Welcome to the fourth film discussion in AlzAuthors' 10th Anniversary Film Festival. This powerful episode features a deep-dive into the documentary "Wine, Women & Dementia,” and offers community, validation, practical wisdom, and a celebration of caregivers.

Meet Kitty Norton, creator and director of "Wine, Women & Dementia." After leaving her television career in Los Angeles, Kitty returned to Portland, Oregon to care for her mother with dementia. From her experience she later crafted this touching film to honor family caregivers and raise authentic awareness of dementia’s impact.

Kitty’s film has won awards and is used by medical organizations for staff training. It’s a must-watch for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the realities of dementia care. Learn about her journey, the healing power of humor, and the importance of support networks for caregivers everywhere.

Why This Episode Matters

• Dementia Caregiving Resources: Gain firsthand advice and inspiration from those who’ve traveled the road of dementia caregiving.
• Film Festival Celebration: Discover why film is a powerful medium for sharing caregiving wisdom and breaking the stigma around dementia.
• Empowering Community: Learn how blogging, filmmaking, and online support groups are changing the landscape for caregivers.
• Real Talk: The podcast doesn’t shy away from tough topics—money dilemmas, family dynamics, humor in adversity, and finding community.

Key Takeaways

• Validation & Connection: As shared by Kitty Norton, "Wine, Women & Dementia" helps caregivers feel seen, heard, and supported. Audience feedback shows viewers finally feel understood and less alone.
• Community Building: The episode highlights how caregivers form lasting friendships and essential support systems—online, through art, and in local groups.
• The Power of Humor: Humor is a key theme. Listeners will find real stories of finding laughter and lightness, even amidst difficult caregiving situations.
• Practical Advice: From navigating support groups to honoring the dignity of people with dementia, the conversation offers lots of tips for caregivers.

Connect & Learn More

• Find and follow Kitty Norton on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
• Visit WWD to learn more about the film and how to schedule a screening event

Connect with AlzAuthors:

• Subscribe to the Podcast
• Join the Newsletter
• Follow on YouTube

Learn about the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco 

Christy Byrne Yates 

About the Podcast 

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our mission is to lift the silence and stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia Podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know   

We've got merch! Shop our Store

Welcome to another powerful episode of the AlzAuthors Podcast. In this episode, hosts Christy Byrne Yates and Marianne Sciucco are joined by acclaimed writer Eliezer Sobel, author of “The Silver Lining of Alzheimer’s: One Son’s Journey into the Mystery.” Jean Lee, founder, manager, and memoir acquisitions editor, shares her insights about what she found compelling about this book and author.

Episode Highlights:

• Discover how Eliezer Sobel and his wife, Shari, left their life behind to care for his mother with Alzheimer’s and his aging father following an unexpected traumatic brain injury. 
• Hear about the emotional and practical challenges, and how caregiving became a profoundly transformative experience for the family members.
• Connection Over Correction: Learn about the importance of fostering connection rather than correcting memory loss or confusion.

Discovering Silver Linings:

• Eliezer Sobel shares how, despite the heartbreak, his family found moments of humor, love, and even healing. 
• Listen as he recounts rediscovering the deep, wordless bond with his mother, and how dementia changed their relationship for the better.

The episode covers key caregiving tips, such as redirecting challenging behaviors, managing daily routines, and balancing personal loss with acceptance.

Also, Navigating Family Dynamics and Finances.

Dementia Resources and Books: 

• Learn about helpful resources for dementia caregivers, including Eliezer Sobel's own book for memory-challenged adults, "Blue Sky, White Clouds," as well as other author recommendations from the AlzAuthors community.

About the Author: Eliezer Sobel is a writer, former editor, and the devoted son of parents affected by Alzheimer’s and aging. His book, “The Silver Lining of Alzheimer’s: One Son’s Journey into the Mystery,” offers a rare and hopeful perspective into the mysteries—and unexpected joys—of dementia caregiving. His book “Blue Sky, White Clouds: A Book for Memory-Challenged Adults” helps those with cognitive decline and memory loss remain engaged with text and others.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Buy Eliezer’s book
• Learn more about Eliezer and his other works here. 
• Laurette Klier
• Susan Ostrowski

Key Quotes:

"There was a sense of connection on a soul to soul, heart to heart, essence to essence level that had nothing to do with whether she knew my name, if she knew I was her son... There was a connection there that we both recognized." – Eliezer Sobel

"You gave it all for your parents because they had given it all for you, all of your life. Your book is a true love story between you and your parents." Jean Lee

Connect with AlzAuthors:

• Subscribe to the Podcast
• Join the Newsletter
• Follow on YouTube

Learn about the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco 

Christy Byrne Yates 

About the Podcast 

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know   

We've got merch! Shop our Store

In this special film festival episode celebrating the 10th anniversary of AlzAuthors, hosts Marianne Sciucco and Christy Byrne Yates welcome filmmaker Frank Silverstein for an intimate discussion about his documentary, “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia.” Frank shares his journey capturing the realities of caring for both parents with dementia, offering raw insight, practical wisdom, and hope for caregivers and families living with this disease.

