8 Health Focused Books for Elders and Their Caregivers
Caring for a loved one is a lot of work and can be overwhelming at times. One way to cut some of the stress is to read up on subjects related to your elder. Books can offer guidance on what has worked for others, tips on how to simplify things, and let you know that you are not alone on your journey. Here are a few books you may want to consider reading that cover topics like elder nutrition, memory disorders, and technology for seniors.
Books covering elder health topics:
Anti-Aging Super Foods For Seniors – 1,001 Ways to Keep Your Belly Lean, Memory Sharp, Senses Keen, and Heart Healthy
Every caregiver should read a good book on elder nutrition, and this book has 380 pages of Anti-Aging Super Foods For Seniors that can help keep a person’s mind and memory strong, and their entire body in shape. It tells you which super foods can prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s and which foods to avoid like the plague. What you put into your body helps or hurt your overall health, and this book covers the best foods that seniors should be eating to get healthy and stay healthy.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements
Some illnesses will require prescription medicine and a visit to the doctor, but some can be treated easily at home. This is a great book to keep on the bookshelf, not just for elders but for the entire family. This book has been a number one bestseller in the United States for years, is over 900 pages, and covers almost every minor illness and injury one would ever want to treat at home. This is great for those who worry about overmedicating loved ones who are already on a long list of medicines, and those who want to skip the doctor’s visit for minor issues.
Books for those whose loved ones suffer from Alzheimer Disease, dementia, and/or memory loss:
The 36-Hour Day, fifth edition: The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
First published in 1981, this book has been highly suggested by doctors for thirty years. It covers all stages of many popular age related mental disorders, from early prevention to when the disorders have progressed past the traditional home management stages. This family centered book is instructional and filled with detailed steps and directions on how to manage a home and family while caring for an aging parent or loved one dealing with Alzheimer’s, memory loss, or any number of related dementias. The Chicago Sun-Times calls this book “The best guide of its kind.”
A Caregiver’s Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier
Alzheimer’s is a frustrating disease; it’s hard for both the person living with the disorder and the loved one trying their best to care for the person suffering. This book has 300 real life tips that can make the disease more manageable, simplify life, and take some of the stress out of it. It is easy to read, and divided into three sections; the different stages of the disorder with ways to cope during each; a question and answer section covering everything from legal topics to talking to children about Alzheimer’s; and last a section filled with resources and ways to get support.
Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia
This book is filled with ways to bring happiness and meaning to life for people with dementia. It can be hard and depressing to watch a loved one suffer with this type of disorder, and this book is a great reminder that it’s never too late to enjoy life. Suggestions in this 200-page book include word games that improve communication skills, as well as improving quality of life through music and easy exercise. There are step-by-step instructions for a horticulture project and a chapter on appropriate helpful pets for those suffering with mental disorders.
A Dignified Life: The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care, A Guide for Family Caregivers
Going from the role of child to caregiver isn’t easy. In the past, you may have relied on your mom for support and guidance, and now due to a mental disorder she may not even recognize you. This book helps people cope when a relationship changes; such as adult child transitioning to caregiver, or when someone goes from being a spouse to a caregiver.
This book talks about becoming best friends with the person you are caring for. You become their memory keeper, you start getting them involved in activities to improve their quality of life, and you listen openly as a best friend would. It really helps you understand your new role and makes the transition manageable. It is upbeat and positive, and a great book to read again when you are feeling frustrated.
Books to give elders independence:
iPad for Seniors: Learn to Work with the iPad with iOS 7 (Computer Books for Seniors series)
Elders that still have the ability to use technology shouldn’t be shut off from the world. This simple book explains how to use an iPad. Elders can check email, talk to a loved one on Facebook, and stop feeling out of the loop when it comes to technology. There are books just like this for computers, iPhones, certain mobile phone models, and more. Many elders would love to use a computer or an iPad, they just find it overwhelming to learn. A book and a little instructional time with you may be all they need to get connected to the outside world.
Chair Yoga Program – Enjoy the benefits of Yoga in a safe, gentle program. Increase flexibility, range of motion, and core strength. No pretzel poses or getting on the floor…
The benefits of yoga have been proven for all ages and stages of life, and are especially strong for seniors. This book encourages physical activity in a chair and promises not to have your loved one twisted up like a pretzel or down on the floor. Let your elder feel centered and balanced while working on their flexibility. You may want to stay within earshot just to be safe, but this book allows healthier seniors without mobility issues to workout independently. Another great idea is to pull up a chair for yourself and join in on the physical activity.
Did you find any of these books helpful? Do you know of another book that could help others who are caring for loved ones? Be sure to leave a comment and let us know! We love comments!
