My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber is an award-winning crusader for Alzheimer's caregivers and persons with dementia. Reaching audiences nationwide at live events and via media, he uses humor and compassion to share lessons from his ongoing, decade-plus journey as a caregiver. Since 2017, Schreiber has given more than 400 presentations to audiences that include family and professional caregivers, healthcare workers, social workers, nursing and pharmacy students, civic and business leaders, senior community residents, library patrons, and more. 

Prior to writing My Two Elaines--and while he still cared for his wife at home--Schreiber helped the Alzheimer's Association launch Operation: Stronger Together, beginning in 2015. This multiyear awareness program has helped the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter connect record numbers of families to education and resources that are vital to successful caregiving.

Schreiber also collaborated with Wisconsin's state government and business groups to help create the Dementia-Friendly Employers Toolkit, which is used by human resources departments and employee assistance programs. Such initiatives have led to Schreiber being recognized with awards from the Alzheimer’s Association and other organizations.

Schreiber's work on behalf of older citizens dates back decades, to his 16 years in public service as a state senator, lieutenant governor, and governor, where he focused on improved quality for nursing home care and development of the in-home Community Care Organization. He went on to become a successful insurance executive and publisher before he started his own government relations firm in 1988. 

Schreiber attended Valparaiso University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and earned a doctorate of law from Marquette University.

He and his wife, Elaine, are the parents of four children, Kathryn Lyon, Martin Schreiber, Kristine Haas, and Matt Schreiber. They have 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.