A Return Journey: Hope and Strength in the Aftermath of Alzheimer's (Purdue Series on Ageing & Care) (Hardcover)

by Sue Mathews Petrovski (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A Return Journey is truly the author’s travels into the world of Alzheimer’s. Drawing on her correspondence and conversations with other caregivers, Petrovski provides a unique look at the environment of Alzheimer’s—the afflicted, the affected, the afterthoughts. In the end, she talks of the true survivors left behind to deal with the disease's aftermath—the caregivers. Petrovski describes how caregivers traverse the successes and failures of their journey until they eventually find the best route on the rocky path of helping human beings in the throes of diminishing selfhood. Offering caregivers hope, support, and a sense of oneness, A Return Journey demonstrates that as painful as it is to watch a loved one vanish bit by bit, there is grace and wisdom to be found on the way.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 188 pages
• Publisher: Purdue University Press; 1 edition (November 18, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557533024
• ISBN-13: 978-1557533029
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,103,111 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mark Warner, December 16, 2003

By	Mark L. Warner (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Most caregivers travel the journey of Alzheimer's disease frightened and alone -- forced to make difficult, guilt-ridden decisions along the entire way. All too often they come away from the experience unable to forgive themselves for what they feel they were unable to provide.

In The Return Journey, Sue Petrovski looks back upon the challenges she faced. What choices were right, what choices were wrong, and how can she now help those whose journey is just beginning. She clearly and wisely explains that in Alzheimer's there are no "right" ways, no "best" decisions, no "perfect" answers.

The Return Journey is the result of Sue's personal journals during her mother's 8-year illness and her correspondence with other caregivers kind enough to share their innermost feelings and emotions. Their stories provide the reader with an insider's view - lessons to be learned from looking through the personal peephole of family members at the heart of the experience itself.

Mark Warner

Author of The Complete Guide to Alzheimer's-Proofing Your Home