Island Treasures

What does life look like when caregiving ends — not the tasks, but the identity, the vigilance, the emotional weight you carried for years? In this episode, Breeda Miller returns to Island Treasures Podcast to share an honest, comprehensive look at the chapter that followed caring for her mom. Breeda talks about the personal programming that didn’t disappear right away, the instinct to stay on hig...

In this Island Treasures Podcast adventure, we head out to explore another remarkable gem on Vancouver Island: the Malahat SkyWalk . Perched just off the Malahat Highway, this stunning architectural spiral rises above the treetops and offers sweeping, unforgettable views over the Salish Sea and along the rugged Pacific Coast. I’m joined by my travel companion, Grace Block, as we share our experien...

Caregiving often arrives without warning, and for many families, the weight of responsibility is compounded by not knowing where to turn. In this episode, we sit down with Lance A Slatton, whose plan to help his father recover from a fall turned into a nearly three‑year caregiving journey. His experience revealed just how many resources go undiscovered—and how isolating caregiving can feel when yo...

In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice from Season 5, Episode 1 — Grace Block returns to share what life looks like after caregiving. She opens up about the transition from being a full‑time caregiver for her mom, who lived with dementia, to stepping into her next chapter. Grace reflects on the privilege of being able to take early retirement so she could be fully present during her mom...

A rare gathering of California Sea Lions turned a quiet Vancouver Island shoreline into a living, breathing wildlife spectacle. In this Island Treasures spotlight episode, come along as we get an unusually close look at these massive, captivating mammals as they rest and jostle for space on the beach during the lead‑up to the herring run. With photos andvideo accompanying the audio version of the...

After eleven years as the sole caregiver for her mom living with young‑onset dementia, Sharon Davis wasn’t prepared for the grief, anger, and loss that followed her mother’s passing. Holidays lost their sparkle, her faith felt fractured, and life paused as she stepped back from work and withdrew - unsure how to move forward in a life no longer defined by caregiving. Healing felt distant — until an...

Carol Steinberg is an accomplished writer/editor and a former award-winning journalist who contributed regularly to The New York Times, Success magazine, and other publications.  In addition, Carol brings a deeply personal lens to the world of Alzheimer’s disease. After supporting her mother as the primary caregiver for her father, she witnessed firsthand how this illness reshapes the lives of eve...

Caregiver Recovery: Redefining Normal and Moving Forward invites listeners into another honest conversation with Christina Keys about life after caregiving. Too often, caregivers are left 'soul tired' and unprepared for life after caregiving.  Christina is a caregiving advocate, national speaker, and founder of Keys for Caregiving . After a decade-long journey caring for her mother post-...

In our first full episode since the relaunch, we sit down with former caregiver, Licia Thompson-Young, who shares what it means to grow forward with intention after caregiving. From stepping beyond her comfort zone to embracing the unknown in unfamiliar environments, she reveals how healing began when she allowed herself to feel — and how grief, once buried, found release in her HIIT (High-intensi...

When caregiving ends, it can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff—grief, uncertainty, and a quiet question echoing: “What now?” In this heartfelt episode of Island Treasures , we explore the transition from active caregiving to life beyond the role. Whether your caregiving journey spanned years - or months, the ending often brings a profound shift in identity, routine, and emotional landscape...

After six seasons, Island Treasures returns with a fresh focus. We’ve rebranded to explore life after caregiving—the stories, reflections, and quiet renewals. This new season shines a light on what follows caregiving, because that matters. You’ll hear candid conversations with former caregivers, offering insight, hope, and the kind of connection that helps us move forward. And in addition to these...

Island Treasures Podcast is taking a short break from publishing new episodes to reflect and seek future direction! Over the past six seasons, we've explored the many facets of caregiving, sharing insightful conversations and meaningful stories. While our existing content will remain available for you to revisit anytime, we feel it may be time to venture into new territory. We look back over...

A central theme of the full podcast episode with Rayna Neises, called "Rayna's Caregiving Wisdom: No Regrets and Cherished Memories" was how to have no regrets when caregiving. After 26 years of caregiving during which Rayna completed her training to become a certified coach, Rayna shares what enabled her to be able to look back on her caregiving experience and say she has no regret...

