Shows
Island TreasuresGetting Curious with Teepa SnowTeepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, is an Occupational Therapist with over forty years of rich and varied clinical and academic experience. Her experiences led her to the development of the GEMS® States of Brain Change and the Positive Approach® training strategies.Her company, Positive Approach to Care® (PAC), provides online and in-person education and products to support those living with brain change. She also founded the Snow Approach Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Teepa presents with extraordinary expertise and humor to audiences throughout the world.After several former pod...
2024-03-0155 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: Caregiving Unveiled True Purpose for an Encore CareerThis mini episode visits a few excerpts from the full episode entitled "Caregiving Unveiled True Purpose for an Encore Career" featuring Bill Cohen of Cohen Caregiving Support Consultants LLCThroughout his experience, caregiving for his mother who had Alzheimer's disease, Bill found many helpful resources through the Alzheimer's Association. This included a support group which he attended. His mother has now passed, and Bill facilitates support groups and hosts Memory Cafes. He shares about reminiscing activities such as 'Memory Joggers' and 'Have You Ever....?', plus Creative Engagement a resource by Rachel Wonderlin....
2024-02-0907 min
Island TreasuresCaregiving Unveiled True Purpose for an Encore CareerBill Cohen recently received the “Male Caregiving Voice of the Year” award and when you listen to his caregiving story in this episode and how caregiving unveiled a new purpose which is now providing him with an encore career you may understand why he was selected. Bill was his mother’s caregiver after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 and took away her home. First, he stepped in as her long-distance caregiver and then when she was able to move to be closer to Bill in the Pacific Northwest he became her primary caregiver all while juggling caregiving with his wor...
2024-02-0256 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: Expressions Of Love Through CaregivingThis mini episode highlights two excerpts from the full episode "Expressions Of Love Through Caregiving" with my guest, Grace Block. The excerpts are about the medication battle when caregiving - with Grace sharing her solution to take administration of medication from a war to a choice; and the second excerpt provides insights for new caregivers so they don't lose sight of their own identity. Grace also shares the importance of seeing the funny side of things when possible in the midst of caregiving."Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2024-01-1206 min
Island TreasuresExpressions of Love Through CaregivingGrace Block is a long-time friend of mine who is a caregiver. She has also been a care receiver. Her dad was diagnosed at the age of 50 with Parkinson’s Disease and Grace supported her mom who was his primary caregiver. Grace relocated to be closer to her parents, realizing they needed more support and after her father passed away 30 years after his diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, Grace was grateful to live close to her mom who continued to live in their home, independently. Then came the time her mom could no longer safely live alone, and Gra...
2024-01-0556 min
Island TreasuresIt's a Wrap! Review of 2023 Island Treasures Podcasts2023 was indeed a remarkable year for the Island Treasures podcast. Throughout the year, Island Treasures podcast was fortunate to have amazing guests who generously shared their wisdom on each episode, providing invaluable insights to help other caregivers.We progress through the year chronologically:"Pharmacists: The Best Kept Secret" - Delon Canterbury"A Flood Amidst Caregiving" - Roxane Anderson"Could It Be Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?" - Tracy Crump"Therapeutic Journaling Through Caregiving" - Lori Lemasters"Rising to the Occasion of Caregiving" - Toni Gitles"A Caregiver, A Life Coach and a 'Mompreneur'" - Natalie Hankins"Equipping Family...
2023-12-2213 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: How Boundaries Provided Freedom in CaregivingThis episode highlights clips from the full episode "How Boundaries Provided Freedom in Caregiving" with my guest, Valerie Wiens, telling why boundary-setting in caregiving was so freeing for her.Valerie was a true 'sandwich generation' caregiver, looking after her parents and her own family that included kids at home one with Asperger's and one with ADHD. She also was working full time as a case manager in the health care system. Even though she was well-versed in navigating the health-care system and helping others, when it came time to don her "daughter hat" instead of her "career h...
2023-12-0808 min
Island TreasuresHow Boundaries Provided Freedom In CaregivingValerie Wiens, a nurse with a geriatric specialty and a 'sandwich generation' caregiver joins me in this episode. Valerie is a colleague of mine and when I heard her caregiving story, I invited her to be a guest on the podcast so that her story could encourage caregivers.When caregiving, she found herself being pulled in all directions and through the observation of her husband, she learned the importance of boundary setting. By creating boundaries she not only could manage her roles better, but they provided a sense of freedom and gave her the ability to give...
2023-12-0143 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: The Musician's DaughterFrom Season 2, Episode 2, this episode revisits the conversation with Betsy Haddad, the adult child and supportive caregiver of her father, Edward (who was living with Alzheimer's disease) with whom she shared a special bond through music.The take-aways from the full episode "The Musician's Daughter" are many. Betsy shares about the programs her dad participated in prior to Covid 19; including Arts the Spark and the Brain Flex Wellness Program.Betsy shares how important it is to plan for future care needs and we touch on a very brief overview of Advance Care Planning.
2023-11-1007 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Visits a Caregiving Treasure in IrelandIn this episode you will hear how all about Breeda Miller's play, "Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home" and how Breeda was able to take the play to Ireland.Breeda had been a guest on the Island Treasures podcast in Season 3, on Episode 20; where she talked about her play and the tour that was planned for the Fall of 2023 in Ireland. This episode talks about the fruition of the tour and what it was like to perform the play in Ireland!This episode consists of two parts, just like Breeda's play. The first 'act' was...
2023-11-0348 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: New Caregiver Radio Program - Stay TunedIn the full podcast episode featuring Katrina Prescott, Katrina shared her caregiving story in which she spoke about the many projects she has been involved with and this mini episode introduces one more project planned to enhance the experience for caregivers. It is the introduction of a radio program designed to provide caregiving tips, information, support, and to offer a forum for caregivers' questions. In her own caregiving experience Katrina was desperate for respite and now has a passion to help others advocate to obtain meaningful breaks within caregiving, true respite.As the r...
2023-10-1306 min
Island TreasuresA Caregiver's Transferable SkillsThis episode’s guest is Katrina Prescott. Katrina is both a caregiver and a producer. As a caregiver she has been able to utilize her producer-skills to be a strong advocate for her mom who had dementia. Her mom passed away in 2022, but Katrina continues to be a caregiver and advocate for other caregivers, sharing her knowledge and insights through many projects. Katrina was introduced to caregiving at a young age, and supported her mom who was the primary caregiver for her grandma, and then was herself the primary caregiver for her own mom...
