Island Treasures
95 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago -This podcast provides a platform for caregivers to share their stories, offering encouragement and insights to those who may be on a similar journey. Guests bring wisdom and empowerment to remind caregivers they're not alone. Additionally, guests share valuable information, tips and resources to support caregivers in their vital role.
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Episodes
Moving Forward After Caregiving
August 05, 2022 07:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBLicia 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...
Island Treasures Bonus Mini Episode - Telling the Full Story of Caregiving
July 27, 2022 22:52 - 4 minutes - 3.18 MBThis 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...
Island Treasures Mini Podcast - Telling the Full Story of Caregiving
July 08, 2022 16:00 - 5 minutes - 3.71 MBThis 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 Documen...
Telling the Full Story of Caregiving
July 01, 2022 07:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBDave 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, “M...
Island Treasures Mini Podcast - Nurturing Caregiver Wellbeing During and After Caregiving
June 10, 2022 16:00 - 4 minutes - 3.13 MBThe 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 podca...
Nurturing Caregiver Wellbeing During and After Caregiving
June 03, 2022 07:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBWhen 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 ca...
Island Treasures Mini Podcast - Building the Unbreakable Caregiver
May 13, 2022 07:00 - 7 minutes - 5.23 MBUsing 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 l...
Building the Unbreakable Caregiver
May 06, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MBThis “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 a...
Island Treasures Mini Podcast - Who Am I Hurting?
April 08, 2022 16:00 - 5 minutes - 3.99 MBIn 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 M...
Who Am I Hurting?
April 01, 2022 07:01 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBFrom 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 p...
Island Treasures Mini Podcast - Helping Families Soar
March 11, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.96 MBAs 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 s...
Helping Families Soar
March 04, 2022 08:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBMike 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 li...
Island Treasures Mini Podcast - The Happiness Crusade
February 11, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 3.85 MBToday'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...
The Happiness Crusade
February 04, 2022 08:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MBAre 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...
Island Treasures Mini podcast - The Brave Caregiver
January 14, 2022 17:00 - 4 minutes - 3.33 MBFollowing 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
The Brave Caregiver
January 07, 2022 08:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBAt 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 Fa...
Island Treasures Mini Podcast - the Year in Review
December 17, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes - 4.81 MBLooking 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.
Island Treasures Mini podcast - Lady in Waiting
December 10, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.03 MBFollowing 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.
Preserving Memories
December 03, 2021 08:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBA 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...
Island Treasures Mini Podcast - No Time for Burnout!
November 12, 2021 23:25 - 6 minutes - 4.65 MBExcerpts 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 Tre...
No Time for Burnout!
November 05, 2021 07:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBAn 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...
Island Treasures Mini podcast for Caregivers - Elite travel
October 16, 2021 23:12 - 8 minutes - 5.88 MBAnother 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
Island Treasures Mini podcast - The Blanket
October 11, 2021 22:08 - 5 minutes - 3.85 MBIsland 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" ...
Island Treasures Mini Episode - A Celebration
October 05, 2021 07:00 - 13 minutes - 9.11 MBOctober 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.
Skills Retained: Strengths-based Approach to Dementia Care
October 01, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBIn 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 Cornis...
Island Treasures Mini - A tribute
September 10, 2021 07:00 - 4 minutes - 3.11 MBIsland 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 ...
A Parting Gift
September 03, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBFrom 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 p...
Island Treasures Mini
August 11, 2021 01:30 - 4 minutes - 2.8 MBIntroducing 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 f...
Through the Lens of a Long-haul Caregiver
August 06, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBMeet 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 trau...
Start Strong as a Caregiver
July 02, 2021 07:02 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBErin 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...
The Caregiving Cape
June 04, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBChris 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...
Growth in Caregiving: Healing through Trauma
May 07, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutes - 30.9 MBLisa 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 t...
The Dementia Puzzle
April 08, 2021 16:40 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBThe 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 caregivin...
And Then I Danced
March 06, 2021 00:08 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBFor 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 note...
"Doesn't Know Me"
February 19, 2021 18:30 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBThis 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 ...
"Doesn't Know Me"
February 19, 2021 18:30 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBThis 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 th...
The Musician's Daughter
February 01, 2021 14:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBToday’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. A...
Four Hugs a Day
January 15, 2021 14:57 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBToday 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 diffic...
Empowered By Positivity
December 22, 2020 19:52 - 47 minutes - 33.3 MBMeet 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 trans...
The Caregiving Coin
December 09, 2020 01:08 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBThe 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. D...
When Winning is Losing and Losing is Winning!
November 26, 2020 05:08 - 40 minutes - 24.9 MBSustainable 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 ...
Life does not end with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's
November 07, 2020 20:48 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBIn 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 d...
A love story
October 23, 2020 17:42 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBListen 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.
Island Treasures by Alongside Caregiver Consulting
October 05, 2020 21:17 - 1 minute - 1.57 MBYou 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 or hopeless. I will speak with caregivers who are willing to share their insights to help you on your caregiving journey.
Island Treasures Trailer
October 05, 2020 21:17 - 1 minute - 952 KBYou 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.