Choosing Joy by Helene Berger - Alzheimer's: A Book of Hope: Review

affiliate links included book received for review consideration

My mother used to say getting old ain’t for sissies. It was humorous at the time but the older I get, the more I realize it’s the truth.

I want to share a different type of book with you today. One that can make a difference in our lives if you find yourself in the world of caregiver.

I have been a caregiver to my husband and in many ways I still am. I can tell you that it was one of the most stressful times of my life. A time where I would go hide in the bathroom and cry, suck it up and then come back with a smile on my face. Being a caregiver is hard work and I had a three-year-old at the time. So I can say I get it!

But 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.

Choosing Joy by Helene Berger – Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope
Publisher: Reiberg Press (May 10, 2019)
ISBN-13: 978-0578450728

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.

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free copy so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.