In this heartfelt episode of the Ask a Matchmaker podcast, host Matchmaker Maria sits down with Katie Brandt, a dedicated caregiving advocate. Katie shares her deeply personal journey of balancing marriage, motherhood, and the immense responsibilities of caregiving for her husband diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at 29 and later her father with Alzheimer's. Together, they discuss the emotional, physical, and financial challenges caregivers face, the impact on dating and relationships, and the importance of finding community support. Whether you're a caregiver or someone navigating the dating world while caring for a loved one, this episode offers valuable insights and hope. Tune in for a candid conversation about love, loss, and resilience.

Connect with Katie at www.KatieBrandt.org and learn more about services provided through her consulting company, Katie Brandt Advocacy. Interested in learning more about FTD? Go to the Mass General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit or the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). 

There are many resources available at low or no-cost to help build connections, skills and support along the journey of living life as a caregiver. As you begin your role as a caregiver, consider reading about what to expect by going to the Rosalynn Carter Institute, the National Alliance for Caregiving or AARP. Find a certified elder law attorney through the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and find out if there is any legal or financial planning that you can do to ensure you are able to support your loved ones through every stage of care. Did you know that the Alzheimer's Association provides support for people living with all types of dementia? They have a Helpline that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 800.272.3900  to receive free emotional support, education and connections with local resources for loved ones living with dementia. Download the free Roon app and have access to experts (including Katie!) in the palm of your hand that can provide valuable information about caregiving for loved ones with a variety of medical conditions. Caring for a veteran? Go to the Veteran Administration to find out about medical care, services and equipment available for veterans. Need services to help care for someone at home? Go to www.eldercare.acl.gov and put your zip code into the Eldercare Locator to discover services and supports in your local community.