What happens when your Caregiving journey is complicated by Family betrayal, mental illness, and profound loss? Meet Sheri Smith, a resilient entrepreneur whose life took unexpected turns when faced with both her mother's dementia and her husband's bipolar disorder simultaneously.
Sheri's new memoir “Mama Drama: A Journey with Bipolar and Dementia, Finding Light Through Loss and Grief” chronicles her extraordinary path from running a successful catering business and owning an oceanfront castle in Hawaii to navigating the heartbreaking terrain of cognitive decline (her mother) and Mental Health challenges (her spouse). Her story reveals the devastating reality many caregivers face when Family dynamics turn toxic—in Sheri's case, a cousin who prevented her from seeing her mother during her final days.
The conversation delves into painful parallels between caring for someone with dementia and someone with untreated bipolar disorder. As Sherry candidly shares, “I made every mistake in the book because I simply didn't know better.” This raw honesty about her attempts to “fix” situations beyond her control resonates deeply with anyone who has blamed themselves for not handling Caregiving perfectly.
Despite these enormous challenges, Sheri transformed her pain into purpose through writing. Her journey from confusion and self-blame to understanding and advocacy offers a roadmap for others navigating similar terrain. By sharing both mistakes and triumphs, she creates space for caregivers to forgive themselves and find strength even when outcomes aren't what they hoped for.
Have you experienced Family conflicts while caring for a loved one with dementia? Share your story and connect with our supportive community dedicated to finding light even in the darkest Caregiving moments.
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Susie Singer Carter is a multi-award-winning writer, director, producer, actor, podcast producer, and host. A versatile filmmaker, Susie is best known for writing, directing, and producing the 2018 Oscar Qualified short film, MY MOM AND THE GIRL starring Valerie, writing and producing BRATZ THE MOVIE for Lionsgate, and co-producing SOUL SURFER for Sony. During a 3-script blind deal at Fox TV, Susie wrote, produced, and directed SURVIVING HAWKING, an adult animated pilot starring Brian Cranston and Adam Brody.
In the spring of 2024, Susie will direct the screenplay, RUN, a dramedy that she adapted from the book PLAIN JANE. Ms. Singer Carter also produces and hosts the podcast LOVE CONQUERS ALZ (BEST PODCAST 2020 New Media Film Festival/#4 on Feedspots’ 2023 25 Best Alzheimer’s Podcasts). Susie is also the co-creator, co-writer, and director of the horror/comedy narrative podcast I LOVE LUCIFER nominated for Best Audio Fiction 2023 Indie Series Awards.
Currently, Susie is producing the docu-series, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE, critically needed documentary inspired award-winning filmmaker, Susie Singer Carter's (Oscar Qualified “My Mom and The Girl” starring Valerie Harper, Soul Surfer) experience tackling the front lines of our broken Long Term Care/Nursing Home System while caring for her beloved mother who, despite best efforts, died July 17, 2022 from what was inarguably egregious nursing home neglect and abuse.
Susie really understands the power of storytelling. This film promises to pack a much-needed gut punch that will force the public to look at our health-care system that is literally collapsing around us. Susie has partnered with former US Prosecutor and Attorney General, Rick Mountcastle (portrayed in the Hulu miniseries, “DOPESICK”), who spent years investigating and prosecuting nursing homes chains for fraud. She has attracted an impressive list of the most respected and staunch advocates to contribute to the film. She and her partners are currently raising the remainder of the budget to finish the project. They are fiscally sponsored by The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care which provides them a 501(c)(3) status. Tax-deductible donations can be made here: http://act.theconsumervoice.org/documentary
Susie is a sought-after speaker and has appeared in many Alzheimer’s awareness campaigns for Alzheimer’s Los Angeles. She proudly emceed the 2022 San Fernando Valley Alzheimer's Walk and hosts the WGA’s 3rd & Fairfax Podcast.
