Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Aging Parents: How to Help, How to Survive

by Claire Berman

A thoroughly revised edition of the authoritative guide to caring for aging parents
For women and men who are involved in caring for aging parents, and for those who see caregiving in their future, this empathetic and practical book offers complete coverage of all the practical issues you are likely to confront―while addressing the emotional stress and particular needs of caregivers. Claire Berman, drawing on her own experiences, the experiences of many other adult children, and interviews with specialists in the geriatric field, discusses the wide range of emotions that can accompany caregiving.
This completely updated edition includes
• new discussions of the Internet as a tool for seniors
• new sources of prescription drugs
• information about emergency response systems
• recommended exercises and exercise videos and
adaptive clothing
• an extensively revised resources section
In a wise and compassionate voice, Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Aging Parents teaches you everything you need to know to help your parents through the stressful and humbling challenges of aging.

"A compassionate book that offers support for the caregiver, plus solid advice on how to fulfill your parents' needs without turning into a martyr." ― Horizons

Genres: Nonfiction, Aging

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1996

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most grounded caregiving books I’ve read. Claire Berman blends practical advice with real‑world examples that feel honest rather than idealized. She covers the emotional strain, the family dynamics, the decision‑making, and the day‑to‑day realities that caregivers rarely talk about openly.

I found the sections on boundaries, burnout, and long‑term planning especially helpful. If you’re caring for an aging parent and need guidance that respects both your parent’s dignity and your own limits, this book is a strong resource.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave me peace for the days ahead.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful advice and informative suggestions.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent read and is a wonderful and gentle introduction into this transition of caring for aging parents. The author starts the book by telling her own story and how she handled her journey. I found this to be so helpful since at the time I wasn't ready for the more "how to" tone of other books I had looked at (those had more of a legal slant to them). The author in a sense takes you by the hand and guides you through it. She also includes personal stories from many adult children who are helping out their parents.
Resources and tips are included throughout the book and there are sources listed at the end of the book as well. A very helpful resource when you are first starting out!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers all the basics and goes a little bit further. I'm not too sure what I mean by that, except that it is I can't complain until I write my own book. It comes pretty close to caregiving from a compassionate place while taking care of yourself.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good advice.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. Read it now before it's too late.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of good ideas to use and think about in caring for your parents. Letting go of who they were and who they are now.