2023-10-061h 01
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: You Just Have to Love Me: A Mother's Caregiving JourneyThis mini episode contains excerpts from the full episode and addresses what happens to the caregiver when (because of your loved one's diagnosis) friends and family drop away and the social invitations cease.Heidi Rome helps us approach this isolating situation and reminds us that there are folks who are open to learning how to support the caregiver and are willing to show up; making choices such as to love instead of fear. These folks ask Heidi's two helpful questions: "how can I be of service?" and "what is needed?"Heidi shares an...
2023-09-0807 min
Island TreasuresYou Just Have to Love Me: A Mother's Caregiving JourneyHeidi Rome, is a speaker, advocate, mentor, perspective re-framer, and mother of two sons, one with severe autism. Author of You Just Have to Love Me, she understands how to overcome overwhelm, as every step of her journey requires changing the narrative. As founder of Moms Spectrum Oasis, Heidi builds awareness and the humanhood issues around what true inclusion and loving kindness actually mean. In this episode, Heidi touches on the realities of being in a life-long caregiving situation for her son who has severe autism. She emphasizes the importance of creating supportive and safe communities for t...
2023-09-0159 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Toxicity and Functional MedicineThis mini episode features excerpts from the full podcast episode entitled “A Caregiver’s Journey Into Brain Inflammation: A Wake Up Call for Us All”, featuring Sandra Strauss, the author of “A Toxic Brain: Revelations from a Health Journey”. As a caregiver trying for years to get to the bottom of her late husband’s mysterious illness, Sandra heard a podcast featuring Dr. Bredesen in which she learned about a toxic type of Alzheimer’s and when she heard the characteristics, she realized her husband ticked all the boxes for this type of Alzheimer’s. She finally had the clarity s...
2023-08-1107 min
Island TreasuresA Caregiver’s Journey into Brain Inflammation: A Wake Up Call for Us All!Sandra Strauss provides a message of hope in these inflammatory times! She shares what she learned during her long and at times agonizing journey as a caregiver for her late husband both in her book and now in this episode.Sandra Strauss is an author, speaker and wellness champion who is passionate about inspiring dynamic destinies of health and wellbeing. Over decades, she has tracked a wide range of issues promoting countless ways for optimizing health in a world out of balance. As a senior, well-seasoned with a dozen years of caregiving for neurologically impaired loved ones...
2023-08-0457 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: A Hymn for Her: A Caregiving StoryWhen I heard Kathy Neuhauser's story of how important it was for her, as a daughter, over 1000 kilometers away from her mother, to find a way to make a meaningful connection with her mom, I wanted to share what she decided she could do. This unique solution, not only blessed Kathy's mother, but also Kathy!She described their relationship as not 'touchy-feely' and that added to her challenge; yet she discovered a way to make that connection, first, when she was visiting her mom in the hospital, and then when she returned back to her home...
2023-07-1406 min
Island TreasuresEquipping Family Caregivers with Strategies, Tools and InsightsHearing from a friend about the resources and programming offered by Denise M. Brown I knew I had to meet her and check out her Caregiving Consultant programs for myself as I was just starting my own business at the end of my social work career, several years ago.In the episode you will hear directly from Denise about her own business and its origins, as well as her caregiving story. First, here's a little more information about Denise: Denise supports individuals managing difficult life experiences with coaching, planning and training. Through her work, Denise...
2023-07-0748 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: A Caregiver, A Life Coach and A 'Mompreneur'In this episode we visit a clip from the full episode entitled "A Caregiver, A Life Coach and A 'Mompreneur'" which features Natalie Hankins (a caregiver, a life coach and a 'mompreneur') where I ask Natalie what her biggest struggle was as a caregiver, an experienced caregiver with 29 years of caregiving experience for her two adult children who have special needs.You'll hear her answer and how she works to solve a specific example - by coaching herself - during the episode.For more from Natalie, here's her website."Click Here to Leave...
2023-06-0906 min
Island TreasuresA Caregiver, A Life Coach and A 'Mompreneur'Natalie Hankins joins me in this episode to share her caregiving story which spans 29 years and is still continuing. She is a caregiver for her now-adult children; as her son has autism and her daughter has Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Natalie championed through caregiving, finding the therapies that would work best for them including the Relationship Development Intervention by Dr. Steven Gutstein and the Visualizing and Verbalizing, Language Comprehension Program by Lindamood-Bell.She is proud of her 2 adult children and states she is living her purpose as a busy ‘mompreneur’.Natalie is a Life/ Business & Mindset Coach and...
2023-06-0246 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: Rising to the Occasion of CaregivingIn this mini episode there are a few excerpts from the full episode entitled Rising to the Occasion of Caregiving.Toni Gitles shares about her book 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make and How to Avoid Them: Solutions and Strategies to Reduce Stress and Increase Happiness (available September 2023) and the importance of relationship with your loved one, good communication skills, happiness and love to enhance your care giving experience.You can learn more about Toni and her resources on her website"Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2023-05-1208 min
Island TreasuresRising to the Occasion of CaregivingToni Gitles, founder and CEO of Caregiver Empowerment, Heart Light Enterprises LLC shares her 14-year caregiving story and provides a continuation of our conversation from her first appearance on the podcast in Season #2 in the episode entitled "And Then I Danced".Toni shares that caring for a family member is a act of love that comes from the heart and she talks about the importance of relationship, communication, happiness and love - all important to help make the experience into a journey of connection, advocacy and discovery.Toni is an international speaker and has contributed...
2023-05-0555 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: The Hardest DecisionThis episode addresses a topic that is brought up frequently by caregivers who are facing the decision of placing their loved one into care. They ask how do I know when it is the right time?How do they make this "hardest decision"?Contained within are some nuggets to consider when facing this decision - from the book Nursing Homes and Assisted Living: The Family's Guide to Making Decisions and Getting Good Care, Second Edition, by Peter S. Silin (2009); as well as an excerpt from Season 1 podcast "Life Does Not End with a Di...
2023-04-2810 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: Therapeutic Journaling Through CaregivingThis mini version of the Island Treasures Podcast for caregivers contains excerpts from the full-episode "Therapeutic Journaling Through Caregiving" which features Lori Lemasters, author of "You're A Caregiver, Not a Saint: Yeah, Write!" Lori is the founder of Care Partners Resource and Consulting and a certified Journal to the Self ® Therapeutic Writing Instructor and host of the Carethartic Conversations monthly meetings that we speak about in this episode. Lori knows about caregiving firsthand having cared for her parents the last eight years of their lives. She uses her caregiving experience to teach caregivers the benefits of...
