Review of HOPE for the Alzheimer’s Journey

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 14 Jul 2023, 02:36

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "HOPE for the Alzheimer's Journey" by Carol B. Amos.]

5 out of 5 stars

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If you're a caregiver, you likely relate to this statement: “Providing care for someone is rewarding, but stressful.” (From H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey: Help, Organization, Preparation and Education for the Road Ahead by Carol B. Amos, p.136.) Amos’ book details the experiences she and her brothers had with caring for their mother after she developed Alzheimer's disease. It’s really two books in one – part memoir and part handbook for caregivers, combining personal experience with extensive research and information, including takeaways from courses run by the Alzheimer’s Association.

In her book, Amos presents The Caregiving Principle (TM), an equation for calculating the difference between the needs a person can meet independently and the needs that must be fulfilled by a caregiver. (These needs are understood according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a model ranking the fundamentals of human well-being.) While this book is about Alzheimer’s disease, Amos notes that The Caregiving Principle (TM) could apply to others who need care, such as those with other diseases.

With this systematic approach forming its backbone, this book is a must-have for caregivers. I rate it five out of five stars because it excels in at least four important areas. Firstly, it is meaningfully organized and structured around different aspects of caring for an Alzheimer's patient. Each chapter is devoted to a particular topic. Amos’ personal story is often told through emails, which do not always follow a chronological order because they have been slotted into the most relevant chapter. It was pleasing to read a book that had been so thoughtfully put together.

In that connection, and secondly, this book stands out because it is so comprehensive. It’s packed with useful facts. For example, Amos notes that long-term care insurance may not always be the best option, depending on the patient’s assets. (Do note that the information is about the USA only.) Although factual, this book is not dry. Its conciseness - a third definite strength - makes it reader-friendly, and of course the facts are always interspersed with Amos’ personal experiences.

These contribute to a fourth asset of this book, namely, that Amos is honest about mistakes and weaknesses. For example, she admits that she struggled to be patient with her mother at times. However, compassion always won out. She and her brothers determined that they would not speak about their mother in front of her or mention her disease in front of others. One of the many pieces of information provided is that an Alzheimer's patient who has trouble speaking may still understand what others say.

This brings me to an insight I had while reading. I would assume no one wants to be a burden on their family and that everyone believes in always treating the elderly with dignity and respect. While that may be challenging in the face of a disease like Alzheimer’s, this well-researched, practical and compassionate book could really help to translate those ideals into reality.

Compassion is a religious tenet, and Amos is a devout Christian, as was her mother. She found succour in Bible passages about how tribulations make us stronger. Although one chapter of the book is devoted to Bible quotes, it is suitable for those of all faiths or none because non-Christians could easily substitute other inspiring material. That could be mentioned in a note to readers, as could the fact that those outside the USA would have to conduct their own research. Including such notes would represent a very slight improvement to a book which already deserves a perfect rating on the strength of its organization, thoroughness, practicality, clear writing and optimism, as discussed in detail above.

All in all, this book can make a real contribution to achieving the most favourable outcome possible in the face of a devastating diagnosis like Alzheimer’s. Much gratitude is due to Carol B. Amos for passing this “H.O.P.E.” on to others.

******
HOPE for the Alzheimer's Journey
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Rica Concepcion · Post by **Rica Concepcion** » 16 Jul 2023, 10:38

My interest was peaked while reading "Hope for the Alzheimer's Journey." to prepare myself and to be familiar with how to deal with parents who have Alzheimer's. Mentioning that the protagonist is a Christian is an added plus. I'm interested in learning more about her and her connection with God. Well done on the diligent writing of the review!

Odichimma Okoye · Post by **Odichimma Okoye** » 16 Jul 2023, 16:37

Your review is thorough, I appreciate that. Caring for individuals truly is difficult but greatly rewarding. The book sounds like it contains a lot of useful advice, all given to us through the eyes of someone with experience and who has done some research. The mention of Christianity also gained my approval, because really, tribulations make us stronger. We are never given what we can't handle.

Kebun Bunga · Post by **Kebun Bunga** » 17 Jul 2023, 03:19

The feedback on the review for "H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey" acknowledges the relatable statement about caregiving and the book's dual nature as part memoir and part caregiver's handbook. The reviewer highlights the systematic approach of The Caregiving Principle (TM) and its application beyond Alzheimer's disease. The book is praised for its meaningful organization, comprehensive content, concise writing, and the author's honesty about mistakes and weaknesses. The incorporation of personal experiences and the discussion of important topics make it reader-friendly. The reviewer suggests minor improvements such as noting the applicability of the book to those of different faiths and conducting further research for readers outside the USA. Overall, the review rates the book five out of five stars, emphasizing its practicality and ability to help caregivers in challenging situations.

