Books Every Caregiver Should Read

The role of caregivers is very rewarding, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities, challenges, and emotional burdens. Therefore, they need support from society to happily look after their loved one, a patient, or someone in need. Apart from being considerate and thoughtful towards caregivers, we can also provide them with tools that can give them the guidance, strength, and patience they need in their noble job. 

One such resource is books. A lot of people who once have been on the same journey have provided us with a wealth of insights, comfort stories, and practical tips to easily handle the ups and downs of caregiving. 

In this post, we’ll recommend some amazing books that every caregiver should read. These caregiver books are carefully chosen to inspire, educate, and remind you that you’re not alone on this journey. 

Let’s get started. 

Medical Crisis: What Every Caregiver Should Know: Diagnosis, Surgery, Hospital Stay, Recovery

Author: Peter G Christie 

Medical crises come when we least expect them. From the day of diagnosis, your role as a caregiver and advocate begins and continues until your loved one enjoys a healthy recovery. This book is a must-read for caregivers when a loved one is admitted to a hospital. 

It is a personal memoir of the author’s experience in dealing with the diagnosis, surgeries, hospital stay, and recovery of his wife, who was diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer. In it, he candidly shares the knowledge and experiences that he gained as a caregiver. Its sole purpose is to prepare others who are facing similar situations in the important role of aiding their loved ones.

Passages in Caregiving

Author: Gail Sheehy

Passages in Caregiving is a heartwarming guide that chronicles the personal journey of the author caring for her husband of more than 17 years. Sheehy has compared the caregiving experience to navigating a maze of twists and turns and outlines eight stages that caregivers often encounter, guiding them on how to survive in every stage. 

Sheehy emphasizes that caregiving is not a solo endeavor and highlights the importance of building a support network. Her insights offer comfort and practical advice, making this book a valuable companion for anyone on the caregiving journey.

Tender: The Imperfect Art of Caring

Author: Penny Wincer

A beautifully written and honest account of the realities of caring. Penny draws on her personal experience of caring, previously for her mother and now for her son, and weaves this with others’ stories to offer real and transformative tools and insights for navigating a situation that many of us are either facing or will face at some time.

The most touching part of this book is that it highlights how looking after oneself is a fundamental part of caring for another and describes the qualities that caregivers can look to cultivate in themselves; otherwise, they’ll feel exhausted in their role.

Are You Prepared to Be a Caregiver

Author: Patrick Palmer

Are Prepared to Be a Caregiver is one of the best caregiver books for anyone who is playing the role of caregiver or expecting to enter it. In this book, Palmer draws from his caregiving experience with his wife and gives practical advice on how to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that a caregiver faces.

This book should be read by every caregiver as it guides on essential topics like financial planning, in-home care options, and the importance of family support during tough times. He has tried to convey complex things simply so that caregivers can get support instead of getting stressed out. This book will prepare caregivers and make them feel less alone in their exhausting journey.

Daily Comforts for Caregivers

Author: Pat Samples

If you feel overwhelmed by caregiving challenges and the seemingly never-ending day-to-day struggles of caregiving, this book could offer you the guidance and support you need to get through them. With 366 days’ worth of wisdom and affirmations, this book addresses one caregiving issue per day. You can find your issue in the index and read the chapter to get an immediate solution.

Daily Comforts works like a support system in a pocket by helping both family and professional caregivers cope with isolation, guilt, exhaustion, and frustration. Each reading concludes with an inspiring, practical affirmation designed to help caregiver’s better care for themselves.

Who Cares?: How to Care for Yourself whilst Caring for a Loved One

Author: Sara Challice 

This is a personal account by Sara Challice who cared for her husband for 13 years after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Caregivers should read this book as it shows them how to look at difficult situations in a different way so they can change their approach and become more resilient, healthier, and better able to care for their loved ones.

In her book ‘How to Care for Yourself whilst Caring for a Loved One’, Sara speaks on the impact of stress while caring, how this can affect caregivers’ physical health, and the importance of not only regaining their health but also how they can start enjoying life again – a challenge that most carers face. The book includes practical tips to help guide caregivers towards a decision best for them, as well as providing some empathy and understanding. 

The Fearless Caregiver

Author: Greg Barg

In The Fearless Caregiver, Greg Barg outlines his 8-step approach to caregiving. He begins by urging caregivers to assess their situation and set realistic goals. He then advises them to build a support network of friends and family members who can offer practical help. Next, he encourages caregivers to advocate for their loved ones, ensuring that they receive the best possible care.

Additionally, Barg recommends that caregivers take care of themselves, both physically and emotionally. Lastly, he urges caregivers to accept help when it is offered. By following Barg’s advice, caregivers can minimize the stresses of caregiving and maintain a sense of balance in their lives.

We hope you find this list of caregiver books helpful in your journey. Happy reading, and remember that you are not alone in this journey, so never hesitate to ask for help and support.