My Top Summer Book Recommendations for Planning, Surviving and Thriving, and Relaunching when Caregiving is Done
Summertime is a great time to catch up on reading, so why not read at least one book that contributes to improving your caregiving journey? No matter what stage you are in, there’s a book for you!
Even if you’re not actively caregiving, you can benefit from reading about PLANNING so you’ll be better prepared for helping your loved ones when they need you.
Here then, are our top recommendations for your summer book reading pleasure – one for each major phase in your caregiving journey.
Planning … In the planning stages, it’s important to proactively assess your resources – financial, physical and emotional health, as well as your spiritual wellspring – and get the help you need to make sure you have a well-thought-out, agreed-upon, and legally documented plan for the days when you may be called upon to support your loved one(s) as they lose their ability to live independently.
Life: The Next Phase. Navigating the Issues of Caring for Your Aging Parents or Loved Ones, is a step-by-step guide for what to do when the time comes for you to consider part-time or full-time assistance to help you with your loved one(s), or when you find yourself in a crisis situation. This great and thorough resource is co-authored by Jodi Hempel, “peace of mind architect,” planning expert and coach, with whom I’ve had the pleasure of co-leading workshops. Top-notch!
Surviving and Thriving … The old adage “information is power” was never truer than in the world of family caregiving. Every day brings new experiences and demands, and every situation is unique. Having access to the latest and best information and support is critical, as is developing your own individualized community to meet your needs.
Thrive Anyway–12 lessons after 12 years of chronic illness and caregiving is a blend of personal experience and life wisdom gained the hard way, served up with a sense of authenticity that is both engaging and inspiring. Author Bruce McIntyre serves as the Executive Director of the Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma, and is also the author of Parkinson Positive, Graceful Transitions, and Resilient Life. In addition to caregiving for his wife for the past 14+ years, Bruce has also led the Caregiver Fundamentals Project in Oklahoma City and served other caregivers as a business, church, and non-profit leader.
http://brucemcintyre.com/2018/08/17/thrive-anyway-2/
Relaunching Your Life When Caregiving is Done … Losing a loved one is devastating, no matter what the circumstances or how emotionally prepared you think you are. In this stage, it's good to reflect on what you’ve learned from your caregiving experience, and apply that to where you are going in your life. It’s the perfect time to regroup, adjust your own life course, and relaunch into the next phase of YOUR life.
The 4 Agreements: A Practical Guide toward Personal Freedom (A Toltic Wisdom Book). Looking for some thought-provoking rules for life going forward? This book is an amazing discussion of the basics of how to live in your integrity and find enlightenment through a simple yet profound code of conduct. Written by Don Miguel Ruiz, a trained surgeon AND nagual from the centuries-old Eagle Knights lineage, this book has remained on the New York Times Bestseller list for over 10 years.
https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319
http://www.miguelruiz.com/about-don-miguel/
I promise that with any of these three books, you will gain new and helpful insights about yourself and your situation.
*Please know that I'm not an affiliate for any of the websites/ companies or sources quoted herein, nor am I nor AMI/ The Caregiving Journey compensated by them in any way unless otherwise stated; I am simply sharing various links and resources that you may find helpful and informative.
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