My Two Elaines

Reviews

'I encourage my fellow health-care professionals to read and share this book.' 'I only wish my father had this book to help him during my own mother's illness.' 'With poignant clarity and candor, Schreiber provides readers with insight into the often incomprehensible world of a person living with Alzheimer's disease as well as the many challenges faced by family caregivers. My Two Elaines is easily integrated into health-care curriculum, sparking rich discussions related to dementia, caregiving, anticipatory grief, advance care planning, and commu-nity support services. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many learners expressing gratitude for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the family caregiver experience.' 'My Two Elaines demonstrates beautifully that the journey is not just for the person with the diagnosis but for the spouse and family as well and that it is a journey to not attempt alone and unsupported. [Marty's] discussions will no doubt help those who may be afraid to admit they don't have it all under control. I highly recommend this book. It is a quick read that provides a lot of great advice that will decrease the learning curve immensely.' 'Marty Schreiber has written a book that is invaluable to the Alz-heimer's community. His personal experience (and wisdom gained) as a caregiver is shared in such an honest and impactful way that it should be mandatory reading for all individuals who step forward in this capacity.' 'My Two Elaines provides real life lessons about how to cope and survive each day with loving care, particularly when communica-tion is lost. Marty helps caregivers work through their guilt and sheds light on making difficult decisions when professional care is needed for a loved one. Most of all, Marty brings us an amazing story of love, understanding, and hope. It is one of the most moving and powerful stories I've read.' 'If you or someone you know is a caregiver, this is a must-read. Your loved one really does become a different person. As I learned from my mom's dementia, learning how to deal with her was key to ev-eryone's sanity. There are many helpful hints here.' 'Your book is now at the top of my list; written from the heart, rein-forcing, yet honest.' 'This wonderful book gives a personal perspective of a couple's jour-ney with Alzheimer's disease as they reach out for help and support. The personal sharing, the compelling development of Marty, and his insights as a caregiver all provide for an important message.' 'Marty has truly captured the essence of loving and caring for some-body with this disease. His book is insightful, thoughtful, heart-warming, and respectful. Marty's sense of humor and abundant pa-tience surely are a blessing for Elaine.' 'To be complete, stories about Alzheimer's disease and caregiving must touch on both defeats and triumphs. In My Two Elaines, Gov-ernor Schreiber stirs the hearts of readers both with great suffering and great love inherent to the caregiving journey, lightening the load with humor. He introduces us not only to the woman he mar-ried and the person she became after Alzheimer's but also to the extraordinary individual who loves them both: her Marty.' 'At one moment this book is a heart-wrenching account of the devastating toll of Alzheimer's, and the next moment it is a heart rending love story. The minute you are holding your breath at the brutality of the disease, Marty rescues you with a concrete, doable message that can lead to lovely moments of joy. No health-care pro-fessional, family member, or caregiver should be without it.' 'Marty shares his personal story with dignity and grace. My Two Elaines helps the caregiver realize you must take care of yourself, have a sense of humor, and take advantage of help to survive the stressful days ahead. It is a great resource for families.' 'This book is a godsend for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's.' Expand reviews