Shows
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
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
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
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
The Whole Care NetworkTrailer 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.2023-01-0101 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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