By Christy Byrne Yates, California, USA
In this heartwarming episode, Jean Lee, AlzAuthors founder and author of Alzheimer’s Daughter, joins us to discuss her personal journey of caring for both of her parents after their simultaneous Alzheimer’s diagnosis. This episode delves deep into the complexities, challenges, and unexpected moments of beauty that caregiving for loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s can bring.
Jean shares how she journaled her family’s dementia journey, the emotional process of turning those notes into a memoir, and the discovery of her parents’ World War II love letters during the difficult process of moving them into memory care. The conversation covers crucial topics facing caregivers—navigating diagnoses, managing moves to different care facilities, supporting siblings at a distance, and confronting the emotions tied to sharing private family stories.
Listeners will also hear about the importance of community, storytelling, and connecting with others who understand life on the dementia journey. Plus, don’t miss Jean’s poignant reading of her parents’ correspondence and practical tips for families facing similar challenges.
What You’ll Hear In This Episode:
- Jean Lee’s Caregiving Journey: Hear Jean’s personal story of caring for both parents, who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s on the same day. Learn how her experience as a “hometown daughter” shaped her perspective on dementia and caregiving.
- The Power of Journaling: Jean shares how a simple journal became an essential tool for tracking her parents’ symptoms, achieving an earlier diagnosis, and eventually forming the backbone of her memoir.
- Navigating Tough Decisions: Discover the emotional and logistical challenges of transitioning parents with dementia into assisted living and secure memory care, and hear practical advice on how to handle repeated moves.
- Medical Encounters: An honest discussion about the moment of diagnosis—how doctors communicate difficult news, and what families can do when left with more questions than answers.
- Hidden Treasures: Jean recounts the touching discovery of her parents’ WWII love letters and how these preserved memories added richness and hope to her storytelling.
- Lasting Love & Connection: Explore what keeps couples bonded through the trials of Alzheimer’s, and how caregivers can find strength in family history and shared memories.
- Practical Caregiver Tips: From note-taking systems to balancing a full-time career with caregiving, Jean offers actionable strategies for dementia caregivers.
- The Vision Behind AlzAuthors: Learn how Jean, Marianne Sciucco, and Vicki Tapia built the AlzAuthors community to connect, support, and empower those navigating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
After the Podcast
Purchase “Alzheimer’s Daughter”
Read one of Jean’s many blog posts
Listen to another podcast featuring Jean Lee
Learn about the Moderators
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.
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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.
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