2023-04-1405 min
Island TreasuresTherapeutic Journaling through CaregivingLori Ramos Lemasters shares how she relied on therapeutic writing as one of her coping strategies through her 8-year caregiving journey. Lori was caregiving for her mom who had suffered a massive stroke, and that meant Lori also took on caregiving responsibilities that her mom had been shouldering for Lori's step-dad who was on dialysis for three of those 8 years. And to do this Lori didn't hesitate to relocate to another State away from her own family.Using therapeutic writing, or journaling to process her emotions helped her turn the challenges of caregiving into a positive caregiving...
2023-04-0757 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: Could it be Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?Tracy Crump shared how she persevered as a strong advocate for her mom when things just didn't seem to fit with being told her mom had dementia.When she recalled a friend's dad's diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), Tracy compared the symptoms he had with what her mom was experiencing and then she armed herself with reliable information to take to the medical professionals and eventually, through testing, her mom was diagnosed with NPH. Within days her symptoms had significantly reduced with the treatment she received for NPH.Tracy does not wish to give...
2023-03-1007 min
Island TreasuresCould it be Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?Have you heard of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus or N.P.H.? In this episode we hear what it is and how it was the diagnosis long-sought after to provide the answers for Tracy Crump's mother's symptoms.Tracy is a former Intensive Care Nurse, caregiver for her mother, father and then her mother-in-law, and now she is a published author who knew something wasn't making sense when her mother was mis-diagnosed with dementia. Through perseverance and advocacy, Tracy researched, did her homework and prayed as she followed-through with appointments and testing for her mom's diagnosis of N.P...
2023-03-0354 min
Island TreasuresHow Island Treasures Came AboutOn February 17, 2023, the Whole Care Network relaunched with some new additions - and invited contributors (both podcasters and instructors) to join their live event. I was pleased to join the live event - and it got me thinking that I should add a few more nuggets about why/how the Island Treasures podcast originated and how I, as a retired social worker and caregiving consultant, decided to start podcasting. So I created a video that is the content for this bonus episode.I talk briefly about the Self-Caregiving Strategies Podcast co-hosted with Theresa Wilbanks as it is...
2023-02-2003 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast: A Flood Amidst CaregivingThis mini episode revisits some of the points that Roxane Anderson made in the full episode from lessons she learned through her caregiving experience - caring for her husband and experiencing a flood. The flood was a disaster but hidden within the disaster was an opportunity for her husband to get involved in flood advocacy - providing him with a purpose again. The couple became fierce advocates in addressing the flood situation effecting them and others in their geographical area, all amidst caregiving.Roxane's insights include valuable suggestions for all caregivers including the need for self-care and...
2023-02-1004 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategies Farewell EpisodeThank you for joining Theresa and Alison on this amazing journey. In this concluding episode we reflect back through our journey and we share what's next for both of us. We discuss how the podcast impacted us as co-hosts and our hope that it continues to empower caregivers as they work through the strategies and customize them for their needs.
We couldn't have done this limited-series podcast so successfully without the support of Chris MacLellan of the Whole Care Network or without our fabulous episode sponsors.
Circle OfSustainable CaregivingHappy Healthy CaregiverJoe & BellaConnecting Caregivers RadioGeriatrx.orgCaregiver WarriorAlongside...
2023-02-0716 min
Island TreasuresA Flood Amidst CaregivingRoxane Anderson is a registered social worker in Canada and published author whose most recent book "Moving the Flood" is a memoir and a promise fulfilled that she had made to her late husband, John.Roxane had found herself taking on more and more caregiving responsibilities as her husband's health worsened; but she had not expected to take on the caregiving role for her husband. They were a team in all aspects of their lives: working to get answers about John's health as well as experiencing a flood and threats of subsequent flooding; and in...
2023-02-0356 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategies Bonus Strategy: Constructing A Caregiving Support SystemThis is our bonus strategy episode where we wrap up all the self-caregiving strategies to see how they can work together for each caregiver to make a tailor-made caregiving support system.
Which strategies help bring you back to your centre? Which can you use to help carry you through a difficult period?
As you listen to the episode identify the strategies you are now using and how each strategy strengthens the other strategies for your unique situation.
Your tailor-made support system filled with the self-caregiving strategies is available to enhance your caregiving journey.
2023-01-1743 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Pharmacists: The Best Kept SecretIn this mini episode you will hear Dr. DeLon Canterbury share how it was a pharmacist who identified that a medication his grandmother was prescribed had been the cause of her mild dementia symptoms intensifying. This message highlights the benefit of having a pharmacist as an advocate for your loved one to help navigate your caregiving journey, in your caregiving support system. For more about DeLon, his story and his services of deprescribing medications be sure to check out his website, Geriatrx."Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2023-01-1306 min
Island TreasuresPharmacists: The Best Kept SecretDr. DeLon Canterbury shares his caregiving story of how he and his family cared for his grandmother and how, when her mild dementia symptoms intensified, they needed to facilitate her move from her care home to where they lived. It turned out the changes in her symptoms and behaviours were due to a medication she had been given that had an F.D.A. warning to avoid being given to patients with dementia. And it was a pharmacist who identified this. This is just one example of the work pharmacists do to support caregivers and why they are, as...
2023-01-0650 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #12: Planning and PreparingWorries abound in caregiving, and often in life; and so this strategy was designed to help us take the worries out of the infinite loop that may be playing in our minds, by putting them down on paper with a solution.
Planning is an example of practical self-care which can help us clear the fog of worry we may be experiencing. By planning for the unexpected as well as transitions that come along in our caregiving journeys, our awareness and preparation can reduce the anxiety that accompanies change so that we are empowered as we navigate these tr...
2023-01-0348 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #11: Forgiving to Free your Mind and your HeartForgiving can be difficult and there are so many opportunities within caregiving to forgive - starting with ourselves. We can forgive the friends and family members who may have disappointed us as well as the systems that may have let us down. Finally, we may have opportunity to forgive our care recipient. By forgiving we experience a big release that frees up our headspace allowing for more productive thoughts.
Forgiving is the gift we give ourselves; but it is a process. We invite you to listen to this valuable strategy of forgiving to free up your heart...
2022-12-2037 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Introducing Joe & BellaHighlights taken from the full-length episode featuring Ben Graham, Vice President of Brand Development and Marketing at Joe & Bella, from the moment the family first meets Joe and Bella and our initial introduction to the people behind the brand of clothing. We hear how the clothing brand was born. When, during the Covid pandemic, out of a need for fashionable and comfortable adaptive clothing Ben's own grandmother set the standard that started the search that led to the inception of their business. To see the clothing described in this podcast and more information on the st...
