Caregivers Out Loud – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

Twitter/X https://twitter.com/caringbc

Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

Organized Sound Productions - https://www.organizedsound.ca/

Navigating Care in the Sandwich Generation: Dignity, Boundaries, and Advocacy

Episode 27

mardi 30 septembre 2025 • Duration 22:08

How do you uphold respect and dignity for an ageing parent when balancing the regular demands of career and children? So many people today are part of the Sandwich Generation—caring for a parent while still managing work and raising kids. Ensuring your parent feels safe and cared for without losing sight of your own boundaries and wellness is a hard balancing act to manage.

As a registered nurse who also raised three children on the spectrum, Valerie Wiens was perhaps better prepared than many adult children when it came time to care for her parents in the last years of their lives. She can certainly relate to how overwhelming and difficult it is to navigate the healthcare system for both caregivers and patients.

Valerie recognizes the importance of setting aside ego to enable thoughtful communication, an important part of ensuring parents feel dignified and respected as they make the transition to being "parented" by their own children. She also shares her approach to that fine line between demanding respectful care from medical professionals and remaining calm and reasonable in the face of frustrating interactions.

As Valerie says, it's important to "be effective" and have "expectations that are reasonable and measurable," both when interacting with the healthcare team and in your own expectations for caregiving. Every caregiving journey will be different, and finding ways to be fully present, whatever that means for you, is the most meaningful gift you can give.

Consider the impact your caregiving interactions have, both on your parent and yourself:

When to set aside your ego so your parent can retain their dignity;
How to advocate for a parent's care while also respecting healthcare professionals;
Why even the most loving children must develop boundaries when caring for their parents;
How setting caregiving goals early on can transform your mindset in the end.

Resources:

Caregiving in Partnership with Fraser Health e-learning course: https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/caregiver-learning-center/learn
Navigating the Healthcare System: https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/caregiver-learning-center/read-resources/navigating-the-healthcare-system
How to Advocate for Yourself: https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/caregiver-learning-center/read-resources/how-to-advocate-for-yourself-and-your-family-member
How to Advocate for Your Family Member: https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/caregiver-learning-center/read-resources/advocating-for-a-family-member
Step-by-step guide from Valerie's book "What Do We Do About Mom?" - https://www.amazon.ca/What-About-Mom-strengthen-caregiving/dp/1778178715
Work with Valerie at Keystone Eldercare Solutions - https://keystoneeldercare.com/
Patient Care Quality Office (PCQO) - http://www.phsa.ca/about/patient-experience-quality-of-care/patient-experience/patient-care-quality-office
Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line - 1-877-520-3267 (Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4pm PT)

Connect With Us!

To read a full transcript of each episode, visit the Family Caregivers of BC website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast

Visit us at our office:
#6 – 3318 Oak Street,
Victoria, BC
V8X 1R1
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Telephone: (250) 384-0408
Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267
Fax: (250) 361-2660
Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/

Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

Organized Sound Productions - https://www.organizedsound.ca/

Financial Decision Making for Caregivers with Shannon Lee Simmons

Episode 18

vendredi 31 mars 2023 • Duration 25:04

At some point in our lives, we'll all be faced with a tough decision we didn't see coming. In most caregiving situations, people enter the caregiving role with love and passion. Then pretty soon, they begin to see some of the bigger implications, such as how finances are a big factor in the choices that affect the care recipient OR the caregiver themself. In today's episode, we chat with Shannon Lee Simmons, a Certified Financial Planner and the author of a new book "No Regret Decisions: Making Good Choices During Difficult Times", to tackle some of the anxiety and emotional stress for caregivers that come with making important financial decisions. And answer the question, how do we make good decisions during difficult times?

Resources:

Shannon Lee Simmon's new book: "No-Regret Decisions: Making Good Choices During Difficult Times" - https://bookshop.org/p/books/no-regret-decisions-making-difficult-decisions-in-difficult-times-shannon-lee-simmons/15788581?ean=9781443463454
Connect with Shannon - https://shannonleesimmons.com/
FCBC Overview of Financial General Resources, Tax Benefits and Credits for Caregivers - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Guide-to-Financial-Assistance-for-Caregivers.pdf
Involuntary Separation Article - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Involuntary-Separation.pdf
Government of Canada Benefits Finder - https://srv138.services.gc.ca/daf/q?id=37d7bcd6-f3f3-492b-ac3e-b869d7fb005c&goctemplateculture=en-ca
Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line: 1-877-520-3267 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm PT)
Canada Revenue Agency General Enquiries Line: 1-800-959-8281 (Mon-Fri 8 am- 8pm and Saturday 9am-5pm)

Connect With Us!

