Books can be wonderful resources to families caring for their elderly loved ones, offering advice on how to best manage their duties and maintain their own personal health. These 4 helpful and inspiring books offer great insight and tips on how to take care of your loved one and yourself.
1. The Artistry of Caregiving: Letters to Inspire Your Caregiver Journey
Being a caregiver can be a difficult job, and this book was written to help those who are feeling alone, withdrawn, and isolated. Author Carole Brecht cared for her parents, and she understands the journey you will endure caring for your loved one. In this book, Brecht writes letters for every chapter, directed toward fellow caregivers. Caregivers of all types can read this book, including those caring for loved ones with special needs or specific diseases. This book can help you see how the author handled tough situations, and there are tips to help you prevent caregiver burnout.
2. Optimal Caregiving: A Guide for Managing Senior Health and Wellbeing
As a caregiver, you always want to do what is best for your loved one, but it may be difficult figuring out the most effective approach to caregiving. This book, written by Susan Landeis, was designed to help caregivers in Philadelphia and the rest of the world manage their loved ones’ overall health. The strategies used are not intended for one specific type of caregiver. Instead, the book offers various plans that can apply to individuals with unique sets of circumstances. This book includes information on:
- Proper senior nutrition
- Healthy lifestyle choices for older adults
- The importance of self-care as a caregiver
3. Aging in America: Navigating Our Healthcare System
Aging is not preventable, which means you should have a plan for your loved one as well as yourself. This book offers caregivers helpful tips on how to choose doctors, health insurance plans, living arrangements, health programs, Philadelphia Home Care agencies, and benefits for seniors. The author, Karyn Rizzo, also discusses how to prevent the neglect, abuse, and fraud the elderly are susceptible to. The book also has advice on how your loved one can age gracefully in the environment he or she prefers.
4. AARP Meditations for Caregivers
Caring for a loved one as he or she ages is a true blessing, but you will still face many challenges, such as stress, anxiety, a lack of personal time, and regret. During these difficult times, remember caregiving is a job done from the heart, which makes the challenges well worth it. Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D., and Julia L. Mayer, Psy.D., wrote this book with this concept in mind. Reading this book can help you:
- Accept your feelings about caregiving, both good and bad
- Determine your limits
- Properly manage stress
- Learn where and how to seek support
To learn about other resources for family caregivers, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of respite and 24-hour care Philadelphia families trust, and our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one enjoy a higher quality of life. For more information on our in-home care services, call (215) 645-4663 today.