2022-12-0907 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #10: Journaling to Process the EmotionsJournaling has many self-caregiving benefits and it is an affordable strategy for us all to use especially during caregiving.
Journaling is a form of venting and a great way to process our emotions while simultaneously capturing our caregiving experience. We can use journaling to record medical information, changes in behavior, changes in health, and we can also use it to record the funny moments, or work through a frustrating situation, or even use it to figure out the best approach to a difficult situation. If we choose to look back at our journals we can see how...
2022-12-0643 min
Island TreasuresIntroducing Joe & BellaIn this episode Ben Graham, Vice President of Brand Development and Marketing at Joe & Bella, tells his caregiving story, which starts with his grandparents no longer being safe in their home. The family moves the grandparents into Assisted Living where they are befriended by fellow-residents of the home - Joe and Bella! Ben, along with his family, provided care for his two grandparents for nearly a decade as they lived in Assisted Living and Memory Care.Having Joe and Bella help with the transition to living in a care home certainly made the move easier than it...
2022-12-0250 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #9: Venting to Release the PressureAs we talk about managing the uncomfortable emotions many face during caregiving, we visit the strategy of releasing the build-up of pressure by venting to avoid reaching our boiling point. By venting we are able to release some of the stress, the frustrations and the worries. This may sound simple, but there are reasons why it can be difficult and we explore some of the reasons why it is hard, but so necessary.
Have you ever just felt like screaming out loud to release some of the frustration you are experiencing? In this episode you will hear...
2022-11-1545 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Voila! CaregiverAs a follow-up to the full-length Island Treasures episode called "Voila! Caregiver" (Episode 22 of Season 3), this mini version includes a couple of excerpts highlighting Debbie Compton's insights: talking with a consultant and taking her mom and her mother-in-law together to an appointment - and how challenging it was to get them ready. Hear all about this and the funny ending to the story and how she was able to conclude it was indeed a victory!Debbie invites caregivers to join her for a free consulting session as she is a certified caregiving consultant and certified caregiver advocate...
2022-11-1105 min
Island TreasuresVoila! CaregiverDebbie Compton is a three-time caregiver for parents with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and vascular dementia. She’s a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Certified Caregiver Advocate, keynote speaker, and author of 6 books geared toward caregivers and seniors. Debbie has been a Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association since 2017 and is the founder of The Purple Vine, an organization created to spread awareness about all forms of dementia. Her mission is to empower caregivers with the tools needed to reduce stress, find more joy, and live their best life. Debbie is a wife, mother of 4 childr...
2022-11-0453 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #8: Transforming ObstaclesOvercoming obstacles is empowering - transforming them is taking this empowerment to the next level! In this episode Theresa and Alison discuss how we can use obstacles to our advantage and how by doing so we are empowered.
In caregiving there are many obstacles. We encounter them within the systems we must navigate through. Our friends, family members and even our care recipient can present obstacles for us. There is hope though and we can become stronger by leaning into obstacles, tune in to hear more.
Thank you to this episode's sponsor Susanne White of...
2022-11-0135 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #7: Accepting AlternativesThis episode's strategy is all about discovering the power of accepting alternatives. By accepting alternatives we learn how to align our path with our family member and work in concert toward the same objectives; and we explore what those objectives may look like - including ultimately focusing on the destination - beginning with the end in mind.
We explore when winning is losing and not winning at all, and how we may be able to find happiness in the present moment so that we can maximize memories and minimize regrets... all while winning.
We talk...
2022-10-1843 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - The Unplanned Journey (with Mrs. Kelly)Mrs. Kelly (played by Breeda Miller) appears for a cameo performance in an excerpt from the 2 act, one-woman play "Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home". Breeda found she was in the sandwich generation of caregivers when she started to provide care for her mother who had vascular dementia and quickly had to learn how to make it through each day on this unplanned journey. She admits there was a lot about caregiving that she didn't know but knowing that she loved her mom she quickly learned what she needed to know.Breeda wrote the book she wished she'd had...
2022-10-1405 min
Island TreasuresThe Unplanned JourneyBreeda Miller is a story teller and a caregiver who is able to share her caregiving experience through the lens of story and good humour.People who care for others are often the worst at caring for themselves. Breeda calls herself a recovering caregiver, caring for her mother for 6 years, including hospice care in her home. She is a professional speaker and a wonderful storyteller. In fact, her stories have been broadcast on The Moth Story Hour on NPR and one of her videos went viral (in a good way) and got over a million views. She...
2022-10-0747 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #6: Accepting HelpAs a self-caregiving strategy, accepting help is vital. We can't do it all ourselves - not without consequences. Accepting help can free up some of our time and energy so we can use it on our own self-care.
It is not easy to accept help or even ask for help and we explore some of the reasons for this reluctance. We discuss different types of help available including agencies and informal resources.
We explore what respite looks like and how beneficial it may be to check out options before they are needed urgently.
...
2022-10-0445 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #5: Accepting the RoleIn this episode we talk about accepting the role of caregiver and finding the gifts that may be hidden or disguised within some of the challenges or struggles we are facing; or even our own resistance to accepting the very role we are in.
Theresa learned not only how to accept the role of caregiver, but how to embrace it, which she found empowering. She learned that by releasing her resistance to accepting the role she was able to reduce her stress. Through applying this strategy, Theresa was able to turn many of her caregiving realities into...
2022-09-2055 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Stop, Pause and ReflectFrom the audio version of the Island Treasures podcast for Caregivers, this mini episode addresses what Jodi Kay Benusa (Independent Geriatric Consultant and Licensed Social Worker) shared about being a compassionate scientist and how we can all adopt this approach to be inquisitive and find out what's behind our actions; by taking a pause we can uncover the reason so we can make changes with the goal of improving the outcome. It's not just me talking about the episode, but this video contains Jodi speaking about the pact she made with herself to prevent burnout as well as the...
2022-09-0904 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #4: Protecting Our Capacity for CompassionThis episode helps us stay connected to our compassion, especially our self-compassion. For if we find we are no longer behaving or acting in accordance with our values we suffer stress and regret as compassion has been depleted... or has oozed out.
We talk about "compassion fatigue" and "plugging your bucket". If these terms aren't familiar to you - we will be explaining them in the episode.
There is good news: we talk about how to reconnect to our compassion so we can rebuild our compassion reserves and our actions can once again come from...
