5 Essential Caregiving Books If You’re Supporting Aging Parents

With an aging population, it’s surprising how little support has been developed for those caring for their elderly parents. From visiting twice a week to paying for treatment, lots of things count as caregiving. And many of these things can be difficult to get used to.
These books provide inspiration, heart-warming stories and valuable advice that will help you adjust to your new role without sacrificing other things happening in your life. Gaining a balance is important in caregiving and these books will point you in the right direction.

#1 You Got To Do What You Got To Do by James Colozzo

Recommended by James Colozzo from Taking Care Of A Parent. Find out more about the book You Got To Do What You Got To Do by James Colozzo by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

Caring for an elderly parent is a potential crisis for Baby Boomers to Millennials. This decision is usually made after an emergency so you have no time to think of the consequences. I am an example of what can happen even if you have a plan.

This book differs because:

• It is written to warn unaware adults of the amount of work and what can happen when they decide to care for an elderly parent.
• I detail the consequences and needs of being the full-time caregiver of my parents plus the aftermath on my life.
• Learned Medicare and supplemental insurance doesn’t cover everything.
• I did it all; changing the diapers, giving them baths, cleaning the wounds, the lifting and more, 24/7 without any breaks.
• For over 20 years I dealt with lung disease, diabetes, various cancers, a spinal condition, immobility, many other ailments and ultimately death.
• I suffered extreme financial hardship because I was unable to work while being a caregiver and at 58 I am trying to rebuild my life.

#2 Mourning Diary by Roland Barthes

Recommended by D. Gilson from EffortlessInsurance. Find out more about the book Mourning Diary by Roland Barthes by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

Barthes is best known as a high-minded French philosopher, which he is. But as his mother was dying and after she died, he collected some beautiful thoughts on dying and care for both the dying and the self.

In the sentence “She’s no longer suffering,” he writes. To what, to whom does ‘she’ refer? What does that present tense mean? What does it mean to be in the present, caring for an elderly parent, one who might be forgetting you, angry at times? How do you also care for yourself and mourn this loss-in-progress? As I take care of my own dying father, Barthes’ book has proven to be a place of solace to turn to again and again.

#3 The Conscious Caregiver by Linda Abbit

Recommended by Adina Mahalli from EnlightenedReality. Find out more about the book The Conscious Caregiver by Linda Abbit by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

Caring for elderly parents can be incredibly difficult and all-encompassing. It demands a lot of patience, energy, and effort. Yet all this can lead to an overworked caregiver who is not taking proper care of themselves and can easily get burnt out. In this book, Abbit discusses the different ways to care for loved ones as well as how to cope with the emotional stress of the task, stay afloat financially, and not neglect the importance of self-care. It’s a must-read for anyone facing this difficult situation in life.

#4 Tips for Helping Your Aging Parents by Kira Reginato

Recommended by Stefanie Lesser from Hope & Love Radio. Find out more about the book Tips for Helping Your Aging Parents by Kira Reginato by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

A guidebook to hep you care for your elderly parents as well as your self care. It covers medications, important conversations about medical wishes, visits to the hospital and more.. Furthermore, the book is written by a gerantologist with years of experience. This book is higly recommended.

#5 Sooner or Later It’s Going To Be Your Turn

Recommended by Beverley Kort from IAmListening. Find out more about the book Sooner or Later It’s Going To Be Your Turn by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

He has done a fabulous job of creating ways for adult children of aging parents to communicate in a non-threatening and collaborative way. I have recommended his site and e-books to my clients when they are struggling with how to cope during and even before that time arrives. I receive very positive feedback from those who take the time to investigate his books and support material.