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Former governor opens Alzheimer's caregiver help center opens

Martin Schreiber was a caregiver to his wife
Posted at 11:16 PM, Apr 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-26 00:16:02-04

A new place in Milwaukee helps families dealing with Alzheimer's disease.

Elaine and Friends Caregiver Help Center was officially dedicated Tuesday April 25 inside the Alzheimer's Association at 620 S. 76th Street.

It's named after the wife of former Gov. Martin Schreiber. His wife Elaine has been living with Alzheimer's for 12 years.

"I'm dedicating this to my wife Elaine. She was always caring and understanding. We missed out on moments of joy that I could have given her had I known more about the disease," Schreiber said.

Families will find education, programs, and support groups at the center.

Peggy Brandt is the caregiver for her husband with the disease.

"I feel like I lost my best friend, it's very difficult to talk to him anymore, he has a hard time finding words so he’s becoming very quiet," she said.

Schreiber notes  as bad as the disease is, ignorance is worse.

"I look back I regret what I didn't know, I regret what I learned too late. I want to do my best to help caregivers cope learn and survive," the former governor said.

And with this latest addition, families dealing with Alzheimer's will learn they do not have to go it alone.

"Find your way to the Alzheimer's Association and they will take it from there," Brandt said.

Families needing help can call the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

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