Featured Guest:

Frank Silverstein – Veteran TV producer, author, and filmmaker. Creator of “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia”, a deeply personal iPhone-shot documentary chronicling his parents’ decline and the challenges of caregiving.

Key Discussion Topics:

Behind the Film: Frank reveals how his career in news documentaries shaped his approach to filming, and why he began documenting the “real” moments with his parents as their dementia progressed.

Caregiving Realities: The episode explores the confusion, unpredictability, and emotional complexity of caring for loved ones with dementia—including dealing with repeated questions, behavioral changes, and sibling dynamics.

Honoring the Person: Frank shares poignant memories of his parents’ lives before dementia, and discusses how core personality traits can persist even as the disease changes so much else.

Sibling Care Teams: An honest look at family caregiving logistics, relationships, and the value of supporting one another—not just the person with dementia, but also fellow caregivers.

Film Festival Details: For those registered for the AlzAuthors Film Festival, they can watch “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia” and other festival films through the end of the year.

Memorable Quote:

“It’s very isolating when you’re taking care of your parents. There’s nobody really that’s going to help you... you have to figure out your path out of there.” —Frank Silverstein

Resources:

Contact Frank Silverstein: www.franksilverstein.com

AlzAuthors Podcast, “Caring for Two Parents with Dementia at the Same Time”

Next Up:

Join the next film festival discussion on Wine, Women, & Dementia by Kitty Norton — details and links on the AlzAuthors website

Learn about the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco 

Christy Byrne Yates

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know   

We've got merch! Shop our Store

In this episode, host Marianne Sciucco and acquisitions editor Sheila Luna sit down with Shari Ross, a senior healthcare professional and author of “Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.: A Real World Guide for Navigating Senior Care for Your Loved One.” Shari’s expertise spans her professional experience in senior living communities and her personal connection to dementia through family. This conversation explores the emotional, practical, and logistical challenges families face when transitioning loved ones to senior living, with a focus on memory care, language barriers, and advocacy.

In this episode:

• Shari discusses her background as a senior healthcare specialist, working in senior living communities, and her personal caregiving experience with her grandmother.
• She provides an overview of her new guide, “Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.,” and how it can help make senior living transitions easier for all.
• The book’s conversational, relatable, and honest approach to guiding families through the overwhelming senior care landscape is discussed
• Shari’s “S.I.M.P.L.E.” framework is explained: Support, Information, Matching, Preparation, Letting Go, Engagement.
• In addition, Shari reframes the “new” memory Care Communities
• The importance of language—using terms like “community” and “neighborhood” to foster warmth and reduce stigma.
• Shari provides pointers on transitioning to Community Living
• Why adult children and spouses often find themselves overwhelmed and unsure where to start, and how to approach those milestones.
• The need to tour and “feel the vibe,” prioritize care and community over aesthetics.
• The power of social engagement, good nutrition, and routine in enhancing quality of life.

Aging in Place vs. Senior Living

• The hidden burdens and risks of managing aging at home—care coordination, safety concerns, and social isolation.
• Shari’s research: Most homes aren’t designed for aging adults; successful “aging in place” requires massive support.
• Community living can provide more safety, social interaction, and peace of mind for both loved ones and families.

Buy Shari’s book here

Learn more about Shari Ross and her resources and services at seniorlivingmadesimple.com.

Key Quotes:

• “Memory care is not a punishment; it’s a lifeline.”
• “Independence without a support net is just a slow-motion disaster.”
• “Be observant, be vocal, and trust your gut.”

Connect with AlzAuthors:

• Subscribe to the Podcast
• Join the Newsletter
• Follow on YouTube

About the Moderator

Marianne Sciucco

About the Podcast 

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know   

We've got merch! Shop our Store

Celebrate a decade of AlzAuthors with this replay of a film discussion from our first film festival! Marianne Sciucco and the AlzAuthors community gathered to discuss Susie Singer Carter's documentary series No Country for Old People, inspired by her painful but illuminating journey alongside her mother in a five-star Los Angeles nursing facility.

