National Reading Month: The Best Books for Family Caregivers
As a family caregiver, figuring out how to balance the needs of yourself and your loved one can be challenging. One way to gain insight into how others have successfully navigated family caregiving is by reading books from someone who’s been there.
In honor of National Reading Month, here are four books for family caregivers that offer advice on the caregiving process.
1. When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative
When Caregiving Calls provides caregivers with valuable information on how to deal with the sometimes harsh realities of their new role. It offers practical advice based on the author’s own struggles as a caregiver, like dealing with your loved one’s changing mental and physical state. In addition, this book sheds light on how to maintain an empathetic and respectful relationship with your patient.
2. Toolkit for Caregivers: Tips, Skills, and Wisdom to Maximize Your Time Together
Toolkit for Caregivers offers guidance on many of the important details of caregiving that you may not have considered. For example, it details how to improve the physical environment of your loved one’s home and different processes you can follow for proper care. Furthermore, it advises caregivers on taking care of themselves and creating engaging activities both parties can benefit from. Making the most of your visits with your aging loved one is essential, and this book is an excellent resource for preparing to do so.
3. Forget Me Not: The #1 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Guide for Professional and Family Caregivers
With a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, family caregiving can be overwhelming. Forget Me Not provides clear and detailed strategies for handling neurodegeneration, covering topics like how to handle Sundowning and poor hygiene habits. It also gives readers the tools they need to maintain a healthy relationship with their patients and communicate more effectively.
4. Self-Care for Caregivers: A Practical Guide to Caring for You While You Care for Your Loved One
Self-Care for Caregivers addresses how important it is for family caregivers to care for themselves as well. It offers easy tips for practicing mindfulness and consciously checking in with yourself to ensure your needs are fulfilled. The book also has activities for readers, like daily rituals and reminders to practice self-care throughout the day. As a motivational and encouraging read, this book helps caregivers wanting to prioritize their own well-being while caring for a loved one.
Final Thoughts
For family caregivers, books can be a valuable and helpful source for understanding the challenges of taking care of a loved one. By learning from the experiences of others and preparing for potential hurdles, you can be more effective in your role. Plus, knowing how to handle difficult situations guarantees that you’ll be able to provide the best care possible for your aging loved one.
At Visiting Angels Tulsa, OK, our home care providers are here to offer respite care to family caregivers who need it. To learn more about home care services and how we can help your aging loved ones, give us a call at 918-609-5600 or reach out online today.