2022-09-0642 min
Island TreasuresStop, Pause and ReflectJodi Kay Benusa is an Independent Geriatric Consultant who is a licensed social worker. She has been providing care in various ways throughout her entire life and it came as no surprise that she would enter the field of social work.Jodi works hard to preserve the rights of aging adults so they can live their best life through the toughest of times and she does this by asking questions so she can tailor her services to the needs of her clients. She is a problem solver who enjoys breaking through barriers to meet client goals.
2022-09-0246 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #3: Reimagining & Micro-dosing Self-CareSelf-Care.
Self-care can look different during caregiving and may be difficult to prioritize. In this episode we will look at reimagining self-care activities so we can fit 5, 10 or 15 minute blocks of self-care into our day. We look at what renews our energy and what activities we find calming and relaxing - and how to keep connected to our passions and creativity through self-care.
Be sure to check out this episode's sponsor Healthy Happy Caregiver. Among their many resources and services, they offer a great tool for managing your own self-care.
If you struggle...
2022-08-1654 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Moving Forward After CaregivingLicia Thompson (liciathompson.com) is a Reinvention Strategist and in this episode she shares her number one tip for caregivers. Licia is the founder of Licia Thompson Coaching & Consulting LLC and she combines her life skills from her caregiving experiences for both her parents with her professional skills in leadership roles to help folks move forward after caregiving, or other life transitions. Licia learned many lessons - some the hard way - to hear more about her experiences, you'll find the full episode on Island Treasures Season 3, Episode 16."Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2022-08-1204 min
Island TreasuresMoving Forward After CaregivingLicia Thompson has been a caregiver for both of her parents, separately, and at different times throughout her adult life while she simultaneously worked in corporate America and was a single mom. During this time she was in “Go Mode” and just kept on dealing with all the tasks at hand because that is what you do in “go mode” – and she learned the hard way that neglecting self-care and ignoring warning signs of her own health had its consequences.Licia's parents have now passed and she has written her book “When Your Soul Whispers". She combines her caregivi...
2022-08-0556 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy #2: Cultivating MindfulnessWhat is mindfulness and how does it relate to self-caregiving? Mindfulness is the glue that connects all the self-caregiving strategies together. It helps keep us grounded, focusing on the present so that we don't ruminate or worry about the future or past which can lead to stress and burnout.
How do we cultivate mindfulness? You will hear about many forms of meditation. We talk about prayer, curiosity, stillness and breathing exercises as ways to cultivate this helpful strategy. It may take effort, but it is certainly worth exploring the benefits with Theresa and Alison in this episode.
2022-08-0245 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Bonus Mini Episode - Telling the Full Story of CaregivingThis episode of the Island Treasures podcast for Caregivers draws from the full episode “Telling the Full Story of Caregiving” featuring retired broadcast journalist, and author of "Winter Stars, an elderly mother, an aging son, and life's final journey", Dave Iverson. We start with Rosalynn Carter’s quote about caregivers and proceed to explore the aspects of caregiving that face us all as we lift the blinds to see what lies before us in caregiving. We start at the individual level and go to the broader level. This episode invites you to join in the c...
2022-07-2804 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategy # 1: Setting BoundariesTheresa outlines why setting boundaries is such an important Self-Caregiving strategy. Boundaries help us protect our physical and emotional wellbeing and provide a way to respect and protect ourselves and others.
Join us as we explore why setting boundaries can be difficult and as we answer questions such as: How do we set boundaries? Who should be included and considered when we set boundaries? How do we start the process and the conversation?
This episode's sponsor is CircleOf the creator of the Family Caregiver App CircleOf.
2022-07-1937 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Telling the Full Story of Caregiving This Mini podcast episode touches on some of the key points raised in the full podcast episode for caregivers called "Telling the Full Story of Caregiving" (Season 3 Episode 13) including whether caregivers are called or guided or compelled to step into caregiving. We review the broad scope of caregiving on the macro and micro levels.I talk about Dave Iverson's book "Winter Stars: An elderly mother, an aging son, and life's final journey" as well as Dave Iverson's PBS Frontline Documentary called "My Father, My Brother and Me".There's a shout-out of appreciation to Denise Brown...
2022-07-0805 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastSelf-Caregiving Strategies Introductory EpisodeTheresa and Alison, both certified caregiving consultants and business owners, introduce themselves and provide an overview of each of the 12 Self-Caregiving Strategies that will be discussed in the limited series podcast. There are actually 13 strategies as we've added a bonus strategy that ties all the strategies together. Whether you're entrenched in caregiving or just dipping your toes into the waters of the caregiver river, you'll want to tune in to see which of the strategies could benefit you most at the place you are now in your caregiving journey.
2022-07-0528 min
Island TreasuresTelling the Full Story of CaregivingDave Iverson is a writer, documentary film producer/director and retired broadcast journalist. When Dave was 59, he moved in with his 95-year old mom Adelaide when she could no longer care for herself. His new memoir "Winter Stars: An Elderly Mother, an Aging Son and Life’s Final Journey" tells the story of the 10 year caregiving odyssey they shared until her passing at the age of 105.Dave has produced and reported more than 20 documentary specials for PBS, including the Frontline film, “My Father, My Brother and Me” which explored his family saga with Parkinson’s disease. He’s served a...
2022-07-0157 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Nurturing Caregiver Wellbeing During and After CaregivingThe Mini podcast episode highlights some of the key points from the full podcast episode for caregivers called "Nurturing Caregiver Wellbeing During & After Caregiving" where Theresa Wilbanks of Sustainable Caregiving shares how she applied the strategies she developed to help sustain her own wellbeing during and after caregiving. Some of the topics include her book, "Navigating the Caregiver River" and the creation of a joint venture with Theresa and Alison co-hosting a limited series podcast called "Self-Caregiving Strategies"."Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2022-06-1004 min
Island TreasuresNurturing Caregiver Wellbeing During and After CaregivingWhen today’s guest first appeared on the Island Treasure podcast, she was actively caregiving for her 99-year-old father. Shortly after the podcast aired, he passed away, and she found herself needing a re-set. You’ll hear about the “reset trip” Theresa Wilbanks was able to take - spending time in nature and practicing self-care strategies! Theresa has written and published “Navigating the Caregiver River: A Journey to Sustainable Caregiving” a book she describes as a big hug for family caregivers as it provides strategies to help caregivers with their emotional wellbeing and provides practical and supportive approaches fo...
