Book List for Caregivers
Books for caregivers is always a tricky topic. Some caregivers report not having time to read books while they are caregiving. Other caregivers report that they would rather read a book than be a part of a support group. Recently I had two caregivers tell me that they read books about how physicians were claiming a cure to Alzheimer’s Disease and they were befuddled as to why it has not been cured since the books said it would be so. (This just in: If it sounds to good to be true, it very likely is.)
Books for caregivers run on a spectrum of options as well. Some are family caregivers that insist they share their personal experience and expertise with other caregivers. What we occasionally forget with these kinds of books is that every individual story and situation is different. There are a few books that are written by highly educated professionals which use data and research to give facts and statistics but often rarely any practical daily help when it comes to showering, scrubbing stained carpets and sleepless nights. Occasionally you may stumble upon a caregiver book that becomes more of a workbook and while the intentions are great, one of the most common responses from caregivers is that they don’t have time for “one more thing to do.”
Overall, as caregivers navigate book choices, they generally want books that make them feel seen and heard and give them very easy to try and implement tips, along with the reasoning behind the advice. Credibility often comes from successful outcomes rather than impressive resumes.
That said, since different people prefer different kinds of resources, we present to you a wide variety of options. Please know that this list was compiled by caregivers for caregivers over about 15 years compiled of support groups that LaVon facilitated and throughout her 20 plus years in the career. When a caregiver says, “I read this really interesting book,” in a support group, it is added to the list! Just know that what may be great for one caregiver may not be the right fit for another, depending on education, needs, situation, and energy level. Please be sure to share additional book recommendations with Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services so they can be added to the list!
Loving Someone Who Has Dementia
Loving Someone Who Has Dementia by Pauline Boss is by far a fan favorite! It is often read in book clubs and discussed in support groups. Pauline Boss is notorious for her work on ambiguous loss - the grieving of someone sitting right in front of you, changed, no thanks to dementia.
The Myth of Closure, Pauline Boss
The Myth of Closure is written by Pauline Boss in the thick of the pandemic. Pauline consistently writes in an approachable way. However, this book comes with a bit more bias and opinions than her more popular read, Loving Someone Who Has Dementia.
The 36 Hour Day
The 36 Hour Day is the long standing caregiver book that is repeatedly and frequently referenced. It is a big book and a bit heavy to read but it is honest, if honesty is what you are looking for.
Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia, John Dunlop MD
Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia is an overtly Christian Book that emphasizes the importance of seeing all people, even those with dementia, as images bearers of God. It is written by medical doctor John Dunlop MD who is clearly experienced in the arena of gerontology.
Creating Moments of Joy
Creating Moments of Joy is a fairly popular choice of caregivers. It is filled with many short chapters and has a bit of humor about it, for those that appreciate a bit of humor mixed in with hard practical parts of caregiving. For professionals, it may be a bit on the sillier side, to a fault.
Untangling Alzheimer’s, Tam Cummings
Tam Cummings, author of Untangling Alzheimer’s, is known for putting hard and complicated things into understandable terms. She makes the complicated turn into approachable. Memory care communities often lean on Tam Cummings for professional training and conferences as she is well versed in communicating practically and from the heart.
The Itty Bitty Dementia Book, Tam Cummings
The Itty Bitty Dementia Book by Tam Cummings is very likely the best first-stop book for caregivers. It is approachable and packed full of resources and examples of assessments so that you know what the doctors are talking about in early steps of a diagnosis. Memory Care communities give this book out to caregivers as a gift for a reason.
Still Alice
Reaching back to 2009, this book is now considered a classic in the arena of dementia care. You may even recall a movie being made from this book. If you have been to a support group, chances are, someone has mentioned this oldie but goodie.
On Pluto
Alzheimer’s Early Stages, Dan Kuhn
If you are from the Chicagoland area, you may already know that Dan Kuhn is a very well known name in the arena of dementia care. His career was packed full of presentations, education, and then producing books for generations to come. We are so grateful for all Dan has done for the profession of dementia care!
The Art of Dementia Care, Dan Kuhn
The Art of Dementia Care is an additional book by Dan Kuhn, local legend to the Chicagoland area. Note: the image on the amazon page does not match the front of this book for some reason but the description is correct.
A Tatoo on my Brain, Daniel Gibbs
This book was recommended by a family caregiver during a support group but it is important to know that the caregiver who recommended it was very much on the side of academia. For some, this may be a bit too heavy of a read. But if you like data, this may be your new favorite book!
When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanethi
“What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life, flattens out into a perpetual present? What does it mean to have a child, to nurture a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles with in this profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir.”
The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advance Alzheimer’s Disease, Dr. Jennifer Stelter
“The evidenced-based, practical interventions and strategies in The Busy Caregiver's Guide will help you stay emotionally, mentally, and physically involved in your loved one's life. Special dedicated worksheets help you practice the skills and keep track of what is working. You'll also read stories about other caregivers who face the same struggles.”
Ten Thousand Joys & Ten Thousand Sorrows
"Ten Thousand Sorrows & Ten Thousand Joys offers a vision of lives well-led, and of love in the thick of crisis and loss. Beyond inspiring."-Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s and Other Diseases
Chicken Soup is good for the soul. Short stories can be good for the heart. These short stories are simple and many find them heartwarming.
Can’t we talk about something more pleasant?, Roz Chast
A caregiver’s story written in the form of a cartoon? You bet! Be prepared to giggle a bit through this one! It is definitely a truth-in-the-jest kind of book!
My Life Story
My Life Story is a book that requires your energy. This is a single destination to keep track of memories, stories, and things you don’t want to forget, ever.
Every Moment Holy, Volume 2 on Death, Grief, and Hope
Every Moment Holy, Vol 2 on Death, Grief, and Hope is a phenomenal gift book for those of the Christian faith. Liturgies carry you through the nooks and crannies of all the parts of love and sadness.
Songs of Suffering,
Songs of Suffering. While this book is not overtly for caregivers, it is strongly encouraged for Christians in the thick of grief and suffering who find great comfort in hymns. If you feel cared for by historic music, this is a beautiful book filled with music and hope of eternity.
The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Kipp, Sara Brunsvold
Need a break from all the heaving reading and ready for a delightfully charming novel? This is a delight!
Full Disclosure: These items are linked to an Amazon Affiliate page and a tiny portion of sales from these links is given to Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services LLC.