Care For the Caregiver

Education for Caregivers

Several books have a great reputation for helping caregivers not only cope, but learn how to more effectively care for their loved ones. The caregiving journey is a bumpy path, and it helps to know others have been there before. Education is the best tool for you, to help you realistically understand the disease and maybe even find a silver lining. Read on to learn about some of our favorite books:

  • Navigating the Journey of Aging Parents, by Cheryl Kuba. This is a great tool for anyone in the caregiving community, whether the care recipient has Alzheimer's or not. Cheryl has all kinds of tips and tools, as well as practical advice for next steps to take when you're worried about an elderly loved one. Most importantly, she interviews care recipients who “tell it like it is,” and will help you make informed decisions with your loved one instead of just barreling ahead without them regarding decision-making.
  • Grandma's Cobwebs, by Ann Frantti. If you're part of the “sandwich” generation, this may be one of the most important books you will read to your kids. Ann was a caregiver for her mother, and wrote this book in honor of her memory. It does what most other children's books about Alzheimer's do not: instead of just giving children facts about Alzheimer's, Mom eventually sits down with “Claire” to talk about how she's feeling about the whole situation, and how to relate to Grandma in a positive way. Click here to read the story to your child!
  • Alzheimer's Disease: Help and Hope, by Jo Huey. In this book you'll find the 10 Absolutes of Alzheimer's Caregiving. Jo gives real-life direction for how to cope, and how to be a great caregiver. When everybody else is telling you what not to do, Jo gives you the tools to take action and improve your relationship with your care recipient.
  • The 36-hour Day, by Nancy L. Mace MA and Peter V. Rabins MD. Equally as helpful for family caregivers and healthcare providers, The 36-hour Day has become one of the most important educational tools for those who walk in the wilderness of Alzheimer's.
  • Don't Leave Momma Home with the Dog, by Jo Huey. This is a great book if you are a caregiver feeling like there are all sorts of professionals telling you what to do, but not really understanding your situation. Jo talks about having 30 years experience in the world of Alzheimer's caregiving, but when it came to her own mother, she had to learn how to care all over again. She also gives 10 more Absolutes about Alzheimer's Caregiver Decision-Making. Definitely worth a read if you're feeling down about your caregiving capabilities – Jo discusses making mistakes, how practice makes perfect, and why you're not alone when you feel like you're failing.