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What happens when caregiving ends — and who do we become after giving so much of ourselves to someone else? In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Friedman, whose journey from nursing assistant to multi‑generational family caregiver shaped the work she does today. Lindsay shares the story of caring for her grandmother, a fiercely independent Holocaust survivor, and how one preventable fall became the catalyst for her mission to support families navigating long‑term care. Together, we explore the emotional terrain of caregiving: the identity shifts, the grief that begins long before loss, and the complicated transition into life after caregiving. We also talk about the practical side of care — the conversations families often avoid, the boundaries caregivers need, and the importance of preparing before crisis hits. Lindsay opens up about why she created CareBloom, a dignity‑preserving in‑home safety system, and LTCareNav, a free platform helping families understand long‑term care options without pressure or confusion. This episode is a compassionate, honest look at what it means to care for someone you love — and what it means to rediscover yourself afterward. Whether you’re in the thick of caregiving or finding your footing after it ends, Lindsay’s insights offer clarity, comfort, and hope. Lindsay's LinkedIn profile (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

In this episode, Jeanette Yates reflects on four decades of caregiving that began when she was just nine years old. She shares how early messages about being “a good girl” shaped her caregiving identity, how burnout crept in despite doing all  the self‑care things, and how she slowly learned to listen to what her body and spirit actually needed. Jeanette speaks openly about anticipatory grief, the fog that followed her mother’s death, and the courage it took to make hard decisions—like moving her mom into a nursing home—without letting guilt lead the way. She also offers grounded insight into care technology, ethical AI, and why caregivers deserve tools that support rather than overwhelm. This is a tender, steadying conversation for anyone who has ever cared for someone they love. Jeanette leaves listeners with the message she now carries forward: You have done enough. You are doing enough. You are enough. Jeanette's website (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

Mark Wilson spent his career of more than 25 years heading the Leadership and Organization Effectiveness & HR functions at Fortune 500 companies, including PepsiCo, Taco Bell and YUM! Brands. And yet, when his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he left his career behind to take care of her at home.   He didn’t know how he would care for her at the beginning of his caregiving journey, but he had the resolve and ambition to figure it out and learn as much about Alzheimer’s care and caregiving as he could.  He was able to apply his corporate experience and leadership skills to create the best care team possible for his mom.   His mission was to have her home, have her be as happy as possible, and for her to live as long and healthy as possible. He fulfilled his mission.  Since his mom passed, he has been a guest on podcasts and through them he was encouraged to write his book, "Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care: A Guide to Finding Courage, Longevity, and Joy on the Journey". He was also asked to be on the Advisory Board for the UCI MIND Center.  He leads Alzheimer’s Support Groups, advocates in Washington for Funds for Alzheimer’s Research, mentors High School Students who want to share education and fundraising in the community and he does his own fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association.  It was because of a tragic medically negligent surgical mistake that shortened his mom’s long Alzheimer’s journey that inspired him to share his care leader learning on Alzheimer’s care and Patients’ Rights to give families hope and confidence that they can make a huge difference in the lives of their loved ones.  He states that “Just because there is still no cure for dementia doesn’t mean you can’t make a big difference in their lives and your life as well.”  Mark’s website: The Bold Care Leader (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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 high alert long after the role was over, and the clarity that came only after the urgency and immediacy of caregiving fell away. She describes the gradual process of making sense of the many experiences she had lived through. She also reflects on the meaning she created through storytelling — including her award‑winning one‑woman play, Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home, and the family story books she now builds to preserve the context behind cherished photos - 'turning tubs of guilt into familiy stories'. These projects became a way to honour her mother, understand her own journey, and to help others preserve their own family stories. Breeda shares the simple daily practices that support her now: moving her body, taking a restorative 20‑minute nap, and choosing one important thing to do each day. And even though caregiving for her mom has ended, she speaks candidly about the ongoing caregiving she does for her two adult sons, and the concern she carries as she plans for their future. This conversation offers a grounded, compassionate look at what comes after one season of caregiving — the questions, the shifts, the meaning, and the permission to slow down and give yourself grace. It’s a companion for anyone navigating their own life after caregiving. (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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 experiences of wandering the elevated walkways, taking in the breathtaking, panoramic scenery, and talk about our impressions of this unique destination. Grace slid down the iconic spiral slide—yes, the one that sends you swirling down the center of the tower—so we dive into that experience too, along with the surprises and delights we discovered along the way. