One of the traits I inherited from my mom was my passion for reading. Books have always been in the background of my life. Mom collected first edition books, wrote a cookbook and series of children’s books, and read aloud to us as kids. We wanted to honor her appreciation for the written word and her memory, so we established a Little Free Library in mom’s happy place – Hubbard Lake, Michigan. She would be thrilled to see residents gobbling up the books in her Waddodles Series and leaving other literary treasures behind for others to discover.
I appreciate when caregiving and self-care authors share their books with me. This post is kicking off a new seasonal blog series where I will feature a collection of caregiving and/or self-care books. This latest book bundle, spotlighting four books, has a clear theme – books for dementia caregivers. There’s plenty of time to check these out during World Alzheimer’s Month.
Since I’m an avid reader, I’ll also share one of my latest favorite ‘Just for Fun’ reads. We all can use a great escape from the heaviness of the real world.
The Soul of Care: The Moral Education of a Husband and Doctor by Arthur Kleinman
Ideal Reader: Dementia caregivers desiring a heads up on what to expect along their journey. Individuals who work with persons with dementia and their caregivers.
Description: The Soul of Care is a memoir and love story illustrating how an expert physician became a family caregiver for his wife and learned much about himself and our society along the way.
- Receive affirmation on the emotionally and physically exhausting work you do as a family caregiver and why it matters
- Experience one family’s ten year Alzheimer’s journey from diagnosis to death, as well as an overview of the author’s professional life
- Gain insights into the decision-making process of acquiring professional assistance
- Reflect on the impacts internal and external societal influences have on the care journey
- Appreciate the author’s manifesto about “care” in our society and health care system
Also Noteworthy
- In addition to being a family caregiver for his wife, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, author Arthur Kleinman is also a Harvard Medical School professor of psychiatry and medical anthropology.
Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care by Anne Basting, PhD
Ideal Reader: Dementia caregiver or professional caregiver working in a memory care facility.
Description: Anne’s hope for Creative Care readers is to “follow in [her] footsteps and transform your relationships with people experiencing dementia and other challenges that can accompany aging.”
- Learn to apply the ‘Yes, and’ technique which is popular in improvisation theatre
- Ask beautiful open-ended questions in quiet moments that will prompt a shared experience with your loved one
- Offer proof of listening so care recipients feel heard
- Make use of skills and small things lying around the house to better connect with care recipients
- Cultivate ‘moments of awe’ at home
- Read inspiring stories of how the techniques shared apply at a larger scale
Also Noteworthy
- After each foundational chapter, there is a summary section called ‘Notes for Caregivers’
- Supplemental Creative Care Imagination Kit is also available
- Author Anne Basting’s research on integrating the arts in long-term care is featured in the PBS documentary Penelope
Why is Grandma Naked?: Caring for Your Aging Parent by Ellen Pober Rittberg
Ideal Reader: Primary caregivers of older adults seeking humor in the caregiving journey.
Description: Why is Grandma Naked? is a humorous self-help book for family caregivers with a positive ‘you can do this’ tone.
- Receive validation on the things you say and do while caring for your loved one
- Gain an appreciation for your own funny ‘you can’t make these things up’ moments (See blog You know You are a Caregiver When…)
Also Noteworthy
- The ‘To Know’ section of each chapter includes subtle tips. Topics include: asking for help, setting boundaries, acceptance, dealing with clutter, advocating for your care recipient, responding to delusions, and coping with incontinence
Staying Home: A Caregiver’s Guide to Making Your Home Alzheimer’s Safe by Derrick Grant
Ideal Reader: Family caregivers providing in-home care for persons living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Description: Staying Home offers straightforward, low-cost suggestions for improving home safety and the comfort of individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Implementing these suggestions may help an individual age in place longer.
- How to complete a safety assessment on your home – room by room, interior, and exterior
- Which rooms to consider ‘off limits’ for persons with dementia
- Implementation strategies and inexpensive product suggestions
Also Noteworthy
- Summary checklists are provided after each detailed room chapter
- Derrick is the founder of Elderguru.com – a website primarily for professionals working in aging services.
For more dementia and Alzheimer-related books, visit one of Happy Healthy Caregiver’s Care Partners – AlzAuthors.com.
Just for Fun
Stretch summer out a bit more by reading Emily Henry’s ‘People You Meet on Vacation.’ This contemporary romance was a fun escape. This story reminded me of a modern-day ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and reinforced my dream of being a travel blogger. I enjoyed the chemistry and banter between Poppy and Alex. My daughter Natalie recommended this book to me along with her comment, ‘I love men who read.’ I hope you enjoy it, too!
