Best Books for Caregivers

I don’t know if you are like me, but the second I have a new challenge in my life, I make a beeline to the bookstore to try to find a book that that will help me find my way. To me, finding an author is like finding a guide and trusted friend to help me navigate my journey.

As much as I would love to bury myself in some sand-worthy reads this summer, advice on the caregiving frontlines is the kind of inspiring reading I need.  My goal: to find some extraordinary insights on how to care for my mom, during this first summer that she has been alone in more than 50 years.

That is why on this summer day, as I long to create my list of “must-read” summer page turners, I was delighted to have an article from Beliefnet.com pop into my e-mail inbox. The story introduces caregivers to favorite books to help guide us on our journeys.  Check it out.

I’m also adding some of my own favorites to the list. Some of the top caregiver reads include:

Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s: A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease (Houghton Mifflin, 2004)

Caring for Mother: A Daughter’s Long Goodbye (Westminster John Knox, 2007).

Compassionate Caregiving: Practical Help and Spiritual Encouragement (Bethany House, 2007)

Caregiving: The Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss, and Renewal (Wiley, 2000)

What’s on your summer reading list? What books have helped you the most as caregiver?  Please share your favorite resources for caregiving with a post here.  And don’t forget to sign up to be an EldercareABC.com member.

—Mary Beth Sammons