Photo: Canva

I have started going through resources for caregivers. I read/listened to one this past week. It comes in both a book form and on audible. I seem to get audible books finished quicker these days. This one only took 4 hours of listening time but takes more time to process the questions, of course. I expect to go ahead and buy the book as well to use as a more permanent resource. That’s how helpful it was.

If you are like me and like books that offer an overview of your topic that don’t get you lost in the forest, this is one that I found to be helpful. It gives the overview on each topic and the questions give you an opportunity to get more personal with your feelings and application of the principles to your specific situation as you journal the answers and find ways to discuss them with family members or other appropriate people including the person to whom you are giving care.

The author’s caregiving background is varied. This is one of the strengths of the book.

The title of this book is When Caregiving Calls by Aaron Blight. The author has a variety of perspectives. First, He and his wife had caregiving responsibilities for her mom for five years after she had brain surgery for brain cancer. Some of the time, she lived with them after brain surgery and during chemo, some of the time she lived in her own apartment with assistance from them and others. After her death, he owned a caregiving business which he later sold. It sounds like he learned a lot from his clients. Finally, he got his doctorate in a health-related field where he wrote and studied more about caregiving. As a caregiver, it was so comforting to hear his gentle, kind words.

Another strength of the book is that each chapter ends with great questions for the reader to use to journal for self-reflection.

They can also be used for a jumping off point to have conversations with family members or even the person they are taking care of.

His approach to caregiving is common-sense with a knowledge of the rules and science behind them. That is definitely a strength of the book, but an even stronger positive of the book follows. It is in the concise chapters and the questions at the end of each chapter for personal reflection. The best part of this book is that it can be used for both personal or group use. I can see how working through these questions together as a group could be very helpful.

Speaking as a caregiver who was listening to this book, I found it very encouraging as I listened to his kind voice and hopeful words. They made an impact. But also his reminders to do such things as taking care of yourself, the caregiver…with recommendations as to how to do it. He also has some helpful recommendations for support systems and options at times when we aren’t always certain we feel we have them.

Here is a link to his website.