Caregivers Out Loud

Family Caregivers of BC
Caregivers Out Loud

Powered by Family Caregivers of British Columbia and hosted by Bill Israel, "Caregivers Out Loud" will explore the ways in which the role of a caregiver can be both rewarding, while also emotionally, psychologically, and physically taxing. By sharing stories of caregivers and insight from community experts, we bring you perspective and connection, and ensure that you have support and balance from inspired caregivers, who are caregiving out loud. Please share this podcast with family and friends who could also benefit from hearing these stories. Discover more episodes and find more caregiving resources at https://www.FamilyCaregiversBC.ca or call the Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line toll-free in BC at 1 (877) 520-3267.

  1. OCT 21

    Planning Life's Final Choices: A Guide to End-of-Life Dialogue

    How do you begin the difficult dialogue around end-of-life wishes for your care recipient? When you are the caregiver for someone whose health is declining, the reality of death can be overshadowing and feel frightening to acknowledge. So often, it’s as though we fear that simply speaking about death will speed it to our door. Karla Kerr, a funeral director and death doula in Victoria, BC, sees things differently. She approaches conversations with families who are facing or have just experienced death in an exploratory and compassionate way that recognizes death is inevitable. Respecting and upholding the wishes of care recipients can only be accomplished through practical, values-centred communication. Death has a tendency to reveal to us what is most important; engaging in these conversations can have a tremendous impact on the depth and intensity of our relationships, especially when we prioritize them when we still have plenty of time, rather than waiting until the end. Discover how Karla’s experiences with hundreds of families at this pivotal moment can inform your own conversations with your care recipient: The importance of acknowledging the inevitability of death and having reverence for the death process Why it is so beneficial to talk about what is most meaningful before the final moments The hard questions that will ensure you can take action with deference to their values and beliefs The positive impact of gratitude at every stage of our relationships Resources: Learn more about Karla Kerr, End of Life Planning and Care - https://karlakerr.ca/ A Caregiver’s Guide: A Handbook About End-of-Life Care - https://www.virtualhospice.ca/Assets/CHPCA%20caregivers_guide_2015_en_20170314094930.pdf After Death Checklist from Government of BC - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/After-Death-Checklist-Government-of-BC-1.pdf Proactively Planning for End-of-Life Blog - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/archives/19255 Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association - https://www.chpca.ca/ Canadian Virtual Hospice - https://www.virtualhospice.ca/en_US/Main+Site+Navigation/Home/Support/Support.aspx Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line - 1-877-520-3267 (Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4pm PT)

    23 min
  2. FEB 13

    Supporting Young Caregivers: The Overlooked Caregiver Demographic

    What difficulties develop when a child becomes a caregiver to their own parent? Studies show that young caregivers make up at least 12% of Canadian youth. One of these young people is Kristie Mar. At just 16 years old, Kristie set aside a significant part of her adolescence to become the sole carer for her mother, who was navigating schizophrenia and anorexia. The medical professionals, counsellors, and groups from whom she sought assistance, however, never gave her the title of “caregiver.” As such, it took her years to think of herself in this way or discover the resources that search term could unlock. Today, Kristie is a medical student and an active participant in this community. She wants to help increase awareness and resources for fellow adolescents who are thrust, so often unprepared and unsupported, into the role of caregiver for their family members. Hear the difficulties a young caregiver faced, caring on her own, including: The impact of expanding the narrow definition of “caregiver” to better identify young caregivers Where to uncover resources that help reduce the deep sense of isolation The many facets of childhood that are lost to young caregivers Strategies for maintaining mental health while balancing childhood and a very adult responsibility Resources: Powerhouse program for young caregivers - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/young-caregivers-2 Managing expectations - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Managing-Expectations-April-2020-1.pdf Episode 11 How to Use Writing for Healing and Self Care -  https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast/episode-11-how-to-use-writing-for-healing-and-self-care Episode 14 Creativity as a Form of Self Care -  https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast/episode-14-creativity-as-a-form-of-self-care 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/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 X / Twitter 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/

    26 min
  3. 11/14/2023

    A Contemporary Approach to Palliative and Hospice Care for Family Caregivers and Their Recipients

