Island Treasures

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 ins…

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 careg…

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 caregiver…

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 valuab…

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 studie…

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 caregivi…

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 suff…

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, t…

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 …

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 Corn…

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…

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 …

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 aspec…

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 hersel…

Sarah Merriman joins this episode straight from the United Kingdom.  Sarah was the primary caregiver for her Nana for seven years.  Her grandmother experienced cognitive deficits and despite Sarah's …

Loretta Veney is a LEGO Serious Play Instructor and she was able to find effective ways to incorporate LEGO into caregiving for her mom who was living with dementia.  You can hear all about Loretta's…

Have you heard a caregiver referred to as an angel?

This mini episode features a clip from the Caregiver Warrior, Susanne White describing how when she's in the company of caregivers she feels the sp…

Susanne White is the founder of Caregiver Warrior. She was faced with the opportunity to care for her parents and embarked on a caregiving journey that would change her life. She ventured into this j…

Another 'Island Treasures Treasure Chest' bonus episode.  In this episode we revisit "A Musician's Daughter" Season 2 Episode 2, featuring Betsy Haddad.  

At the time of the original episode Betsy's c…

This mini episode highlights a few key points that Amy Friesen made in the full podcast episode "The Must Have Talk for Caregivers".  What is 'the talk'?  Amy describes how important it is for caregi…