In this episode we are joined by Rayna Neises for an enlightening conversation about her extensive caregiving journey.  Rayna is a dedicated Caregiving Coach, author, and advocate for family caregivers. With a heart deeply rooted in faith, Rayna has transformed her caregiving experiences into a mission to support others navigating the challenging path of caregiving. She was introduced to caregivin...

This mini episode highlights key points from “Creating Connections with a Dementia Companion” featuring Gina Awad. Gina, who studied Dementia as part of her Health and Social Care degree, is a valuable resource for those living with dementia and their caregivers. She noticed common themes like fear and system navigation during her early information sessions. Recognizing the need for clear guidance...

Gina Awad's heartfelt journey into dementia caregiving began with her childhood visits to care homes, sparking a lifelong mission to support families navigating this challenging landscape. She studied Dementia as part of her Health and Social Care degree in 2011 to further explore the challenges and realities of dementia. As a dedicated advocate, she shares her path from those early impressio...

This mini episode visits a few of the key takeaways Betsy Haddad shared with the listeners in the full episode "Thinking Ahead about Alzheimer's and Care Needs with Betsy Haddad".  Since her caregiving experience she has become an activist and wanted to share about: Why she became an activist? Hybrid Long Term Care Insurance Clinical Trials Blood Test to Detect Protein related to de...

Betsy Haddad has returned to the podcast to share some exciting news on the fight against Alzheimer's Disease.  Since the passing of her beloved dad, Edward, Betsy has had time to reflect on his suffering and that has channeled her grief into activism in the fight against the disease.  Betsy is a member of Generation X and she grew up in the era of 80's music.  She has two wonderful adul...

Angela Fairhurst demonstrates the 3 Geri-Gadgets ®  buckets that, as an entrepeneur she designed and created to enhance the lives of folks living with dementia.  There's the Fidget-Gadget ® bucket, the Shapes bucket and the Flower bucket.  Each bucket has its own unique contents to bring activity, joy and engagement to your loved one. "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

Angela Fairhurst was the primary caregiver for her mom who after a misdiagnosis and several different medications was eventually diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.  Angela's passion to find engaging activities for her mom led her to create Geri-Gadgets® and as the founder and CEO of Geri-Gadgets®, she is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those affected by dementia. Angela has over 25 years...

Another 'Island Treasures Treasure Chest' bonus episode.  In this episode we revisit " Skills Retained: Strengths-Based Approach to Dementia Care " Season 2, Episode 13 featuring Judy Cornish. Judy Cornish is the founder of the DAWN Method - a strengths-based approach to dementia care.  From the treasure chest we hear about two sets of thinking skills: the sensory and the ratio...

Rebekah Dowhy, grew up being the caregiver for her mom.  Through her caregiving life she learned the importance of support.   She describes the rare opportunity she had to experience the joy that came with taking a break.  A break that to many would be taken for granted, as she was able to join her classmates for an outing.  Rebekah's take on this outing was that it felt like a vacation.  Lea...

This episode offers valuable insights to both caregivers and non-caregivers, featuring valuable tips from Rebekah Dowhy for those who aren't caregivers but want to lend a hand. Rebekah's journey into caregiving began at birth, as her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis the same year she was born. Growing up, Rebekah, along with her dad, took care of her mom. Through this experie...

This mini episode contains a fictional short story that combines the titles from the full episodes of the Island Treasures podcast that aired throughout 2024.  The story encompasses the various aspects of caregiving mentioned in the titles, highlighting the emotional journey, the obstacles, and the victories along the way.  As we wrap up 2024 I wish to publicly thank all the guests who have so wil...

In the full episode entitled "Roadblocks and Signposts for Caregivers", Sarah Merriman talked about her poetry and reminiscence sessions for people living with dementia; and that she is a poet herself!   Sarah was willing to share two of her heart-felt poems in this mini episode.  The first is called "Dad".  It is a loving tribute to her father who was a single father.  Sarah t...