Choosing Joy: Alzheimer's: A Book of Hope

by Helene Berger

Choosing Joy is a delightful, uplifting, and comprehensive guide, combining the concrete methodologies learned over six years, as a totally unprepared woman became caregiver to her husband of 50 years. It is told through actual stories, as she discovered what worked and what did not. The listener is given constant inspirational examples and a path to follow.

Choosing Joy is a rare book of hope, providing practical and emotional support to both the caregiver and the patient. And all the while, it is a beautiful love story, and an honest retelling of a lifetime journey. Her husband’s amazing success was never envisioned. When he heard the doctor’s fatal three words “You have Alzheimer's” he quietly responded, “I don’t want to live anymore.” The first year he went down the typical Alzheimer's path with the predicted symptoms.

During the next five years he became known as the man with the radiant smile. In his later years, instead of declining, he greeted his friends by name. They would ask, “Are you sure he has Alzheimer’s?” He began to try new and different experiences and return to what he After his diagnosis, he stopped playing the piano for three years. With a little encouragement, he returned, playing with delight every day.

Helene Berger has spent a lifetime of public service holding many leadership positions both in her home community of Miami and in heading national organizations. Choosing Joy was inspired by the unanticipated positive results her husband achieved and the many friends who, having witnessed his transformation, came to her for guidance.

Audible Audio

Published December 9, 2023

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Choosing Joy by Helene Berger - WOW! I am overwhelmed with emotion after reading this book. This book has the potential of being a life-changer for all caregivers and their loved ones, who are suffering from Alzheimer's or any other disease. The message of this book demonstrates the power of positivity and offers clear, simple strategies for improving the quality of life of both the ones who are suffering from illness and those who love them. This book is a priceless gift to the reader from an author who is a truly beautiful person. I look forward to seeing interviews, podcasts, and articles promoting this huge contribution to the healthcare industry and to all people in general. The context of Choosing Joy has certainly had a great impact on my life. After reading this book, I have gained a better perspective and have become a more empathetic person. I simply cannot express the great significance and importance of this book to the quality of life of all - the sick, their caregivers, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, friends. While the successful methods outlined in this book may not pertain to everyone, the premise and insights are there for one to adapt to their own unique situation. Don't get discouraged if you do not receive the same results, but please approach with the same attitude of this author. Do yourself a favor...read this book! Almost everyone can relate to it in their life, if not now, then at some time in the future.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to Netgalley and Smith Publicity for the ARC of Choosing Joy.
In this book, Helene tells of how she cared for her husband Ady after he was diagnosed with Alzheimers. She gives a lot of advice and details all the strategies that have worked for her, turning a desperate situation into one of regeneration and hope. Having never been in such a situation, I can't judge how much is specific to this case and how much can be implementable to other patients, but I do believe everyone having to care for a patient with Alzheimers can get something out of this book.
This book is easy to read, and I loved having notes and drawings from Ady throughout the book as it made it more personal.