At Arrow Senior Living, we believe knowledge can bring comfort and create connection, especially when it comes to understanding dementia. To support families navigating this journey, here are six powerful books that inspire understanding, provide practical tools, and offer hope for those caring for loved ones living with dementia.
1. Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey
This uplifting guide focuses on the importance of creating meaningful moments for individuals with dementia. Rather than mourning what’s lost, Brackey encourages caregivers to focus on what remains, opportunities to spark joy, laughter, and connection. The book provides creative ideas and real-life stories that remind us even brief moments of happiness can make a lasting impact.
2. Loving Someone Who Has Dementia by Pauline Boss
In this compassionate book, Boss explores the concept of “ambiguous loss,” the grief experienced when a loved one is physically present but psychologically changed. She provides insights and coping strategies to help caregivers balance hope and acceptance. Readers will find validation for their emotions and practical advice for maintaining resilience and self-care.
3. Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Told from the perspective of a Harvard professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, this powerful novel offers a deeply human look at the experience of memory loss. Through Alice’s journey, readers gain empathy for the emotional and cognitive challenges faced by those living with dementia. Genova’s storytelling brings a poignant and personal understanding of what it means to live, and love, through Alzheimer’s.
4. The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
Considered a classic in dementia care literature, The 36-Hour Day is an essential handbook for caregivers. It covers everything from diagnosis and daily care to emotional well-being and long-term planning. The title reflects the seemingly endless demands placed on caregivers and offers guidance, reassurance, and practical strategies to help lighten that load.
5. The Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care by Virginia Bell and David Troxel
This approach redefines caregiving through the lens of friendship. Bell and Troxel emphasize treating individuals with dementia as “best friends,” focusing on trust, empathy, and respect. The book provides communication techniques, activity ideas, and stories that highlight how friendship-based care improves both the resident’s and the caregiver’s experience.
6. How Do I Know You? Dementia at the End of Life by Barbara Karnes RN
This heartfelt book addresses the emotional and spiritual aspects of dementia’s final stages. Through gentle guidance and touching reflections, Huey offers families comfort in understanding the journey toward the end of life. Her compassionate words help caregivers find peace, closure, and continued love amid loss.
You can find these books, and more, in Arrow Senior Living communities. This dementia library initiative is more than a collection of books; it’s a commitment to supporting families through understanding. By providing resources that educate, empower, and heal, we hope every page helps families feel a little less alone and a lot more prepared to walk this path with compassion and grace.
To learn more on this topic: Dementia Caregivers Toolbox
