Few roles are more complex than that of a caregiver. Becoming a caregiver to an aging parent or a loved one often means being thrust into a role that requires a whole new set of skills, a wealth of emotional fortitude and the ability to juggle complicated needs related to health, finances, aging and well-being. While there’s no guide book that can tell you exactly how to manage this transition, there are books for caregivers that can help and support you on your journey.
These books for caregivers tackle everything from managing the daily demands of family caregiving to offering practical advice for dealing with federal benefits, medical care and budgeting. Many titles also shed light on the critical lack of support for caregivers in the United States and what needs to change to make caregiving more affordable and sustainable. Here are 18 must-read caregiver books that offer wisdom, heartfelt support and a reminder that, no matter what, caregivers are never alone.
1. “I Didn’t See It Coming” by Mary Lou Falcone
Mary Lou Falcone’s touching memoir, “I Didn’t See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia,” chronicles her experiences caring for her husband as he dealt with Lewy Body Dementia. It’s a raw, loving and heartfelt account that will resonate with caregivers in a number of ways.
Where to buy: “I Didn’t See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia” ($28, Amazon)
2. “Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America” by Kate Washington
Kate Washington’s timely book “Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America” explores Washington’s journey trying to care for her husband following a serious cancer diagnosis. It’s an unflinching look at the way unpaid caregivers are under-valued in society and at the unseen mental load of family caregiving. It combines experience with research in a way that makes caregivers feel seen.
Where to buy: “Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America” ($17, Beacon Press)
3. “(Un)remarkable: A Caregiver’s Love Story” by Andy Mudd
“(Un)remarkable: A Caregiver’s Love Story” is a collection of essays on the experience of caring for a partner with cancer. Author Andy Mudd details the couple’s trials from diagnosis onward and how the journey through illness and caregiving changed, shaped, challenged and strengthened their bond.
Where to buy: “(Un)remarkable: A Caregiver’s Love Story” ($25, Amazon)
4. “True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver” by Cindy Eastman
When Cindy Eastman’s father moved into her home to be cared for, it brought a host of complex feelings, which she details in unflinching yet heartfelt honesty in her essay collection, “True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver.” This book gives voice to the varied and often complex emotions that come with being a caregiver to an aging parent.
Where to buy: “True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver: Essays” ($16, Target)
5. “My Parent’s Keeper” by Jody Gastfriend
When you step into a caregiving role, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. “My Parent’s Keeper: The Guilt, Grief, Guesswork, and Unexpected Gifts of Caregiving” by Jody Gastfriend works to answer these questions. The book explores a wide range of topics from the cost of long-term care to managing the healthcare system and and protecting yourself from burnout.
Where to buy: “My Parent’s Keeper” ($18, Barnes And Noble)
6. “Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book for Caregivers” by Rosalynn Carter
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, a longtime advocate for caregivers, penned “Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book For Caregivers” to address the challenges and benefits of caring for a loved one. The book draws on her experiences, as well as those of other caregivers, to discuss the difficulties of unpaid caregiving, the dangers of caregiver burnout and how to look out for yourself while meeting the needs of others.
Where to buy: “Helping Yourself Help Others” ($27, University of Arkansas Press)
7. “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” by Roz Chast
This memoir and graphic novel provides a comforting, honest and humorous look at talking with aging parents about their care, what it’s like to be an adult child accepting a parental role and dealing with the uncomfortable realities and logistics of caregiving. Written and illustrated by “New Yorker” cartoonist Roz Chast, the book is based on the author’s own experiences caring for her aging mother and father.
Where to buy: “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” ($19, Porter Square Books)
8. “Multicultural Guide to Caregiving” by Angelica P. Herrera Venson
Author and gerontologist Dr. Angelica P. Herrera Venson offers this guide to aging and caregiving within communities of color and first generation Americans. Based on personal stories and years of research, “Multicultural Guide to Caregiving” dives into the ways culture and traditions shape caregiving roles, how to access critical benefits for your aging loved one and tips for so many aspects of managing finances, medical care and other important considerations.
Where to buy: “Multicultural Guide to Caregiving” ($14, Amazon)
9. “We’re Stronger Than We Look” by Jill Case Brown
Caregivers can find support, inspiration and understanding through the stories shared in “We’re Stronger Than We Look: Insights and Encouragement for the Caregiver’s Journey” by Jill Case Brown. The book speaks to the anxieties and struggles of caregiving with humor and heart, while still acknowledging how difficult the transition into a caregiving role can be.