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply love hearing about special places across Vancouver Island, this episode brings you along for a scenic, joy‑filled outing to one of the island’s most spectacular treasures. Some of the details we share about the Malahat SkyWalk come from information provided on the  Malahat Skywalk Website and from Trip Advisor - Malahat Skywalk. Click here to watch the video version of the podcast - complete with extra footage at the end of the video that you won't want to miss! "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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 you don’t know what support exists. Lance shares how that journey inspired him and his wife to build a business called Enriched Life Home Care Services dedicated to guiding caregivers toward the services, tools, and information that can make the road easier.  We also explore the importance of making decisions before circumstances make them for you, and how conversations about future care don’t have to be heavy or ominous—they can be empowering, practical, and rooted in love. Lance A. Slatton is a Senior Case Manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. He is also host of the award-winning podcast & YouTube channel All Home Care Matters & President of AlzAuthors.  Through AlzAuthors Lance is helping expand access to a rich library of resources for families navigating dementia. This episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that no caregiver should have to walk this path alone and they can learn about the resources they may need during their caregiving journey. (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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’s final months, and how working part‑time in a casual role helped her stay connected to her own identity along the way. After her mom passed, Grace found herself holding something she hadn’t had in years: time. A gift, yes — but also overwhelming and tinged with guilt. She talks about how the busyness of planning her mom's celebration of life, managing executor duties, and hosting family delayed the arrival of grief… and how she’s now allowing it in. Grace shares the beautiful ways she keeps her mom close, especially through what she calls her “heart memories” — the photos she regularly sends to family, and the ones they send back. With caregiving behind her and full retirement ahead, Grace is learning to fill her days with things that bring her joy: volunteering, painting, cross‑country skiing, and spending time with her new pup. This is a conversation about identity, healing, and rediscovering yourself when the role that once defined your days suddenly falls away. Grace’s story is a gentle reminder that life after caregiving has much to offer as long as we're open to the possibilities. (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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 podcast on YouTube, this episode brings plenty of coastal atmosphere, offering a refreshing break and a glimpse of the Island’s wild charm—before we return to our ongoing conversations about life after caregiving in the next episode. My husband's Pexel account "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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 unexpected and unconventional opportunity appeared. It was surprising and exactly what she needed. That experience became the spark that nudged her forward, kick-started her healing, and helped her rediscover herself. Today, she’s rebuilt her life with purpose. A new home. A new job. A new love. And a renewed mission. Sharon now advocates for caregivers, offers training and guidance, spots those who may quietly be carrying the weight she once knew, and connects them to the resources that can lighten their load. Her path even led her to work in finance as a consultant — empowering caregivers and others to navigate the practical side of life with confidence. This podcast shares her story of reconstruction — the raw moments, the unexpected detours, and the powerful transformation that followed. It’s a space for caregivers, former caregivers, and anyone searching for their “new me.” A reminder that healing isn’t linear, that support matters and can show up in unexpected ways, and that life after caregiving can be reconstructed with intention, courage, and a renewed sense of possibility. If you wish to contact Sharon her email is [email protected] (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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 everyone it touches. Following her father’s passing, she applied her