    How can you build a healthier relationship with death and dying that will benefit both caregiver and recipient? Aaron Yukich is an end-of-life doula, mindfulness practitioner, and hospice care worker. In his work with the Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line, Aaron incorporates meaning-making and self-reflection into his sessions with caregivers, helping them uncover new ways to provide support to their care recipients without overlooking their own well-being. The end-of-life process has many varied aspects. Aaron helps caregivers navigate this intricate spiritual and emotional experience with grace, through activities and mindsets that can offer comfort and even joy. He also guides them in practical considerations, such as establishing often-overlooked financial and personal mental health support structures. Aaron shares his holistic perspective on providing end-of-life care: Moving through the transition from palliative to hospice care Resources for addressing the impacts of caring for a care recipient Imbuing the time your loved one has left with more meaning Considering death and dying through a lens of celebration and reflection as well as grief Resources: United Way Better at Home - https://betterathome.ca/ Island Health Dementia Video Series - https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/seniors/dementia-video-series Discover a local hospice - https://www.chpca.ca/listings/ Hospice care information and assistance - https://www.virtualhospice.ca/ Hospice resources with a cultural focus - https://livingmyculture.ca/ Navigating the End of Life: A Road Map for Caregivers webinar - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/archives/video/navigating-the-end-of-life-a-road-map-for-caregivers Finding Peace at the End of Life: A Death Doula's Guide for Families and Caregivers by Henry Fersko-Weiss (2020 edition) - https://bookshop.org/p/books/finding-peace-at-the-end-of-life-a-death-doula-s-guide-for-families-and-caregivers-henry-fersko-weiss/13032460?ean=9781590035023 Caring for the Dying: The Doula Approach to a Meaningful Death by Henry Fersko-Weiss (2017 edition) - https://www.amazon.ca/Caring-Dying-Doula-Approach-Meaningful/dp/1573246964 BC Grief and Bereavement Society: list of support groups and other help for BC residents (also some options are across Canada) Contact the Helpline at 604-738-9950 and toll-free 1-877-779-2223 - https://bcbh.ca/groupsandevents/ TalkDeath: death positive, grief and bereavement resources - https://www.talkdeath.com/ 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/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter 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/

    20 min
  4. 10/16/2023

    How Brooke Ellison Maintains Dignity and Individuality as a Full-Time Care Recipient

    How would you retain your sense of self if you required full-time care? When Brooke Ellison was 11 years old, a car accident left her a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic. Her mother Jean stepped into the role of full-time caregiver, and their familial and caregiving relationship balance has continued for over thirty years. Dr. Brooke Ellison graduated from Harvard, wrote two memoirs, and is a frequent public speaker on resilience, leadership, and hope. In this episode, she reflects on her experiences as a care recipient—both then and now. Specifically, Brooke shares how she navigates disability and how her definition of this term has changed and grown over the years. Brooke shares what care feels like from the other side of the table: Why building a routine is so important when unpredictability is unavoidable How Brooke’s concept of disability as vulnerability has changed over the years The challenge of finding alone time when care needs are so pervasive Considering and communicating about the future despite its uncertainty Resources: Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line: 1-877-520-3267 (Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4pm PT) Learn more about Brooke - https://www.brookeellison.com/ Look Both Ways by Brooke Ellison - https://bookshop.org/p/books/look-both-ways-brooke-ellison/18034792?ean=9781951568184 Miracles Happen by Brooke Ellison - https://www.amazon.ca/Miracles-Happen-Mother-Daughter-Journey/dp/0786867701 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/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter 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/

    22 min
  5. 09/19/2023

    Full-Time Caregiver and Mother: How Jean Ellison Balances Two Essential Roles

    How do you honour both yourself and your family member when giving full-time care? In this episode, Jean Ellison speaks about her experience as a full-time caregiver to her daughter, Brooke, whose story of life as a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic is well-known and inspirational. For more than 30 years, Jean Ellison has balanced the roles of full-time caregiver and mother. While it was always clear to Jean that Brooke would live at home and not in a care facility, accepting her new reality and career trajectory was not a simple process. Jean strives to find happiness and laughter in every day, treating each one as a clean slate for both herself and her daughter. Get a glimpse into Jean’s challenging and heartening experience: What it was like to be trained and tested to care for her own daughter Who she has become despite an unforeseeable change in her life’s direction Where she finds the middle ground between home care and motherly compassion How hope and acceptance can combine to create a fulfilling life despite the obstacles. Resources:  https://www.brookeellison.com/ 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/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter 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/

    20 min
  6. 03/31/2023

    Financial Decision Making for Caregivers with Shannon Lee Simmons

    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 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter 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/

    25 min
  7. 02/01/2023

    Caregiving From a Distance - a Long Distance Care Panel

    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 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter 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/

    36 min
  8. 01/01/2023

    The Dementia Journey’s Caregiver Toolkit

    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 Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiversBC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/familycaregiversofbc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/18122187 Twitter 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/

    20 min

Trailers

About

Powered by Family Caregivers of British Columbia and hosted by Bill Israel, "Caregivers Out Loud" will explore the ways in which the role of a caregiver can be both rewarding, while also emotionally, psychologically, and physically taxing. By sharing stories of caregivers and insight from community experts, we bring you perspective and connection, and ensure that you have support and balance from inspired caregivers, who are caregiving out loud. Please share this podcast with family and friends who could also benefit from hearing these stories. Discover more episodes and find more caregiving resources at https://www.FamilyCaregiversBC.ca or call the Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line toll-free in BC at 1 (877) 520-3267.

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