Key Topics

• Behind the Film: Susie shares what drove her to make No Country for Old People, highlighting the persistent systemic crises in long-term care and her struggle to advocate for her mom within a broken system.
• She discusses both personal and policy challenges—from underfunding and understaffing to navigating Medicaid and family caregiver roles.
• Caregiving Realities: Multiple audience members and guests brought their own lived experiences—from those who have placed loved ones in care homes to those doing the daily grind at their side.
• Honest input covers the isolation and exhaustion of caregiving, the guilt and judgments faced, and the varied trajectories and needs of those with dementia.
• Systemic and Cultural Barriers: The episode reveals the complexities behind facility care: understaffing, high turnover, the business model of elder care, and how profit-driven motives can lead to neglect, overmedication, and a lack of dignity for residents.
• Advocacy and Taking Action: Susie announced the ROAR initiative—Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, and Reform for Long Term Care. She stresses the urgent need for grassroots collective action and oversight to drive meaningful change for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Standout Quotes from Susie Singer Carter

• “Love is super powerful. I think it’s our greatest tool.”
• “Documentaries are not money makers. They are changemakers at best.”
• “We have a broken system... But it’s so important to know what’s out there and what’s really happening.”

Takeaways

• Caregiver stories are unique—what works (or doesn’t) varies case by case.
• The importance of advocacy and family involvement doesn’t end with placement in a facility; sometimes, it increases.
• Systemic reforms are desperately needed, and community effort can move the needle.
• Connection, creativity, and compassion remain vital tools in the caregiving journey.

Next Up

Tune in to the upcoming episode with Frank Silverstein as he discusses his short film, Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia, and continue engaging with films that capture the real, raw, and sometimes uplifting world of dementia caregiving.

Join the film festival

Resources Mentioned

• Listen & Watch: Find film festival films, replays, and podcast episodes on alzauthors.com
• Listen to Susie's Love Conquers Alz Podcast
• Watch My Mom and the Girl (short film)
• Watch No Country for Old People (docu-series)
• Get Involved with ROAR
• Subscribe to the AlzAuthors newsletter and follow us on social media (@alzauthors on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Bluesky).

Learn about the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco

Christy Byrne Yates

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know

We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

Welcome to a special episode of the AlzAuthors podcast, part of our first-ever Film Festival! Celebrating our 10th anniversary, host Marianne Sciucco sits down with acclaimed arts educator, author, and filmmaker Mary Crescenzo to explore the transformative role of the arts in dementia care.

In this heartfelt conversation, Mary shares her journey from early experiences in nursing homes to the creation of her poetic play-turned-film, "Planet A." We discuss her innovative, age-blind casting, the real-life stories inspiring her work, and practical strategies caregivers can use to bring arts engagement into dementia care—at home or in care facilities.

Whether you’re navigating Alzheimer’s in your family, working in dementia care, or seeking creative approaches to foster dignity and connection, this episode is filled with inspiring insights and actionable tips.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dementia Care & the Arts: Mary describes how music, visual art, dance, storytelling, and poetry can spark joy, communication, and connection for people living with dementia.
• How the Arts Can Reduce Isolation: Real examples showing that engaging in the arts can counteract boredom, boost mood, and foster community in care settings.
• Art Activities for Caregivers: Practical advice and encouragement for caregivers to use arts engagement at home—even if you don’t see yourself as an artist!
• Readings from the Film: Moving excerpts from Mary’s poetry, capturing the emotional landscape of people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Quotes:

• “Everyone should be engaged in the arts to whatever level, because it’s so beneficial to heart and mind and life.” – Mary Crescenzo
• “Boredom is huge. People decline when they’re bored. But you give them something creative, they light up.” – Marianne Sciucco
• “You don’t have to be an artist to make a difference – just pick up a pencil, sing together, or sway to music.” - Mary Crescenzo

Takeaways:

• Try simple creative activities—drawing, music, singing, storytelling—regularly, not just once.
• Don’t let fear or “not being an artist” stop you. The benefits are in doing, not perfection.
• Engaging in the arts brings meaning, dignity, and even joy to those living with dementia.
• The arts can transform not only the person with dementia but also relieve and uplift caregivers.
• Seek out support, community, and inspiration—you are not alone!

