Reviews

Last summer a friend told me about a newly published book coauthored by two ministry leaders, Jim Henry and Deb Terry. They wrote this book about their experiences of being caregivers for their loved ones who dealt with dementia and Alzheimer’s. They titled their book "What Now: Help and Hope for Caregivers, Family, and Friends." I reached out to Deb, and she graciously sent me a few copies. One caregiver that got a copy read it in four days and had this to say: "I cried and was just in the preface. I would describe the book as a big dose of realism with hope thrown in! I’ve started a journal for my husband, going back to January at his diagnosis and including decisions and events. I plan to start another one for me and my journey through this. I plan to go back through the book again at a slower pace, including looking at resources for each chapter. An example is a chapter about telling friends and family. His family hasn’t been told at his request, and we need to revisit that. Thank you again for giving me a copy." When I was a child I watched my mom and her twin sister walk this road. This road isn’t easy. What Jim and Deb have produced is a resource to make the road less difficult. For anyone on this journey, get this book.

—John Gregory
Community Care Director

This is a must read for anyone who is caring for or knows someone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Great information that deals with real-life challenges families face as caregivers. It helps us all understand what is happening in the process. Our family has been touched by ALZ and I recommend this read.

—Doug Palmer
Financial Advisor l Orlando, Florida

Deb's book will help you walk through life with someone who is becoming more and more debilitated due to memory issues and disease. I can tell you from experience that Deb is a qualified person to speak to this. Also, it was a joy to work together with her at First Orlando with Jim Henry as our Pastor. I recommend you get in touch with her. She can help!

—Doug Dees
Associate Pastor - Equipping and Discipleship at First Moore Baptist Church

Alzheimer’s!? When she first learned her dad had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Deb Terry had questions – lots of them. After her family’s journey through the valley of the shadow of death, she realized others coming behind them must face the same questions her family dealt with leading up to her father’s death. And maybe she could help them.  

Her friend Pastor Jim Henry had walked that same path caring for his wife, also an Alzheimer’s victim. So the duo consulted together and co-authored Alzheimer’s. Dementia. What Now?

“Some of life’s greatest lessons can be learned in our deepest pain,” Terry said.

A subtitle states the book’s purpose: Help and Hope for Caregivers, Family, and Friends. It fulfills its purpose beyond what the reader might hope for.

Both writers share stirring anecdotes, and their transparency will encourage and strengthen others who are now traveling toward the death of a loved one.

Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, commends the book: “From his pastor’s heart, Jim Henry anchors this excellent book with passages from God’s Word … and offers heartfelt prayers of dependency upon the God of all comfort.”

It is truly a practical handbook for caregivers.

—Randall Murphree
American Family Association (AFA) Journal

I read the book and I am immediately ordering six more copies. I know it will be helpful to friends. Thankfully we don’t have AD yet. Thank you for your work and dedication.

—David Calhoun

Deb Terry helped care for her father, who had Alzheimers’s, for three years. The experience forever changed her life. Now she hopes it can help others walking the same journey. 

Deb, an Albertville native now living in Florida, co-authored a book with well-known Baptist minister Jim Henry called “What Now: Alzheimer’s Dementia.” Published earlier this year, the book offers real-life, practical advice for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

The book’s 18 short chapters answer questions common to caregivers of Alzheimer's and dementia patients during the early, moderate, and late stages of the disease.

They span of variety of matters, including self-care finances, what to expect personality changes, considerations for long-term care, how to prepare for the funeral, and much more. It is endorsed by several well-known and trusted leaders in the Christian community including Franklin Graham, Dr. Ronny Floyd, Governor Mike Huckabee, and more

“It’s not a medical guide, us giving expert advice,” Deb said, “It’s two people coming from a caregiver aspect, giving help and hope to other caregivers traveling the same journey.”

Deb previously served over six years on staff with senior pastor Jim Henry as Children’s Director at First Baptist Church of Orlando. Several years after leaving that position and after her father‘s death, she said God spoke to her and told her to write a book with Jim about their experience with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Jim’s wife died from Alzheimer’s two years ago. Through a mutual friend, she was able to get in touch with Jim. After much prayer, the project began. Jim was able to care for his wife with the help of a private nurse. Deb helped care for her father with the help of family, doctors, and facilities.

“We have two very different stories that cover a lot of ground, but our hearts were joined together to help other caregivers,” she said. “We feel they are the unsung heroes of this journey. There are multiple people giving care to every patient of Alzheimer’s and dementia. This book is for those people.”

The book also briefly addresses hospice care and the blessings and peace Deb’s family experienced during the three days her father spent in Shepherd’s Cove inpatient unit. Deb still cries thinking about that experience, but the’re tears of happiness instead of pain.

“I never felt anxious or overwhelmed, she said. “I can remember that I felt I could ask any person there, and I knew I could get any help I needed. That is just a gift when you’re waiting on someone to die.”

With the help of staff caring for Ray. Deb was able to focus on making the most of her father‘s final days. She sang to him, talked to him, red scripture, prayed with him, and was able to thank him and say her final goodbyes. Her father died surrounded by family and friends praying and singing hymns.

“There was just an incredible piece that was a gift through hospice,” she said. “I felt like I had been given an opportunity that might not have happened at our home. I felt like y’all protect the dignity of the person in the family. We had freedom to do what we needed to do.”

“You let us navigate the journey, and yet, you were right there with us the whole way.”

—Dec. 2020 issue of Solace

Jim Henry addresses one of the real-life challenges families face as they are confronted with becoming caregivers for their loved ones. This book is practical and helpful, but also overflowing with hope. I recommend this book to all persons, all churches, all businesses, and all organizations who have a heart to help others who are caring for their loved ones.

—Dr. Ronnie Floyd
President & CEO, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee

Using practical, common-sense counsel gleaned from his walk with his wife who suffered with Alzheimer's, Dr. Jim Henry helps us to understand what is happening in this dark journey in which the patient never gets better and the caregivers never get rest, and to make the long journey more compassionate and comfortable. My family, too, has been touched by this scourge.

         —Governor Mike Huckabee, AR 1996-2007
Host of "Huckabee" on TBN; Fox News contributor

 A must-read for any family caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, and the challenges associated with the disease. Rev. Jim Henry, caregiver for his wife, Jeanette, and Deb Terry who cared for her father, Ray, take readers behind the scenes, offering great advice on how to confront the most difficult aspects of this very prevalent disease.

— Bob Clement, former U.S. Congressman, TN
Life-long friend of Jim and Jeanette

Deb Terry and Dr. Jim Henry take us on a deeply, personal and heart-wrenching, yet hopeful, story of their experiences with Alzheimer's disease. This  book is biblically based, practical, raw, and down to earth. In my opinion, it is for families on this journey (or have gone through it), and for all others impacted by Alzheimer's. I especially recommend it to pastors.

—H. Wilson Nelson, D. Min.  
Retired Pastor, University Administrator, and Coach

As the dreaded diagnosis of Alzheimer’s spreads to more of our loved ones, Pastor Jim Henry’s message could not be more timely. Borne of his personal experience and lifelong faith, his words provide needed understanding, comfort, and direction for all who are touched by this tragic illness.

                                                                                    —Bill Frederick
Mayor Emeritus of Orlando

Many resources offer facts and information, but this book, in addition to offering advice, speaks to the heart and blesses the soul. My friend and partner in ministry, Deb Terry, has poured her faith and experience into this book because she wants to help you in coping with the unimaginable.

—Tim Grosshans
Pastor, First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, Florida