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Top 10 Books for Dementia Caregivers

Dubbed National Family Caregivers Month, November honors the important role that caregivers play in the lives of their patients and loved ones. As a caregiver, you know that this work can be very rewarding. However, it can also be incredibly challenging, especially if your patient or loved one has Dementia.

As your patient or loved one’s primary point of contact, you want to stay updated on the latest dementia care regimes and treatments. You may also want to help your patient or loved one plan for the future and navigate the psychological and emotional effects of this disease. If you’re looking to find this information all in one place, then books are your go-to resource.  

Our Top Picks

To help you choose the best book for you, we’ve compiled a list of ten of our favorites, each one authored by an individual with substantial caregiving experience. With these books, you’ll gain knowledge of the latest advances in dementia treatment and care, glean words of wisdom to help you through challenging times, and build a healthy relationship with your patient or loved one. 

While They’re Still Here: A Memoir by Patricia Williams

At once poignant and raw, this memoir tops our list of books for dementia caregivers. While They’re Still Here, Williams recounts caring for her aging parents, both of whom were diagnosed with Dementia. Honest and occasionally humorous, this book describes the pain and challenges of caregiving, and the courage and grace this work entails.     

The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias by Gayatri Devi

Sometimes, the challenges that come with caring for your patient or loved one can make you feel overwhelmed. If you’re searching for a book to restore your vision and resolve, look no further than The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. In it, Devi offers comfort and encouragement to caregivers, helping you and your patient or loved one flourish and thrive.

My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver by Martin J. Schreiber

As a caregiver, you know that Dementia can compromise your patient or loved one’s quality of life. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Drawing on his own experience of caring for his beloved wife, Schreiber offers guidance, support, and encouragement to those witnessing the memory loss of a patient or loved one, all delivered with a gentle sense of humor.

An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia by Janet Yagoda-Shagam

In this poignant read, Yagoda-Shagam shares her experience of helping her mother navigate Dementia. This accessible book includes worksheets, answers to frequently asked questions, a glossary, and an extensive list of resources. Poignantly narrated and rigorously researched, An Unintended Journey will equip you with the skills and knowledge that you need to provide your patient or loved one with the best possible care.

I’m Still Here: A New Philosophy of Alzheimer’s Care by John Zeisel

If you’re finding it hard to connect with your patient or loved one, I’m Still Here: A New Philosophy of Alzheimer’s Care can help. Zeisel’s book highlights the role that art, music, touch, and facial expressions play in strengthening your relationship with your patient or loved one, helping you revitalize your approach to dementia care.

Dementia Beyond Disease: Enhancing Well-Being by G. Allen Power

If you’re looking to improve your patient or loved one’s overall quality of life, then Dementia Beyond Disease: Enhancing Well-Being is a must-read. In it, Power employs a strengths-based approach to wellbeing by focusing on seven domains: meaning, joy, identity, autonomy, growth, security, and connectedness. His approach will revolutionize your take on caregiving by prompting you to attend to all aspects of your patient or loved one’s health.

The Long Hello: Memory, My Mother, and Me by Cathie Borrie

Lyrical and poetic, The Long Hello: Memory, My Mother, and Me combines personal narrative with family history, recounting Borrie’s experience of serving as her mother’s caregiver over the course of seven years. This book offers helpful advice on balancing one’s own needs with those of a patient or loved one, making it an invaluable resource for caregivers.

Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer’s Journey: A Guide for Families and Caregivers by Jolene Brackey

In her bestselling book, Brackey encourages you to see beyond Dementia’s challenges and focus on creating joyful moments with your patient or loved one. Full of useful tips and ideas, this book will bring you hope and encouragement when you need it most.

Caresharing: A Reciprocal Approach to Caregiving and Care Receiving in the Complexities of Aging, Illness or Disability by Marty Richards

In this book, Richards offers a new approach to caregiving, one that emphasizes the interdependence of caregiver and care receiver. As the author reminds us, caregiving is a partnership, one in which both parties have something valuable to contribute. Written with wisdom and insight, this book will give you a newfound appreciation for your relationship with your patient or loved one.

Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir by Roz Chast

From the creator of the iconic New Yorker cartoons comes the graphic memoir Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? In it, Chast recounts the challenges and difficulties of caring for her elderly parents. Depicting emotions of guilt and grief with humor and honesty, this book is a must-have for any caregiver.

The Takeaway

When caring for a patient or loved one with Dementia gets challenging, it helps to know you’re not alone. With our top 10 list as your guide, you’re sure to find the information and support you need to build a relationship with your patient or loved one that is healthy, balanced, and rewarding for all involved.