2022-06-0356 min
Self-Caregiving Strategies PodcastTrailer for Self-Caregiving Strategies podcastCombining caregiving and self-care, this limited podcast series offers strategies for the listener to apply to both caregiving and everyday life. Theresa Wilbanks will present one of her 12 Sustainable Caregiver Strategies each episode and she and Alison van Schie, both Certified Caregiving Consultants, will discuss the strategy for the listener to think about and use when needed.
The podcast episodes will air every first and third Tuesday of the month with the introductory episode due to launch July 5th, 2022, be sure to subscribe so you won't miss the first or any of the subsequent episodes.
2022-05-1801 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Building the Unbreakable CaregiverUsing the methodology of LEGO Serious Play, Loretta Veney facilitates sessions for various audience; and she shares how beneficial these sessions can be for her audiences including sessions designed specifically for caregivers... such as the "Unbreakable Caregiver" session. This mini episode captures a couple of excerpts from the full episode (Episode 9, Season 3) where Loretta shares her creativity and how caregivers learn from the exercise and the revelations that they have. Here's the link to the video version of the mini episode of "Building the Unbreakable Caregiver" featuring Loretta Veney."Click Here to...
2022-05-1307 min
Island TreasuresBuilding the Unbreakable CaregiverThis “fabulous” interview with Loretta Veney builds on a caregiving relationship spanning 16 years. During those years my guest discovered a unique approach to enhance the relationship between herself and her mom who had dementia. LEGO had been a part of their lives before caregiving and turned out to be an effective and enjoyable communication tool through which Loretta continued to communicate with her mom. This interview was recorded on International Women’s Day – which turned out to be an appropriate day to learn about the significance of the day as it relates to “Wonder Woman”.Loretta Woodward Veney is an...
2022-05-061h 10
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Who Am I Hurting?In this mini episode we visit the full episode (Season 3, Episode 7) where Brenda Leppington read her story "Who Am I Hurting" from Chicken Soup for the Soul's "Navigating Eldercare & Dementia: 101 Stories for Family Caregivers, compiled by Amy Newmark, © 2021. The episode addresses what Brenda believed her Mom meant when she said she just wanted to be normal again. And, what about those stacks of old letters? We discover there is a purpose for them! Tune in to hear how Brenda helped her Mom feel useful, hospitable and normal again amidst the changes brought about by dementia."Cl...
2022-04-0805 min
Island TreasuresWho Am I Hurting?From Chicken Soup for the Soul's "Navigating Eldercare & Dementia: 101 Stories for Family Caregivers, compiled by Amy Newmark, copyright 2021 - today's episode features the reading of "Who Am I Hurting?" by its author, Brenda Leppington. As her mother's caregiver Brenda learned many lessons. She shares what brought more meaning into their visits. Simple things that we often take for granted.Hearing the story read by Brenda gives the story an increased layer of richness as it not only provides important take-aways that can help present caregivers, but it also connects the listener to their loving relationship and what m...
2022-04-0123 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - Helping Families SoarAs we visit some of the key points of the full episode (Season 3 - Episode No. 5) of the Island Treasures podcast "Helping Families Soar" with Mike George, we hear Mike tell how he realized this is a role you can't do on your own. This led Mike and Jan to create a Caregiver Support Formula as they wished there had been a handbook available for their caregiving. The episode addresses the different degrees of involvement for caregivers and note that all caregivers can benefit from supports such as the ones provided through Soaring Families."Click Here to...
2022-03-1105 min
Island TreasuresHelping Families SoarMike George is a speaker, author, and co-Founder of Soaring Families, an organization he and his wife created to help family caregivers navigate the complex world of care through the development of a reliable support network and a trusted team of competent people who share their vision of care. As a caregiver himself for nearly 3 decades, Mike intimately understands the burdens of supporting the primary care of a loved one. But he also knows the tremendous fulfillment it can bring. This lived experience was the inspiration behind the creation of The Soaring Families W...
2022-03-0443 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - The Happiness CrusadeToday's topic for caregivers is respite. We explore travelling with Elite Cruises and Vacations Travel on their caregiving cruise opportunities to make memories with your loved ones AND obtain a minimum of 2 hours a day of respite. We visit micro breaks to infuse moments of respite into your caregiving day when cruising isn't an option, yet just thinking about taking a cruise can be a helpful moment of respite.Thank you to Kathy Shoaf, RN, BSN, ATP who appeared as the guest on this episode and provides this opportunity for caregivers and their loved ones to travel.
2022-02-1105 min
Island TreasuresThe Happiness CrusadeAre you wishing you could travel, perhaps like you used to do before caregiving? Well, this episode will introduce you to the possibility of doing just that. Listen to Kathy Shoaf as she shares her own caregiving story and as a registered nurse (geriatric neurology specialist) how she found a way to help folks enjoy life and have happy times through her business Elite Cruises & Vacations Travel www.elitecruisesandvacationstravel.com Kathy and her company believe that travel is for everyone! Since 2005 they’ve been helping clients across the nation take their dream vacations to some of the mos...
2022-02-0449 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini podcast - The Brave CaregiverFollowing Island Treasures' Season 3's first full episode called "The Brave Caregiver" with guest Jennifer Richey, this episode speaks to the courage it takes to step into caregiving. It provides a brief re-cap of Jennifer's 10 year caregiving journey. Jennifer is a coach and a Certified Caregiver Consultant and involved in CareyearAcademy.com's Family Emergency Planning Sessions. Jennifer's website is Bravecaregiving.com"Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2022-01-1404 min
Island TreasuresThe Brave CaregiverAt the beginning of this episode Jennifer warns that her caregiving story is long! She has over 10 years of personal caregiving experience caring for her parents and grandfather. She has dealt with caregiving issues related to veterans, organ transplants, in-home caregiving, home modifications for aging in place, assisted living and hospice. Professionally, she is a certified life coach through The Life Coach School, as well as a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Educator and Support Group Facilitator through the Caregiving Years Training Academy. She launched her own business, Brave Caregiving, in 2019, where she helps caregivers who are struggling while taking care...
