Many caregivers find themselves unexpectedly tossed into their roles. Caregivers need education, support, and comfort too — and few people know this better than family members battling Alzheimer’s.
Caregiving for family members with dementia poses constant challenges and it can be difficult to find the proper resources for care advice, coping mechanisms, and even financial planning. I’ve made a collection of the top books that can help caregivers navigate these rough waters.
- The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss Author: Nancy L. Mace, Peter V. Rabins
When a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, many family members don’t know where to turn. The 36-Hour Day is an essential guide for caregivers as it provides genuine tips for simplifying life, handling symptoms, preparing for health care in the future, and managing emotions.
- Ahead of Dementia: A Real-World, Upfront, Straightforward, Step-by-Step Guide for Family Caregivers Author: Luciana Mitzkun
This collection of original advice is a guide for those providing care to a loved one battling dementia. Topics such as planning for the future and handling symptoms are discussed. In addition, there is a caregiver section that offers tips on how to balance multiple responsibilities while attending to personal needs.
Caregivers needs education, support, and comfort too.
- Dementia Beyond Disease: Enhancing Well-Being Author: Dr. G. Allen Power
Through personal stories and anecdotes, Dementia Beyond Disease calls attention to alternative methods of treatment that can ultimately improve the lives of both patients and caregivers’ in any living environment. This book delves into current research and studies as a way to show there are more effective types of care than just drug-based therapy that will ease the daily obstacles faced by those who are affected by dementia.
- Alzheimer’s Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers Author: Daniel Kuhn, David A. Bennett
Alzheimer’s Early Stages offers compassionate advice for families who are learning how to better understand their loved one as they battle changes, both cognitive and behavioral. There are also recommendations for handling caregiver stress. From multiple outside resources to personal stories from people who have experienced these challenges, this book can help guide families and caregivers through difficult times.
- Keeping Mum: Caring for Someone with Dementia Author: Marianne Talbot
Keeping Mum is Marianne Talbot’s personal story as a caregiver as both of her parents were diagnosed with dementia. Evolving from multiple blog posts, this book is an assortment of support for caregivers and most importantly helps them believe they are not alone.
- When Reasoning No Longer Works: A Practical Guide for Caregivers Dealing with Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care Author: Angel Smits
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening. Many family members don’t know where to start when it comes to providing care for a loved one. When Reasoning No Longer Works is the caregiver’s “training manual” as it explains how the disease affects the brain. There is also advice for handling symptoms such as aggressive behavior and wandering.