King P Peter · Post by **King P Peter** » 17 Jul 2023, 11:13

The Caregiving Principle (TM) introduced in the book is a valuable contribution to the field of caregiving. By aligning caregiving needs with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Amos offers a practical framework for understanding and assessing the level of care required for a loved one. This principle not only simplifies the caregiving process but also empowers caregivers by helping them prioritize their efforts and allocate resources effectively. Thanks.

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 18 Jul 2023, 03:54

Rica Concepcion wrote: ↑16 Jul 2023, 10:38 My interest was peaked while reading "Hope for the Alzheimer's Journey." to prepare myself and to be familiar with how to deal with parents who have Alzheimer's. Mentioning that the protagonist is a Christian is an added plus. I'm interested in learning more about her and her connection with God. Well done on the diligent writing of the review!

It's a practical book for anyone affected by these issues. Thank you for your kind comment!

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 18 Jul 2023, 04:06

Odichimma Okoye wrote: ↑16 Jul 2023, 16:37 Your review is thorough, I appreciate that. Caring for individuals truly is difficult but greatly rewarding. The book sounds like it contains a lot of useful advice, all given to us through the eyes of someone with experience and who has done some research. The mention of Christianity also gained my approval, because really, tribulations make us stronger. We are never given what we can't handle.

I was impressed by the author's ability to find positives in a scenario probably everyone dreads. Thank you for your nice comment!

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 18 Jul 2023, 04:27

Sondang Hotmauli wrote: ↑17 Jul 2023, 03:19 The feedback on the review for "H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey" acknowledges the relatable statement about caregiving and the book's dual nature as part memoir and part caregiver's handbook. The reviewer highlights the systematic approach of The Caregiving Principle (TM) and its application beyond Alzheimer's disease. The book is praised for its meaningful organization, comprehensive content, concise writing, and the author's honesty about mistakes and weaknesses. The incorporation of personal experiences and the discussion of important topics make it reader-friendly. The reviewer suggests minor improvements such as noting the applicability of the book to those of different faiths and conducting further research for readers outside the USA. Overall, the review rates the book five out of five stars, emphasizing its practicality and ability to help caregivers in challenging situations.

Nice summary of my review, but do feel free to leave brief personal comments in these threads

Edit: Look at Hazel's comment below for a good example ...

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 18 Jul 2023, 05:12

While I haven't experienced caregiving to an ill, it's obvious that this work is very challenging and stressful, especially caring for a person who has Alzheimer's disease. Patience and compassion must be needed all the time. I appreciate that Amos patiently nurses her mother, and diligently works for this book for awareness of this disease. Thanks for your amazing review, Alice!

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 18 Jul 2023, 08:01

Hazel Mae Bagarinao wrote: ↑18 Jul 2023, 05:12 While I haven't experienced caregiving to an ill, it's obvious that this work is very challenging and stressful, especially caring for a person who has Alzheimer's disease. Patience and compassion must be needed all the time. I appreciate that Amos patiently nurses her mother, and diligently works for this book for awareness of this disease. Thanks for your amazing review, Alice!

Yes, she really got the best of the situation. Thank you for your kind comment!

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 18 Jul 2023, 08:38

I recently read a book that contains the story of a young man taking care of his mother, who has Alzheimer's, and how this can be emotionally and physically stressful. It's a beautiful thing that Amos did with her mother, and I agree with you that everyone of different faiths can relate to spirituality, and whether you are in the USA or not, I think the subject may differ in research but not in content. wonderful review

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 18 Jul 2023, 09:18

Sarah Zain wrote: ↑18 Jul 2023, 08:38 I recently read a book that contains the story of a young man taking care of his mother, who has Alzheimer's, and how this can be emotionally and physically stressful. It's a beautiful thing that Amos did with her mother, and I agree with you that everyone of different faiths can relate to spirituality, and whether you are in the USA or not, I think the subject may differ in research but not in content. wonderful review

I was impressed by how she made something positive out of a negative situation. Thank you for your kind comment!

King Nyebuchi · Post by **King Nyebuchi** » 18 Jul 2023, 14:01

Undoubtedly, providing care and support for individuals can be an arduous endeavor, yet the rewards it offers are immeasurable. From your description, it appears that this book encompasses a wealth of valuable advice, skillfully presented through the lens of an experienced individual who has conducted thorough research. The prospect of gaining insights from someone with practical knowledge and a scholarly approach is truly intriguing. It seems that this book has the potential to be an invaluable resource for those seeking guidance in the realm of caregiving.