2022-01-0746 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - the Year in ReviewLooking back over 2021. A few highlights from 2021 are discussed along with a tapestry story at the conclusion where the titles of the full episodes of Island Treasures Podcasts are woven into a story. You can watch the podcast story on You Tube."Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2021-12-1706 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini podcast - Lady in WaitingFollowing Episode 19 of Season 2 of the full-episode called Preserving Memories, with guest Beth Douglas, this mini episode builds on the importance of preserving memories, especially with our loved ones while they are still with us. After accompanying my own mother-in-law over two decades earlier as her "lady-in-waiting" (caregiver) for what turned out to be her last trip, I discovered the value of the memories I had preserved through video. "Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2021-12-1005 min
Island TreasuresPreserving MemoriesA beautiful conversation with Beth Douglas about caregiving for her parents and what she is now doing to encourage folks to capture the stories of their loved ones.Beth lost both of her parents to dementia-related illness and decided to use her skills to spread awareness and help caregivers as well. She is a writer and marketing communications professional with a passion for communications in the area of healthcare, senior care, and dementia education. She resides in FL and continues to be an advocate for quality care for the senior community.Beth speaks about incorporating...
2021-12-0349 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Podcast - No Time for Burnout!Excerpts from Episode 17 of Season 2 of Island Treasures Podcast captured in this mini video version for caregivers. You will hear Zander explain the calming effect of Fractals in Nature along with his techniques to focus on the positives to avoid burnout as a caregiver. This mini episode touches on resources and the benefit of seeking supports specific to your caregiving needs and he highlights the resources available for Veterans. For more details on the resources, tune into the Island Treasures for Caregivers podcast episode entitled "No Time for Burnout!""Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2021-11-1306 min
Island TreasuresNo Time for Burnout!An episode filled with insights and resources. You'll want to pay close attention if you are a caregiver for a veteran, or if you are a veteran yourself.Zander Keig is an award-winning speaker, educator, author, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many distinguishing accolades including: 2020 NASW National Social Worker of the Year. Zander is a first-generation American of Mexican heritage (Latino), and a post-transition transsexual man. Zander is a Coast Guard Veteran and the primary caregiver of his elderly Veteran father who is diagnosed with Dementia. Zander fills this episode with his own experiences that offer...
2021-11-0557 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini podcast for Caregivers - Elite travelAnother fabulous find for caregivers of folks with dementia. Hear all about this opportunity to cruise with your loved one who has dementia or other illness so you can create memories whilst enjoying a dementia-friendly environment. This opportunity includes respite for caregivers. For more information on this travel opportunity check out www.elitecruisesandvacationstravel.com and be sure to watch the video version on YouTube"Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2021-10-1708 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini podcast - The BlanketIsland Treasures for Caregivers Mini podcast where Alison van Schie, Certified Caregiver Consultant and the host of Island Treasures shares a few thoughts on the most recent full-length episode (#13 Skills Retained: Strengths-based Approach to Dementia Care) where guest and creator of thedawnmethod.com Judy Cornish explained the strengths-based, person-centred and kind approach to dementia care. Alison speaks about a story from Chicken Soup for the Soul's "Navigating Eldercare and Dementia" entitled 'More Than Just a Blanket' written by Brenda Leppington and how this blanket worked its magic in boosting the person-centred approach to care."Click Here to...
2021-10-1205 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini Episode - A CelebrationOctober 5, 2021 marks one year since airing the trailer for Island Treasures. This episode celebrates the development of the podcast by introducing each episode and each of the guests and if you click here you can watch the video version of this podcast and see those who have provided such great content for this past year. Join me in celebration and on this occasion if you like the episode, please provide a rating and a review; and be sure to share with your friends."Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2021-10-0513 min
Island TreasuresSkills Retained: Strengths-based Approach to Dementia CareIn this episode you will hear about the strengths-based, person-centered approach to dementia care from my guest Judy Cornish.Judy Cornish is an author, founder of the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network (DAWN®), creator of the DAWN Method® of dementia care, and a retired elder law attorney. Her two books (The Dementia Handbook and Dementia With Dignity) take person-centered dementia care from theory to practice by identifying the skills not lost to dementia. Through DAWN, Judy Cornish provides online training programs for families and professional caregivers, as well as certification courses for agencies and facilities. Her goal is t...
2021-10-0155 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures Mini - A tributeIsland Treasures for Caregivers - MINI podcast, where Alison van Schie, the host of Island Treasures, shares a few thoughts on the most recent full-length podcast episode, which was "A Parting Gift" with guest Arlene Jacobs. Alison reflects on how meaningful the parting gift can be as this episode was fresh in her mind as she attended a family member's Celebration of Life. The mini format offers a brief introduction to the topic of the full episode so listeners know what to expect when they have more time to listen to the full episode."Click Here to...
2021-09-1004 min
Island TreasuresA Parting GiftFrom a caregiving perspective, Arlene Jacobs talks about the benefits of pre-planning final arrangements and how to broach those difficult topics. Arlene was a full-time caregiver for her son who passed away at 18 months of age. She was then the caregiver for her mom and talks about her mom's situation and how she was able to prepare for her passing; and now Arlene continues to be the primary caregiver for her father who is 103 years of age.Arlene shares what she learned when she went to pay for her son’s funeral with the intention to use hi...
2021-09-0343 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures MiniIntroducing Island Treasures for Caregivers - MINI podcast, where Alison van Schie, the host of Island Treasures, shares a few thoughts on the most recent full-length podcast episode, which was "Through the Lens of a Long-Haul Caregiver" with Chandra White-Cummings. Alison adds some personal reflection and suggests how there are nuggets/treasures within each episode for listeners to glean from the content to apply to their own caregiving situation. The mini format offers a brief reflection for the listeners and hopefully entices folks to listen to the full episode when their caregiving schedule permits."Click Here to...
2021-08-1104 min
Island TreasuresThrough the Lens of a Long-haul CaregiverMeet Chandra White-Cummings, a self-described long-haul caregiver with vast experiences from her own caregiving journey of 33 years and counting. Chandra delves deeply into lessons about the ethos of care emphasizing how important it is to care for others. She couples her experiences as a long-haul caregiver caring for her chronically ill son, caregiving coach for a second son; and caregiving partner with her mother; with her certification from the Trauma Healing Institute to facilitate trauma healing groups. If you have experienced trauma especially in caregiving, this episode is for you as you will hear how Chandra helps...
2021-08-0650 min
Island TreasuresStart Strong as a CaregiverErin Galyean, author of "Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves" shares her insights from lessons learned as her sister and dad's patient advocate. Erin's experiences and professional skills equipped her to create strategies to help other patient advocates and caregivers build on the foundation she has laid so they can start strong in their caregiving journeys. Caregiving is hard and Erin's passion is to reduce the stress for others by sharing what she has learned. She invites the listeners to cherry-pick from her strategies to tailor their approach to individual caregiving situations. T...
