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
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• 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.

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