You don’t have to live in the same zip code to feel the weight ofcaregiving. Whether you’re across the street or the country, the dementia journey changes you.

In this episode, we welcome Francesca B.Falzarano, PhD, a developmental psychologist and Assistant Professor of Gerontology at USC, whose life and work have been shaped by her caregiving journey. Francesca became a caregiver at just 14 years old, an experience that has fueled her mission to understand better and support those caring for a loved one living with dementia.

Our conversation explores the unique challenges of caregiving from a distance, the realities of the “sandwich generation,” and how a caregiver’s needs evolve throughout the illness, from the first diagnosis, through progression, and into grief and bereavement. We discuss how technology can be a lifeline, not just for managing care, but for sustaining emotional connection, reducing stress, and building resilience.

Whether you are a long-distance care partner, part of the sandwich generation, or navigating your own changing caregiving role, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical ideas for finding connection and support- wherever you are in the journey.

Study Mentioned:

Living Memory Home-4-Dementia Care Pairs (LMH-4-DCP)

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06225986

Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors:

Eli Lilly and Family Caregiver Alliance

and listeners like you!