Former Wisconsin Gov. Martin J. Schreiber continues the most important campaign of his life when he visits Beloit on Monday, November 19, to discuss the many challenges of being a caregiver to a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
Schreiber will host his talk “Surviving as an Alzheimer’s caregiver” about him and his wife, Elaine, at the Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd, at 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW), Azura Memory Care, Community Action, Inc., and Beloit Public Library.
At the November 19 event, Gov. Schreiber will share what he has learned as a caregiver to his wife and excerpts from his book My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver. Schreiber’s wife, Elaine, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 11 years ago. Since then, he has worked to be a caregiver and loving spouse to someone who no longer recognizes him. Schreiber’ talk will discuss the enormous need for caregivers to build support systems and self-care. The free presentation in Beloit will include time for questions and conversations with other caregivers.
Like many thrown into the difficult world of Alzheimer’s, Schreiber initially knew little about the disease. “If Alzheimer’s is bad, ignorance of the disease is worse,” he said.
Support for caregivers and education programs are available through ADAW in Rock County. ADAW hosts a monthly caregiver support group in Beloit and caregiver educational programs. The caregiver support group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Beloit Historical Society.
Caregivers of someone with a chronic illness are invited to attend the group and share their experiences with others who understand their journeys. Adult respite care is available if scheduled in advance, please contact ADAW for details.
