Choosing Joy
Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope

 

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.

An essential part of Choosing Joy

A Taste of Reviews

 

Author Vicki Tapia, co-founder of AlzAuthors (a global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others), has named Choosing Joy as one of her top 5 best Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving books.

“This is the #1 caregiving book of hope I’d want my family to read, should I ever be diagnosed with dementia. Helene Berger’s memoir shares her experiences caring for her husband after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I learned the many ways she discovered to make life more meaningful for her husband, especially through art (much of his artwork through the years is included). It reiterated to me that the attitude of a caregiver can make all the difference. With kindness and patience, Helene teaches how to be a loving caregiver.”

 

Featured Review from THE CONFIDENT CAREGIVER by Benita Hampton    Excerpts:

“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!

While reading Choosing Joy I had moments of laughter, moments when I had tears rolling down my cheeks and moments when I was nodding my head in agreement with Helene’s words and cheering her and Ady on. Choosing Joy isn’t a sad story about Ady’s last years. It’s a story of hope and love and teamwork and the power of a woman who decided to choose joy.

Please purchase this book, it will change your life…it’s just that good!”

Excerpts from Amazon Reviews:

 

Arlene:

More than a book of hope and joy – truly inspirational

A beautifully written and truly inspiring account that provides a road map not only for how to provide meaningful and transformative care giving, but how to joyfully join in partnership with another person in a way that allows each to grow at the same time strengthening the bond you share. A deeply moving love story that articulates how to turn a devastating medical diagnosis into a period of growth and renewal for the patient, caregiver, family and friends.

 

 

Mama P:

Must-Read for All caregivers and a Blessing for Their Loved Ones

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. ……. This book is a priceless gift to the reader from an author who is a truly beautiful person. Do yourself a favor…read this book!

Every AMAZON Review a Five Star

The audiobook, printed book and Kindle edition are all available from Amazon

The audiobook is available at

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Note from the Author:

My 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 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.  

It is my fervent hope that in writing this book, I can pass on the lessons learned, through trial and error, to others facing this unwanted journey.  I hope the reader will come away with support physically, emotionally and socially, enabling both patient and caregiver to thrive. 

I am eternally grateful to the many readers who have written that the book is universal:   A diet of kindness, patience, compassion, constant mental stimulation, support, encouragement and love can make all relationships better. Many readers were kind to express, in different ways, a variation of the sentiment: “I’ve been married for 22 years.  I’m speaking differently to my husband after reading Choosing Joy.”