Choosing Joy: Alzheimer's: A Book of Hope

by Helene Berger

CHOOSING JOY is a book of hope. Most accounts of Alzheimer's describe a process of irreversible degeneration and decline. This is a rare success story, the story of a woman who refused to surrender to the implications of her husband's diagnosis, instead inspiring him to join her in making every moment they had together meaningful and precious. A few months after their fiftieth anniversary, Ady Berger was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He responded, I don't want to live anymore. His wife, Helene, was determined to find creative ways to make their lives as fulfilling as possible, for as long as possible. By developing a solid foundation of constant mental stimulation and emotional support, they built the scaffolding that gave Ady the best chance for positive outcomes physically, emotionally, and socially. In Ady's final years he again became known for his radiant smile, greeting friends by name, returning to the piano, playing chess, even drawing pictures and writing nightly notes. Helene Berger's comprehensive guide chronicles the different elements that made this regeneration possible. Welcoming, positive, and honest, she shares her own difficult her doubts and fears, failures and ultimate successes. CHOOSING JOY The importance of acceptance by both patient and caregiver. Ideas to keep patients mentally stimulated and productive. The changes in perspective and attitude that can replace frustration and anger with kindness, appreciation,and support. Methodology for negotiating joint solutions to the progressive challenges of debilitating disease. Detailed strategies for hiring and bringing out the best in aides, creating schedules to avoid confusion, and creating a safe and healthy home environment. Optimal ways to work with healthcare providers and safely manage long lists of medications. How to find the delicate balance between giving the best of yourself while ensuring your own needs are fulfilled. The life-affirming insights Helene gleaned during and after the Alzheimer's years. Caregivers of patients with any type of debilitating disease will find a wealth of information, ideas, and inspiration in CHOOSING JOY.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2019

Reviews

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

in this new book called Choosing Joy: Alzheimer’s A Book of Hope, the author shows us what she learned in her six year journey of being a caregiver for her husband.

The journey it’s no different for someone caring for a person with Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer, any type of traumatic injury or illness. But this journey can give you hope and teach how to deal with the anger and frustration that you may find.

The author learned that caring with a joyful heart was important to her husband. Her belief was “fight the disease. Embrace the journey.” This allows you to find ways to help them be the best at where they are now in their journey. It also reminds us that positive reinforcement when they are angry and frustrated can have amazing results.

I love this statement – “people may experience loss of memory, of movement, of balance, of innovations and control, but they know instinctively when they are loved“

This seems odd to think that you can find happiness and joy in doing the most difficult job of your life. Many people say that caring for someone in their final years and final days is the most important time of their life.

I think a lot of this has to do with empowering the patient and allowing them to have a choice and everything that pertains to them. The author talks about dignity and respect and offering choices instead of suggesting and telling people what to do.

It makes sense when we say it that way, but in frustration and times of stress and anxiety, we probably do tend to tell people what to do which causes the other person anxiety and anger.

This book is full of examples of what she learned through years of journaling her thoughts and feelings about the journey. Her husband did remarkable things even with Alzheimer’s. This book allows you hope and maybe a different view being the caregiver to someone who is ill.

Berger shares with you information about hiring help, diet, doctors appointments, and so many other tips she learned during her six years plus stint of caretaking. And most importantly, how to give yourselves what you need. Taking care of yourself first allows you to be more capable of taking care of others.

Choosing Joy by Helene Berger is an important book for anyone who is giving care to others. I think it will make an impression on you and maybe help someone you may know and love.

* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/choosing-joy...

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read. Recommended for anyone who currently is a caregiver or who could become one someday. A truly inspirational story and message of hope.

[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.

[Sylvia. Blau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book and very useful. I wish I had read this one my late husband was dying. I recommended very highly