2021-07-0250 min
Island TreasuresThe Caregiving CapeChris Maclellan, founder of the Whole Care Network shares his story about his heartfelt caregiving experiences for his partner, Richard, through to the next chapter of his caregiving journey where he is now advocating for all caregivers.As a family caregiver advocate, Chris reminds caregivers that we know our loved ones best – we are their Chief Everything Officer (CEO). He also reminds family caregivers that caregiving is all emotional and when we focus intensely on our care partner/loved one we often neglect ourselves. Being a CEO or wearing a Caregiving Cape does not mean we can do...
2021-06-0450 min
Island TreasuresGrowth in Caregiving: Healing through TraumaLisa Kendall, the caregiver to caregivers and social worker specializing in gerontology, brings a wealth of knowledge as she speaks about challenges during caregiving. Not every caregiver’s relationship with their care recipient is idyllic. There may be painful family functioning in your past and adverse childhood experiences that impact the adult child when called upon to provide care. If this is the case, how can you cope with caregiving when there is pain in your past? Lisa explains how to promote healing and growth, reminding us that growth comes in many forms, such as gaining the ability to se...
2021-05-0745 min
Island TreasuresThe Dementia PuzzleThe Dementia Puzzle is an idea that originates in this episode as a way to understand what is going on as you travel through caregiving for your loved one with dementia. This episode highlights the bond of a mother and daughter relationship, and speaks to the reality of the changes and losses caused by the slide of dementia. You will meet Sue Johnston as she recounts her experiences through the stages of caregiving and as she offers suggestions for the listener to consider for your caregiving journey."Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2021-04-0847 min
Island TreasuresAnd Then I DancedFor Toni Gitles her 14-year long experience as her mother's caregiver provided opportunities to learn how to become a powerful advocate and how to apply her skills to make it the best caregiving journey possible. She did this while intentionally creating moments both Toni and her Mom would treasure. Toni learned the importance of many things such as listening to her intuition and being honest about her feelings. Toni provides helpful ideas for any caregiver to adopt and I suggest taking notes from this podcast to help in your own caregiving journeys. Toni's website is Heart Light Enterprises.
2021-03-0657 min
Island Treasures"Doesn't Know Me"This episode came about because of the original song "Doesn't Know Me", by Pat Thibodeau. Pat is a singer/songwriter and a friend of mine and I had reached out to ask her to write a jingle for the podcast. What she wrote surpassed my expectations with the creation of "Doesn't Know Me" - a song about the losses of Alzheimer's disease. Pat's father had Alzheimer's and the family of 10 siblings rallied around him and their mother following his diagnosis. I invite you to hear Pat's account of the family's journey together with her original song. If you'd like...
2021-02-1941 min
Island TreasuresThe Musician's DaughterToday’s podcast introduces you to an adult-child caregiver, Betsy Haddad. Betsy’s father, Edward, has been diagnosed with middle stage Alzheimer’s. Betsy describes her caregiving role as being supportive in nature, as her mom is Edward’s primary caregiver. Edward is a gifted musician, and you will hear him playing in the background of the introduction. We hear of Betsy’s doting love for her father, and the quality times they spend together, including when he plays the piano, and she sings. At the end of the podcast Betsy sings “Life is a Cabaret” chosen as a tribute to Edw...
2021-02-0146 min
Island TreasuresFour Hugs a DayToday Anne Sands takes us along on an emotional roller coaster. Her husband Stu has been diagnosed with dementia. Throughout her caregiving journey Anne has learned a lot and wants to help others by advocating that they get their loved one into the medical system as soon as possible so they are eligible for supports, respite and day programs, and placement in residential care. Stu was on the list for placement and when one of their two selected places had a bed available, she made the difficult decision to accept it. Her preference is to have Stu transferred closer...
2021-01-1558 min
Island TreasuresEmpowered By PositivityMeet Brenda Blais Nesbitt. She has been the caregiver of her daughter, Nikki, for over 27 years. Nikki is medically fragile with her severe disability, and Brenda is her voice and loving caregiver. Through her caregiving journey, Brenda has learned how to advocate effectively when the odds sometimes are stacked against them. She understands the stresses involved in navigating the healthcare system for a child with severe disability and offers information on how to prepare for the child transitioning to the adult world of healthcare.Brenda recognizes how important it is to look after yourself and to set...
2020-12-2247 min
Island TreasuresThe Caregiving CoinThe caregiving coin has two sides: one side represents sacrifice and the other - payoffs, gifts and benefits. Ten years ago Alice and Cori asked Alice’s father Doug if he’d like them to be his Long-Term Care Plan. He said yes and for the first five years lived with them on Vancouver Island during the winter months while maintaining his residence in Calgary the rest of the year. As his health needs increased, Alice and Cori took on caregiving full-time, with Doug relocating to the Island. Doug turned 102 the summer of 2020. This c...
2020-12-0942 min
Island TreasuresWhen Winning is Losing and Losing is Winning!Sustainable Caregiving CEO Theresa Wilbanks shares strategies she has identified through her caregiving journey for her father who is now 99 years old. Her insights include the importance of self-care, mindfulness and setting boundaries. When she faces a new caregiving challenge, she explains how she is driven to find a solution often through trial, error and tears; and from the solution come the strategies that she willingly shares with other caregivers. Theresa talks about "when winning is losing" and "when losing is winning" and provides the word picture of taking off the battle armor. She reminds us of t...
2020-11-2640 min
Island TreasuresLife does not end with a diagnosis of Alzheimer'sIn this episode from 2020 Dennis Dulniak tells his experiences as a caregiver of his wife of 47 years, Nancy. He shares how full and rich their life was together before the diagnosis, and how they adapted to make it as full and rich as possible after the diagnosis. Dennis speaks candidly about the need for supports as a caregiver and the value of taking care of yourself in order to be an effective caregiver. Dennis provides a wealth of resources and information that he has pulled together during his journey.*Nancy passed away in 2021 and Dennis and family f...
2020-11-0749 min
Island TreasuresA love storyListen to Roy's journey. A journey of love and commitment that continued through health issues for his wife that changed their circumstances but not their love and committed relationship to one another. Roy shares his experiences through the trying times of Covid-19 as a caregiver. "Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2020-10-2336 min
Island TreasuresIsland Treasures TrailerYou find yourself on a journey you did not want to take. You are a caregiver. You want to know how to make it through your desperate days, when you’re feeling stuck, isolated, afraid, helpless or hopeless. On the Island Treasures podcast the guests are caregivers who willingly share their insights and resources that they've found helpful to help you on your caregiving journey. "Click Here to Leave a Comment"
2020-10-0501 min