Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Caregivers

by Deborah Barr, Debbie Barr

For the weary dementia or Alzheimer's caregiver If you are a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, you carry a heavy load. On top of having to watch someone you love suffer, you are probably losing sleep, growing frustrated, and struggling with loneliness or even depression. With little to no help and no time for a break, this unrelenting stress is hard to carry. Whether that’s you or someone you know, the caregiver needs care, too. Grace for the Unexpected A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Caregivers provides that support. Each daily Debbie Barr is a speaker, health educator, and the author of multiple books, including Keeping Love Alive As Memory Fades (coauthored with New York Times bestselling author Gary Chapman). As a health educator with a deep concern and compassion for dementia caregivers, she saw their need for faith-based encouragement. With compassion and understanding she uses Scriptures to address their practical hardships and spiritual concerns. When the struggles seem insurmountable, this devotional offers strength. When stress floods in, it points to peace. And when darkness falls, it illuminates hope. Caregivers walk a long, difficult road. This devotional gives grace for their journey.

Genres: Inspirational, Devotional, Nonfiction, Health

304 pages, Hardcover

Published January 2, 2018

Reviews

[The Book Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good devotional book.

I have to start this by saying I have never been the sole care provider for a person going through Alzheimer's but I did watch it take my grandmother from me. This book was so good for my soul. The devotions were quick and easy to read each day. There are 60 of them and you could read them daily or reflect longer on them for a deeper understanding. This book really strengthened my soul and helped me have Scriptures that were relevant to experiences I have had caring for various elderly family members. This is good for any caregiver not just ones with these two diagnoses.

This book is a breath of fresh air when stress fits you and your dealing with a problem in caring for loved ones. Inside this book is so much peace and encouragement. The author seems like a friend now giving advice and not just a person who wrote a book to help someone like me.

There are relatable stories that will help you in every phase of this season in your life. Overall I thought this was a great devotional!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Highly recommend to anyone who has a loved one/friend with dementia or has loved ones/friends who are dementia caregivers. Especially appreciated how the author draws upon the truths of God’s Word while focusing on the unique struggles/losses/blessings along the dementia journey.

[Sheryl Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's or other Dementia, you will find so much encouragement and advice from this book. As it is a devotional, there are scripture references, questions that help you delve into your feelings and circumstances, and a place to journal your thoughts. A wonderful resource to have on your shelf.

[Cheryl Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and encouraging resource for those who are walking the Alzheimer's/Dementia caregiving journey. Each devotion features one or more scriptures, great insight to help caregivers with some of the challenges they will face, and a couple of questions for reflection, and also an area for journaling whatever thoughts may have been spurred by that particular day's topic.

This is a book I could read again later since my caregiving challenges and needs will change with time and progression of my husband's Alzheimer's. Definitely an "unexpected journey" and one none of us want to have to take so resources like this can be just the encouragement any caregiver might need on a particular day. This makes a thoughtful gift too -- that's how I got a copy. A good book to keep in mind for people you know on this journey.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding and very inspirational book. Each devotion is well done and applicable to the dementia journey. Presented in an easy to understand real life way. This book will be a great asset if you are traveling the dementia journey with a loved one. I highly recommend. I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for a difficult situation. Highly recommended!

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource and pick-me-up for all dementia/Alzheimer caregivers, as well as any family member. It lends encouragement, and reminds us all of God's strength, even in times of perceived weakness.

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Barr, author of Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Caregivers, says the caregiver can sometimes face spiritual and practical challenges others do not face.
Barr had the caregiver in mind as she wrote this devotional. Each day’s devotion starts with a passage of scripture, followed by a few thoughts by Barr. She then asks a couple questions related to the scripture and how they apply to you. There is a journal section with blank lined writing space for you to record your own journey as a caregiver, or anything else you want.
Each day Barr focuses on a different topic, with titles such as Why?, Irritations, Cherish What Remains, What About Me?, The Power of Music, Feeling Guilty, Gratitude, Caregiver Depression, Bitter or Better?, Live in Peace, The Loss of “Us”, and Silver Lining.
This is a quality hardback book put out by Moody Publishers, suitable as a gift for someone faced with the overwhelming task of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Caregivers by Deborah Barr is a wonderful book for caregivers.
Barr’s book is a 60-day journey though the promises and truth of Scripture that are relevant to the care-giver of one who is suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Each devotion holds a personal story of a care giver, short insights, and key Scripture verses to pray over and meditate upon.
Short and to the point, Barr’s heart for people clearly shows in her devotional readings. I highly recommend this book for caregivers, doctors and family of members who suffer through this particular mental illness.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding mix of pertinent bible verses and practical advice