To read a full transcript of each episode, visit the Family Caregivers of BC website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast

Visit us at our office:

#6 – 3318 Oak Street,

Victoria, BC

V8X 1R1

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am and 4:00 pm

Telephone: (250) 384-0408

Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267

Fax: (250) 361-2660

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/

Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

Organized Sound Productions - https://www.organizedsound.ca/

Caregiving From a Distance - a Long Distance Care Panel

Episode 17

mercredi 1 février 2023 • Duration 35:45

Many caregivers are supporting care recipients from a long distance. This form of caregiving brings with it a unique set of challenges as we try to provide support from afar. In this episode, Bill guides a panel of long distance caregivers, Mary Chan, Karla Wilson, and Victoria Lougheed, through a dynamic conversation filled with positive energy and laughter. The foursome came together to talk about their challenges of caring while not being able to physically be there, and to share some insights including some beautiful moments along the path that have made their caregiving journey a memorable experience.

Resources:

Caregiving From A Distance - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Caregiving-from-a-Distance.pdf
Tips For Long Distance Caregivers - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Tips-for-Long-Distance-Caregivers.pdf
Closing the Gap - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Closing-the-Gap.pdf
Caring For Yourself While Caring For Others (webinar) - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/archives/video/caring-for-yourself-while-caring-for-others

Connect With Us!

Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/

Visit us at our office:

#6 – 3318 Oak Street,

Victoria, BC

V8X 1R1

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.

Telephone: (250) 384-0408

Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267

Fax: (250) 361-2660

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/

Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

Organized Sound Productions https://www.organizedsound.ca/

The Dementia Journey: A Caregiver's Toolkit

Episode 16

dimanche 1 janvier 2023 • Duration 19:44

The experience of living and caring for someone with dementia is not always a universal experience and there can be different situations and patterns. However, there are some similar challenges caregivers face when trying to communicate with care recipients who are living with dementia. In this episode, Bill Israel speaks with Amelia Gillies, a Support and Education Coordinator with the Alzheimer's Society of BC about caring for someone living with dementia. Amelia shares stories she's heard on the support line, and also her own personal experience caregiving for people with dementia. Listen in as she provides education and suggestions for you to try when you're caregiving.

Resources:

We'd love to share the First Link® Dementia Helpline as our primary resource:

English: 1-800-936-6033 Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm
Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm
Punjabi: 1-833-674-5003 Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm
Alzheimer's Society of BC https://alzheimer.ca/bc/
Creativity as a Form of Self Care episode https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast/episode-14-creativity-as-a-form-of-self-care
Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line at 1-877-520-3267

Connect With Us!

Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/

Visit us at our office:

#6 – 3318 Oak Street,

Victoria, BC

V8X 1R1

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am and 4:00 pm

Telephone: (250) 384-0408

Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267

Fax: (250) 361-2660

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/

Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

Organized Sound Productions https://www.organizedsound.ca/

Music as a Caregiving Tool

Episode 15

mercredi 30 novembre 2022 • Duration 21:10

How can we break down barriers and humanize the caregiving process? Through the power of pure emotion, unlocked through music. No matter what your musical background is, music used intentionally can be beneficial to improve health and well-being. Not only for the care recipient, but for you as well, as a caregiver. Today, we'll hear how music enhances the care experience. I sat down with Bev Foster, a co-founder of the Room 217 Foundation and its Executive Director.

In this episode, Bev shares her experience caring for her dad and also for her grandmother who journeyed through dementia. Bev incorporated music into his palliative care and found that it was a very helpful tool both for her father and for herself. So much so, that Bev started a foundation to share music as a caregiving tool with other caregivers.

Resources:

Music Care by Room 217 Foundation https://www.musiccare.org/

Connect With Us!

Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/

Visit us at our office:

#6 – 3318 Oak Street,

Victoria, BC

V8X 1R1

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.

Telephone: (250) 384-0408

Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267

Fax: (250) 361-2660

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/

Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

Organized Sound Productions https://www.organizedsound.ca/

Creativity as a Form of Self Care

Episode 14

mardi 15 février 2022 • Duration 20:01

Engaging with creativity is a form of self-care that can benefit both a caregiver and a care recipient in many ways. In 2015, psychologist and art therapist Dr. Cathy Malchiodi cited multiple studies confirming that being creative can increase positive emotions, lessen depressive symptoms, reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and even improve immune system functioning. A 2016 study in The Journal of Positive Psychology supported these earlier findings, concluding that spending time on creative goals during a day is associated with higher activated positive affect (PA) on that day. Positive affect is the extent to which people experience positive moods, such as joy, happiness, and optimism. Higher positive effects lower stress and expand our perspective so that we notice more possibilities in our lives.

In today's episode, Bill chats with Faye Melling, a caregiver for her adult daughter. Faye talks about how being creative has helped her deal with some of the ups and downs in her caregiving journey. She also shares how her daughter is using artistic expression as a way to deal with some of the challenges she's experiencing due to her condition.

