When someone in your life is diagnosed with dementia or other memory impairments, it can be a very stressful and emotional time for everyone involved. For inexperienced family caregivers, it can be challenging to know where to start. You’re not alone in this journey. We’re here to provide all the support we can.
Dementia books can offer lessons from others who have walked the same path, making them an invaluable source of knowledge and guidance for caregivers. Here are 10 of our best books on dementia:
1. The Caregiver’s Guide To Memory Care And Dementia Communities By Rachael Wonderlin
Rachael Wonderlin’s comprehensive guide is a great dementia book for caregivers navigating memory care and dementia communities. She shares practical advice on understanding different levels of care, choosing the right community for a loved one and communicating effectively with employees.
This book is especially helpful if you are considering a memory care community for your loved one. The author writes about what to expect, provides valuable tips on what to look for in a community and explains how to make the transition go smoothly for both you and your family member.
Rating on Amazon: 4.5/5
2. Forget Me Not By Debra Kostiw
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. However, the daily demands of caregiving can sometimes lead to stress and burnout, especially for untrained caregivers. Debra Kostiw’s book, “Forget Me Not,” shares personal stories and practical advice from her own experiences caring for a loved one with dementia.
She provides insights into the emotional challenges caregivers face and offers strategies for coping with the daily ups and downs.
Rating on Amazon: 4.7/5
3. Navigating The Dementia Journey By Jeff Hollitz
As dementia progresses, it’s normal for our loved one’s needs to change. Jeff Hollitz’s “Navigating The Dementia Journey” is a practical guide that covers everything from the early stages of diagnosis to the later stages of care.
The book shares helpful tips on living with a loved one who has dementia, including how to create a safe environment and find the right support for your loved one. Books about dementia, especially this one, can offer practical advice on how to adjust to your family member’s changing needs.
Rating on Amazon: 4.8/5
4. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide To Caring For People Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease, Other Dementias, And Memory Loss By Nancy L. Mace And Peter V. Rabins
Caring for a family member with dementia can really make a positive difference in their life. Your support and love mean so much to them. But as you take care of your loved one, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself, too.
“The 36-Hour Day” by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins covers a wide range of topics, including care options for people living with dementia, legal and financial planning tips and practical ways to cope with the challenges of caregiving. The authors also address the emotional and psychological challenges you may face and offer valuable advice on how to take care of yourself while caring for your loved one with dementia.
Rating on Amazon: 4.7/5
5. Learning To Speak Alzheimer’s: A Groundbreaking Approach For Everyone Dealing With The Disease By Joanne Koenig Coste
Dementia can seriously impact your loved one’s ability to communicate. They could struggle to find the right words or forget what they want to say. This can be really frustrating for them and for you. Being patient and understanding can make a big difference. Books about Alzheimer’s can also provide invaluable insights and support along your journey.
“Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s” focuses on effective communication with someone who has Alzheimer’s. The book helps caregivers learn how to connect with their loved one, even as their ability to communicate changes.
Rating on Amazon: 4.7/5
6. Activities To Do With Your Parent Who Has Alzheimer’s Dementia By Judith A. Levy
Memory impairments can make it hard for your family member to do everyday activities, like remembering to take their medications, cooking meals safely or dressing appropriately.
In her award-winning book, Levy shares enriching activities that caregivers can enjoy with their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. The book is filled with ideas for activities that are both enjoyable and therapeutic, helping caregivers maintain meaningful interactions and a strong connection with a loved one living with dementia.
Rating on Amazon: 4.4/5
7. Chicken Soup For The Soul: Living With Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias By Amy Newmark And Angela Timashenka Geiger
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia, you might feel incredibly frustrated and helpless. Please remember you’re not alone. Many others are going through similar challenges, and there is adequate support available to help you navigate this emotional journey.
“Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias” is a great resource for those seeking books on dementia. The authors share personal accounts and encouragement from the heartfelt stories of others who have lived with loved ones with memory impairment. This collection of moving stories can be a much-needed source of inspiration, comfort and practical advice for people caring for a loved one with memory challenges.
Rating on Amazon: 4.7/5
8. The Dementia Handbook: How To Provide Dementia Care At Home By Judy Cornish
Sometimes, your loved one may want to stay at home, or maybe the situation doesn’t allow them to move to a senior care community. Taking care of them at home can be an option worth considering. However, it can be hard to figure out how to begin. You might feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do.
“The Dementia Handbook” is one of our favorite books about dementia. The author shares valuable tips on providing care at home for a loved one with dementia. Additionally, she shares practical advice on creating a supportive environment, managing daily routines and understanding the unique needs of individuals with dementia.
Rating on Amazon: 4.6/5
9. Creative Engagement: A Handbook Of Activities For People With Dementia By Rachael Wonderlin And Geri M. Lotze
Enjoying fun and enriching activities, like memory games, arts and crafts and regular, gentle exercise with your loved one can help foster a sense of connection and improve their quality of life. This book offers a wide variety of activities tailored to different stages of dementia, making it one of our favorites. “Creative Engagement” can be an ideal companion for caregivers who are looking for ways to connect with loved ones living with dementia.
Rating on Amazon: 4.6/5
10. Contented Dementia By Oliver James
Creating a calm and supportive environment and maintaining familiar routines can help reduce stress and confusion for a loved one with dementia. In this book, Oliver James offers a unique approach to dementia care, focusing on creating a supportive environment to help minimize stress and confusion for your loved one. The author also shares practical strategies to help make caregiving more manageable for you.
Rating on Amazon: 4.5/5
StoryPoint Group Is Here For You And Your Loved One
At StoryPoint Group communities, we understand the challenges you face in providing the best care for your loved one. That’s why we’re here to offer you all the support you need. If you have questions about memory care or any other type of senior living, we’re here to help you. Give us a call today at 1-844-275-9990 or visit a StoryPoint Group community near you.