Resources and Links:

• Watch "Planet A" – available until year-end on YouTube. Register at AlzAuthors.com to receive link
• Buy Mary Crescenzo’s Book: "The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide – 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own" on Amazon
• Visit AlzAuthors Website for a wealth of caregiver resources
• Learn about Creative Writing Workshops for Caregivers: Contact Mary Crescenzo
• Subscribe to our Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio and more.
• Follow AlzAuthors on Social: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter/X and Blue Sky for daily support, book recommendations, and community stories.

Don’t miss our continuing film festival—visit our website for upcoming screenings, panel discussions, and more creative resources for the dementia journey.

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, share, and leave us a review! For more stories and support, visit alzauthors.com.

Meet the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco

Christy Byrne Yates

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others.

Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

Proud to be a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know

Shop our Store

In a conversation that challenges stereotypes and brings to light the unexpected realities of caregiving, this episode reveals the experiences of three men who stepped up to care for their mothers with dementia. It's a heartfelt exploration of grief, growth, and the bonds that are both tested and strengthened through caregiving.

Shattering Stereotypes: Men as Caregivers

We often associate caregiving with daughters, wives, and sisters, yet over 40% of caregivers are men. Many of them, like guests David Bredbenner, Alfredo Botello, and Vincent Zappacosta, find themselves in this role simply because "there really was no other option." Their stories reveal that caregiving isn’t just a woman’s job—it’s a human one.

Vincent shares, “My mother and I were always close and I just didn’t trust anyone else to take care of her, because nobody knew her as well as I did.” David talks about “reacting, firefighting, and suddenly you’re just drawn in, and before you know it, it becomes part of your routine.” Alfredo, navigating life as an only child, speaks honestly about how necessity and love for his mother collided the moment his stepfather passed away.

Lifestyle Overhauls and Personal Sacrifice

For each son, caring for their mothers led to seismic shifts in their daily lives. Plans are always tentative, boundaries are tested, and a new form of “parenting” emerges. As Alfredo vividly describes: “Nobody told me growing up that I'd have another kid in my 50s—only she’d be in her 80s and have opinions!” From rearranging work schedules to leaving reassuring Post-its for an anxious parent, the logistics become second nature, though the emotional toll lingers.

The men openly discuss balancing frustration, guilt, and even resentment with deep love. They offer comfort in recognizing that no one is “superhuman”: “It’s almost like we do expect ourselves to be perfect...and that never happened,” Christy reflects.

While the stories in “Sons Caring for Mothers” circle around men, the lessons ring true for anyone on a caregiving journey. There are no perfect solutions, only the imperfect, beautiful bonds of love, memory, and forgiveness.

After the Podcast

Learn more about David, Vincent, and Alfredo and purchase their books here.

Learn about the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco

Christy Byrne Yates

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

To sustain our efforts please donate here

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know.

We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

Join AlzAuthors Film Fest 2025 – Celebrating 10 Years of Dementia & Alzheimer’s Awareness

Experience powerful films on dementia, Alzheimer’s, and caregiving—stories of hope, love, and resilience.

Register now at AlzAuthors.com to receive streaming links and watch from the comfort of your home, anytime. Each month, meet a featured filmmaker in a live Q&A event at 2 PM ET, and explore their journey as storytellers and dementia care advocates.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Sept 8: Mary Crescenzo, “Planet A”

Find out more about Mary Crescenzo

https://alzauthors.com/alzheimers/mary-crescenzo-planet-alzheimers-guide/

Sept 22: Susie Singer Carter, “No Country For Old People”

Find out more about Susie Singer Carter

https://alzauthors.com/alzheimers/behind-the-scenes-of-nursing-homes-one-filmmakers-crusade-for-change-with-susie-singer-carter/

Oct. 6: Frank Silverstein, “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia”

Find out more about Frank Silverstein

https://alzauthors.com/dementia/frank-silverstein-lousy-love-in-the-time-of-dementia/

Nov 10: Kitty Norton., “Wine, Women and Dementia”

Find out more about Kitty Norton

https://alzauthors.com/alzheimers/please-join-us-next-month-at-the-2024-dementia-arts-festival-in-new-york-city/

Dec 8: C. Nathaniel Brown and his film, “The Present”

Find out more about C. Nathan Brown

 www.ExposeDementia.org

Join the Newsletter: 

https://sendfox.com/alzauthors

Learn about the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco

https://alzauthors.com/alzheimers/meet-marianne-sciucco-alzauthors-admin-and-author-of-blue-hydrangeas-an-alzheimers-love-story/

Christy Byrne Yates

https://alzauthors.com/books-chit-chat/christy-byrne-yates-on-raising-kids-while-caring-for-parents-with-dementia/

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.To sustain our efforts please donate here: https://alzauthors.com/donate

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network

Want to be on the podcast?

