73. What No One Tells You About Caregiving: Katie Kristofic’s Story of Building Support for Families

In this powerful episode of the AND/BOTH Podcast, Dr. Ashley Blackington welcomes Katie Kristofic, founder of The Carefullist and host of the Carefullist Podcast. Katie shares her deeply personal journey through caregiving after her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, ultimately inspiring her to build a resource hub and community for family caregivers. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications, Katie has leveraged her professional background and personal story to create a space that addresses the overlooked and under-discussed aspects of caregiving. From sandwich generation stress to financial planning pitfalls and the emotional toll of long-term care, this conversation offers both insight and hope for caregivers navigating similar paths.In this conversation: How Katie's caregiving experience shaped the creation of The CarefullistWhy long-term care planning is critical—and so often misunderstoodThe realities and emotional challenges of sandwich (and club sandwich) caregivingInsights on the Medicare five-year lookback and financial pitfalls to avoidHow context and environment impact dementia progressionThe importance of humor, community, and resource-sharing for caregiver sustainabilityWhy caregiving is often invisible labor—and how The Carefullist is working to change thatQuestions answered in this episode:What sparked the creation of The Carefullist and the Carefullist Podcast?What is the sandwich generation—and how does Katie define “club sandwich” caregiving?What does long-term care planning really entail?Why are most families unprepared for the financial realities of aging and dementia?What are the unseen emotional costs of caregiving?How can caregivers carve out time for themselves in the midst of overwhelm?Why does Katie say the system is "designed for you to fail"?What are some practical, emotionally intelligent ways to approach driving and dementia?How can we reframe caregiving from a project management lens to a human connection?Connect with Katie Kristofic:Website: www.carefullist.comInstagram: @carefullistYouTube: The Carefullist PodcastLinkedIn: Katie KristoficConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/