Where to buy: “We’re Stronger Than We Look” ($13, Amazon)
10. “The Caregiver Guide” by Grant Bryan and Gayle Wolfe
Wondering if you have the skills to be a caregiver and where to start? Check out “The Caregiver Guide: What to do when you don’t know where to start” by Grant Bryan and Gayle Wolfe. The book, written by experienced caregivers, comes complete with checklists and fill-in-the-blank sections to help you prepare for your caregiving role and make sure you don’t miss anything along the way.
Where to buy: “The Caregiver Guide” ($16, Amazon)
11. “Stand By Me” by Allison Applebaum
Coming in February 2024, “Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving” offers advice on juggling the responsibilities and emotional struggles of caregiving from clinical psychologist Dr. Allison Applebaum. The book covers topics like navigating medical care, advance care planning and how to navigate ever-changing relationship dynamics.
Where to buy: “Stand By Me” ($22, Target)
12. “Creative Care” by Anne Basting
MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Anne Basting tackles the topic of eldercare through compelling research and touching stories. “Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care” describes Basting’s method of using creative arts to transform care for elderly individuals and those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Her approach, backed by decades of research, combines methods from the world of theater and improvisation with evidence-based therapies that spark creativity and connection.
Where to buy: “Creative Care” ($17, Amazon)
13. “The Color of Care” by Ky’a Jackson
Black caregivers can face unique obstacles. “The Color of Care: A Beginner’s Guide for the African American Caregiver” by Ky’a Jackson was written to address the unique needs of Black caregivers, while offering practical tips, advice and support. It also offers a valuable perspective on the racial barriers that make caregiving more difficult and how to manage these on your caregiving journey.
Where to buy: “The Color of Care” ($17, Amazon)
14. “The Accidental Caregiver” by Dr. Kimberly Fraser
For many people, the transition into a caregiving role comes suddenly. Dr. Kimberly Fraser, a nurse who ran a large home support business, knows this firsthand. This book recounts her experiences caring for her aging father and sick husband. She offers practical advice on how to navigate this new role, along with a support, wisdom and knowledge to help new caregivers feel less alone.
Where to buy: “The Accidental Caregiver” ($20, Target)
15. “Bridging Generations: A Caregiving Pocketbook for Asian American Families” by Jessica Chen
Author Jessica Chen has created a guide to understanding and navigating dementia caregiving for Asian American families and first and second-generation caregivers from any cultural background. This book includes stories and advice for handling complex behaviors from your loved one, managing stress as a caregiver and addressing guilt.
Where to buy: “Bridging Generations” ($8, Amazon)
16. “Who Cares: The Hidden Crisis of Caregiving, and How We Solve It” by Emily Kenway
Emily Kenway offers her experience of caring for an aging parent to help guide others and discuss the vital need for caregiving reform in the U.S. “Who Cares: The Hidden Crisis of Caregiving, and How We Solve It” digs into the unique emotional and financial burdens of caregiver and the way the needs of caregivers have been largely ignored by government leaders. Kenway also blends expert research with her own experiences to share solutions to this ongoing crisis.
Where to buy: “Who Cares: The Hidden Crisis of Caregiving, and How We Solve It” ($18, Amazon)
17. “Care For The Caregiver” by Jazmin Graham
This workbook-style guide for caregivers is meant to help process difficult feelings, avoid burnout and learn how and when to ask for help. Written by a licensed clinical social worker, “Care For The Caregiver” is meant to serve as a resource that provides emotional help and guidance to the caregiver, while encouraging them to seek support in whatever ways they need and giving them the tools to succeed.
Where to buy: “Care For The Caregiver” ($15, Thriftbooks)
18. “Mother Lode: Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver” by Gretchen Staebler
This memoir by Gretchen Staebler details her journey moving back to her childhood home at age 60 to care for her 96-year-old mother. Not only does the author provide an unflinching look at managing the demands of her mother’s care and health needs, but she also shares valuable wisdom, including how she made self-care non-negotiable and navigated the complex medical system for aging adults.
Where to buy: “Mother Lode: Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver” ($19, Amazon)
