver for your loved one has numerous ups and downs. When my family and I became caregivers we often relished in times of fulfillment, and high levels of stress or confusion. During our downtime we often took solace in reading books on caregiving.
Here are three books that can educate, inspire and assist you in your caregiving journey.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers: 101 Stories of Love, Sacrifice, and Bonding By: Joan Lunden
Sometimes you may start to feel alone and misunderstood by your friends or family who cannot seem to relate to your caregiving lifestyle. In Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers: 101 Stories of Love, Sacrifice, and Bonding, you will learn that you are not alone. Many caregivers have experienced the exact same feelings that you are undergoing. The book outlines the true meaning of caregiving, which is love, compassion, strength, and tenacity. Each of the stories depicted in the book will uplift your spirit and provide you with insight into caregiving.
Inside the Dementia Epidemic: A Daughter’s Memoir By: Martha Stettinius
Many caregivers are faced with watching their loved one’s health and memory decline through the many stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. In this book, the author takes the reader on a poignant journey that outlines her own personal caregiving experience with her mother who suffered from worsening dementia.
When the Time Comes: Families with Aging Parents Share Their Struggles and Solutions By: Paula Span
As more and more people are living longer lives, many children are faced with the reality that they must become their parent’s primary source of care. Some children opt to place their parent in a retirement home or assisted living facility. Some are choosing to become their parent’s sole caregiver or choose home care options. This book outlines the struggles and decisions that children often face taking care of their parents as they age.