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My Two Elaines

Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver

Audiobook (Includes supplementary content)
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

Read by the author.

In My Two Elaines, author Marty Schreiber, former governor of Wisconsin, watches his beloved wife, Elaine, gradually transform from the woman he fell in love with in high school, and who diligently supported his political career, to the Elaine who knows she is declining and can't remember how to cook a meal, and finally to the Elaine who no longer recognizes Marty or their children.

One part love story, one part practical advice, this compelling book includes several unique elements:

  • Excerpts from Elaine's journal, recounting her thoughts, concerns, and frustrations as the disease progresses
  • A recurring feature called "What I Wish I'd Known," which provides helpful takeaways for caregivers based on Marty's observations about what he wishes he'd known sooner and done differently
  • A Q&A between Marty and neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Braun, to equip caregivers with the right questions to ask and empower them to advocate for their loved ones and their own needs
  • Beyond sincere, practical advice, My Two Elaines gives the reader permission to feel the full spectrum of emotions, including humor, even in the face of this relentless illness. And the book speaks to anyone touched by this disease—spouse, child, friend, or family member.

    Further resources are included in the audiobook companion PDF download.

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      • Booklist

        June 30, 2022
        Marty Schreiber, former governor of Wisconsin, and his wife, Elaine, were always a political team until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. At first she was able to research the disease on her own and run the household, but gradually she depended more upon her husband. Schreiber speaks frankly about the challenges of a caregiver. He shares his mistakes (waiting to ask for help, trying to correct her statements) and successes (learning to celebrate the moment, using creative fibbing to come to accords). They experimented with daycare centers and community programs and finally found help from an Alzheimer's organization. Suffering from stress and related disease, the author learned to take care of himself and to live in the world of his "new" Elaine. Excerpts from Elaine's journals provide firsthand insights into the progression of the disease, and Schreiber shares "What I Wish I'd Known" advice to reinforce his points. Conversations with an expert and family members round out the coverage. This book is a godsend for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's.

        COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

    Languages

    • English

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