journalism skills, experiences and observations into advocacy, spending 15 years in leadership roles at both local and national Alzheimer’s organizations. Today, Carol continues her commitment to the Alzheimer’s community, writing the  “Voices of Alzheimer’s” newsletter. She is also the author of a new children’s book that blends her family’s experience with age‑appropriate explanations of Alzheimer's disease to children, together with meaningful intergenerational activities that help children (and all of us) stay connected to loved ones living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Carol's book, "Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly: A Heartfelt Children’s Story About Alzheimer’s Disease Plus a Guide to Intergenerational Activities" is available on Amazon If you'd like to share your story with Carol for the "Voices of Alzheimer's" newsletter, you can reach her through her LinkedIn profile. (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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-stroke, Christina now empowers family caregivers to prioritize self-care, navigate life after caregiving, and build stronger caregiver communities. She created the Caregiver Recovery program and is passionate about making sure caregivers are seen, supported, and celebrated. In this episode, Christina shares what it means to rediscover freedom, redefine “normal,” and carry forward the love and blessings that remain with her post-caregiving. Through her story, we’re reminded that recovery is not only about healing ourselves, but also about walking alongside those who will come after us. If her journey touched you, visit her website, ChristinaKeys.com and watch for the release of her upcoming book.  Linkedin FB: Keys For Caregiving  and Christina Keys YouTube TikTok Website (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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-intensity interval training) workouts at the gym. This is a story of courage, change, and the quiet power of choice.   You’ll hear about her RISE™ framework (Renew, Ignite, Soar with Excellence) and her helpful resource “When Your Soul Whispers”.  Licia is a Renewal Expert as a Leadership & Personal Growth Coach.  Tune in for a conversation about her newfound strength, renewal, and the surprising places where healing begins. Licia's website (Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361) "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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. In this episode we talk about the “treasuring” phase of caregiving, where former caregivers are invited to reflect, regroup, and rediscover purpose. This phase is a time to honor memories, process grief, and ask meaningful questions like “Who am I now?” and “What brings me joy?” We also speak about the course, Finding Your Purpose After Caregiving, designed to help caregivers recalibrate and move forward with intention. Plus, we preview upcoming episodes featuring guests who’ve navigated this transition—some with clarity, others still finding their way—all offering hope, inspiration, and shared wisdom. This episode marks a new season for the podcast, one that embraces renewal and celebrates the courage it takes to step into life after caregiving. Subscribe to the podcast and join us on the 23rd of each month when new episodes drop.  ✨ Suggested episodes to revisit: “Moving Forward After Caregiving” with Licia Thompson“Caregiving Unveiled: True Purpose for an Encore Career” with Bill Cohen  "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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 heartfelt episodes, we’ll occasionally celebrate the treasures of Vancouver Island itself—after all that’s where the podcast calls home. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s discover what comes next, together. "Click Here to Leave a Comment"

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 the life of the podcast thus far as its focus has been on caregiving, with exceptional guests - many caregivers themselves - sharing their caregiving stories, wisdom and experiences as they help encourage the listeners in their caregiving journeys.   A huge thank you to all the guests who have helped shape the caregiving chapter of the Island Treasures Podcast, namely: Roy Johnson, Dennis Dulniak, Theresa Wilbanks, Brenda Blais-Nesbitt, Cori Sandler and Alice de Wolff, Anne Sands, Betsy Haddad, Pat Thibodeau, Toni Gitles, Sue Johnston, Lisa Kendall, Chris MacLellan, Erin Galyean, Chandra White-Cummings, Arlene Jacobs, Judy Cornish, Zander Keig, Beth Hearn Douglas, Jennifer Richey, Kathy Shoaf, Mike George, Brenda Leppington, Loretta Veney, Dave Iverson, Licia Thompson, Jodi Kay Benusa, Breeda Miller, Debbie Compton, Ben Graham, Dr. Delon Canterbury, Roxane Anderson, Tracy Crump, Lori Lemasters, Natalie Hankins, Denise Brown, Kathy Neuhausser, Sandra Strauss, Heidi Rome, Katrina Prescott, Valerie Weins, Grace Block, Bill Cohen, Teepa Snow, Dr. George Ackerman, Lori Rogers, Jenna Rumberger, Victoria Essner, Alexis Baker, Amy Friesen, Susanne White, Sarah Merriman, Rebekah Dowhy, Angela Fairhurst, Gina Awad and Rayna Neises  Stay tuned for more details on what may lie ahead. Thank you for being part of our journey—we can’t wait to share what’s next! Applause track Sound Effect by Freesound Community from Pixabay "Click Here to Leave a Comment"