Here’s what you need to know:   

We’ve got merch! Shop our Store 

Caregiving isn’t always a storybook journey, especially when family ties are already frayed. In this candid, emotionally charged episode, Jennifer Sullivan joins Christy Byrne Yates and Jean Lee, an acquisitions editor at AlzAuthors, to share her raw and inspiring account of caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s—through complicated family dynamics, financial crises, and the unique heartbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discover how Jennifer turned deep childhood wounds and a rocky mother-daughter relationship into unexpected healing and clarity. Hear about her struggles with sibling responsibility, navigating Medicaid and memory care, and finally, the bittersweet reconnection with her mom just as the world—and their contact—shut down. Jennifer and the hosts dive deep into how dementia can shift family roles and reveal unspoken truths, the unexpected gifts that can emerge from even the most difficult relationships, and the importance of self-compassion on the caregiving journey.

Top Takeaways:

• Navigating Dementia With a Difficult Parent
• Jennifer’s memoir explores caring for a parent when love is complicated by past betrayals and painful memories.
• Unfiltered Look at Sibling Dynamics
• Learn how sibling estrangement and differing responsibilities can complicate caregiving, and how to cope when support isn't reciprocal
• COVID’s Impact on Alzheimer’s Families
• A gripping account of forced separation, window visits, and the heartache—and hope—of loving at a distance.
• Finding Redemption and Healing Through Care
• Jennifer’s story proves that deep wounds can sometimes make way for unexpected healing, hope, and even joy.
• Actionable Advice for Caregivers
• Insights on navigating social services, setting boundaries, and the importance of storytelling and journaling for resilience.

Memorable Quotes:

“All the pressure I put on myself was taken away...not being afraid to just love has been one of the biggest gifts.”

Where to Find Jennifer:

• Website: JENNSULL.com
• Instagram
• Book: When the Window Closes

Connect with AlzAuthors:

• Subscribe to the Podcast
• Join the Newsletter
• Follow on YouTube
• Support With a Donation

Learn about the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco

Christy Byrne Yates

About the Podcast 

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 

To sustain our efforts please donate here: https://alzauthors.com/donate

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know:  

We've got merch! Shop our Store

In this eye-opening episode, Christy and Marianne welcome back the formidable advocate, filmmaker, and podcast host Susie Singer Carter. Known for her poignant short film My Mom and the Girl —inspired by her experiences with her mother’s Alzheimer’s and starring the late beloved television actress Valerie Harper - and her award-winning podcast, “Love Conquers ALZ,” Susie shared details of her latest project, No Country for Old People, a stirring docuseries set to premiere on Amazon Prime August 1st.

The conversation delves into the often-unseen challenges families face when loved ones require long-term or memory care. Despite finding what she believed was a 5-star facility for her mother, Susie encountered heartbreaking realities: inadequate care, chemical restraints, and a systemic unwillingness to change.

As Susie recounted, “Most documentaries are labors of love. They’re not money makes. If you choose to do a documentary, it’s because you really care.” Her commitment shows not only in her work but in her partnership with retired federal prosecutor Rick Mountcastle (Dopesick), who spent decades investigating and prosecuting elder care fraud and neglect. Their collaboration—and the nearly 100 interviews with families, doctors, and whistleblowers—revealed this crisis is widespread, persistent, and demands urgent reform.

Processing her own trauma, Susie found motivation in community and collective action. Inspired by the lack of real change through traditional advocacy, she and her partners founded ROAR—Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, and Reform for long-term care. “Any hard issue in our society has been overcome by the collective. That’s our power,” Susie urges. She invites everyone to join the movement, harnessing the “power of love” to demand oversight and expose the veiled corporate interests prioritizing profits over people. Join the movement nocountryforoldpeople.com and learn about ROAR.

No Country for Old People will be featured in the AlzAuthors Fall Film Festival 2025 — sign up for our newsletter for details as they come out.

Mentioned Resources

• No Country for Old People docuseries: NoCountryForOldPeople.com
• Learn about ROAR and get involved: Via the website above
• AlzAuthors Film Festival Info & Newsletter Signup: AlzAuthors.com
• Susie’s other works:
• My Mom and the Girl 
• Love Conquers ALZ and wherever you listen to podcasts

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Please help: donate here

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Learn about the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco

Christy Byrne Yates

Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know.

We’ve got merch! Shop our Store