My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, & Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver (Unrestrained Ep. 41)

Podcast Highlights

When former Wisconsin governor Martin J. Schreiber realized his wife Elaine’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis was being proven out day by day with her increasing need for memory care, he did what many resourceful men do when faced with a similar situation: he committed himself to taking care of her, body and soul. But later in his caregiving journey, he realized that he had not sought out and was unaware of available and often invaluable resources at critical times.

So Marty decided to share his experience in his recent book, My Two Elaines: Learning Coping and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver (Schreiber, Martin J., Breitenbucher, Cathy. Bothell, WA: Book Publishers Network, 2017. Print.). We are fortunate that he agreed to grant us this interview, explaining in a compellingly humane and compassionate voice the heartbreaks and joys that he experienced during his journey with Elaine. In the interview, Marty talks about many key strategies and resources he suggests will be helpful to other Alzheimer’s caregivers as they experience a similar journey with their loved one.

Show Host: Terry Vittone

UnrestrainedPodcastTerry

[anaparis]

Thank you for this. Humane and compassionate indeed. And enlightening. I never knew that the Alzheimer’s Association offers counseling for caregivers. I knew there were support groups, but I always figured that they were full of confused, directionless people sharing their woes, and I always thought “I don’t need more woes.” Pursuing an Alz Association counselor will be momentous for me. I’m familiar with therapeutic fibbing, having learned its importance the hard way. But I’ve never had guidance with considering that I have two moms. My first mom and my current mom. That too is huge. Mr. Schreiber seems like a thoughtful, sensitive, honest, intelligent man—a true hero for his fellow caregivers. Thank you, Mr. Schreiber and CPI. You both do incredible work.