3 Recommended Reads for Caregivers
A Novel, by Adena Halpern
This book tells the story of three generations of women: Ellie, a 75-year-old grandmother, her 55-year-old daughter Barbara and her 29-year-old granddaughter Lucy. Ellie strives to remain physically and mentally young, so she feels she has more in common with Lucy than her own daughter. On her 75th birthday, Ellie wishes to be 29 again for just one day as she blows out her candles. As the adage goes, be careful what you wish for!
The ensuing “young for a day” adventure causes Ellie to question nearly all the choices she has made throughout her life. She asks her granddaughter to be her guide on her special day while Barbara and her best friend frantically search for a “missing” Ellie. The day’s humorous debacles lead these women to discover important things about one another and their relationships. Halpern encourages readers to question their assumptions about youth, aging and family dynamics. You will likely laugh out loud, and that’s always therapeutic for caregivers!
Still Alice, by Lisa Genova, Ph.D.
This title is touted as one of the best books for Alzheimer’s caregivers. Unlike 29, Still Alice is a difficult and emotional read because it chronicles many of the tough issues surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. Main character Alice Howland is a 50-year-old Harvard professor who has built a successful career and family life, but everything changes when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
What I find helpful about this book is that it tells the story of dementia from the perspective of the person living with the disease. While this novel incorporates the experiences of Alice’s husband, grown children and colleagues, the unique value is that it provides a rare glimpse into the feelings and attitudes of those who have been diagnosed with dementia. Genova holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience, so the work rings very true from both clinical and scientific standpoints as well.
How to Say It to Seniors: Closing the Communication Gap with Our Elders, by David Solie, M.S., PA
Published in 2014, this work was originally intended for professionals in the elder care field, but I have often recommended it to family caregivers. The main message of this practical guide is that older adults must balance the desire to maintain control of their world with the desire to control their legacy, or how the world will remember them. As caregivers, it is helpful for us to understand this dichotomy and learn to use different approaches for navigating the challenges of caring for and communicating effectively with our loved ones.
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