Choosing Joy: Alzheimer's: A Book of Hope

Summary

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 reader 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 loved: After his diagnosis, he stopped playing the piano for three years. With a little encouragement, he returned, playing with delight every day. Readers and reviewer’s comments: “Choosing Joy changed my life.” “I’ve been married for 22 years. I am speaking differently to my husband after reading your book.” From: The Confident Caregiver: “You know how every once in a great while you read a book that touches something deep inside you and you just know that you'll never be the same. That is THIS book. I cannot stop talking about it!” 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.