Resources:

Article on outcomes of art therapy and colouring for caregivers of cancer patients: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462388919301152
Article on how creativity is an advantage for self-care: https://nyctherapy.com/therapists-nyc-blog/creativity-is-your-secret-advantage-for-mental-health-and-well-being/
Study on benefits of creative arts leisure program to caregivers: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2055102915581563
Study on the connection between heart, healing, and public health with links to psychologist and art therapist Dr. Cathy Malchiodi https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/
"Caregiver Well-Being" in the Resource Center at https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/caregiver-learning-center/read-resources

Connect With Us!

Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/

Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267

Fax: (250) 361-2660

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/

Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

Organized Sound Productions https://www.organizedsound.ca/

Facility Placement: Managing the Transition to Long-Term Care

Episode 13

mardi 11 janvier 2022 • Duration 19:50

For many people as they age, living as long as they can in their own home is ideal. We love our comforts, our routine, and our independence. But there comes a time when the decision to have more support or to move into long-term care becomes a reality, whether because of a medical condition or safety concerns. This decision can be a significant challenge as there are many factors to consider when needing additional support.

In this episode, Janet Power, Executive Director of Sunrise Senior Living in Victoria BC, shares great information around transitioning to residential care and steps for gaining more support for the care recipient and caregiver.

Resources:

Moving from Home to Facility Flipbook FCBC Resource https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Moving-from-Home-to-Facility-Podcast-Resource-1.pdf
For Long Term Care, to arrange LTC through the Health Authority, call the local Home and Community Care Office. (The BC Health Authority General Enquiry Lines that we have listed in the back of our Quarterly Newsletter) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/how-to-arrange-for-care
If you are interested in receiving assisted living services or know of someone who might be in need of these services, you can contact the home and community care office of your health authority or you can have a health care professional make a referral on your behalf. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/assisted-living
Finding an Assisted Living Residence https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/assisted-living-in-bc/finding-an-assisted-living-residence
Don't Judge a Book by its Cover- What to Look for in a Care Facility https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Facility-Selection-Checklist.pdf
How to Check Care Facility Records https://www.healthspace.ca/clients/viha/viha_website.nsf/CCFL-Main?OpenView
Who Pays for Care? https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/who-pays-for-care

Online Tools and Apps:

Route 65 also helps users navigate the seniors living and wellness continuum through our Glossary, Frequently Asked Questions and Resource pages, along with Walter, our 24-7 virtual concierge chatbot, who helps triage seekers to the most appropriate options.

Call 1-877-955-6565 or learn more at https://route65.ca/.

Connect With Us!

Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/

Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267

Fax: (250) 361-2660

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/

Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

Organized Sound Productions https://www.organizedsound.ca/

Moving from Home to a Care Facility - Next Steps

Episode 12

mardi 14 décembre 2021 • Duration 13:10

Once the decision has been made that placement in a care community is necessary, caregivers are often faced with the "what next" question. Because there are different levels of care and each community has a different 'personality', it's very important to be as prepared as possible for the transition.

In this episode, we chat with Kathy Ajas, who for the last 17-years has worked in the retirement industry, including independent living, assisted living, and short and long-term care. Together, we explore questions caregivers have when considering moving to a new level of care with their care recipient.

Resources:

COVID-19 Survey Highlights- the Impact of COVID-19 on Caregivers https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/virtual-caregiver-resource/covid-19-survey-highlights/
Moving from Home to Facility Flipbook FCBC Resource https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Moving-from-Home-to-Facility-Podcast-Resource-1.pdf
For Long Term Care, to arrange LTC through the Health Authority, call the local Home and Community Care Office. (The BC Health Authority General Enquiry Lines that we have listed in the back of our Quarterly Newsletter). https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/how-to-arrange-for-care
If you are interested in receiving assisted living services or know of someone who might be in need of these services, you can contact the home and community care office of your health authority or you can have a health care professional make a referral on your behalf. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/assisted-living
Finding an Assisted Living Residence https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/assisted-living-in-bc/finding-an-assisted-living-residence
Don't Judge a Book by its Cover- What to Look for in a Care Facility https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Facility-Selection-Checklist.pdf
How to Check Care Facility Records https://www.healthspace.ca/clients/viha/viha_website.nsf/CCFL-Main?OpenView
Who Pays for Care? https://www.healthspace.ca/clients/viha/viha_website.nsf/CCFL-Main?OpenView

Online Tools and Apps:

Route 65 https://route65.ca/

Route 65 was developed by EngAge BC, a non-profit operating arm of the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA), in response to a visible gap in quality information about seniors' living and wellness options in the province. On Route 65, seekers can find more information on independent living, assisted living, long-term care and home health care options. Route 65 also helps users navigate the seniors living and wellness continuum through their Glossary, Frequently Asked Questions and Resource pages, along with Walter, their 24-7 virtual concierge chatbot, who helps triage seekers to the most appropriate options. Contact 1-877-955-6565.

Connect With Us!

Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/

Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267

Fax: (250) 361-2660

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/