Island Treasures
Island Treasures began as a platform for caregivers with its guests sharing their stories to encourage, provide insights, and resources to support those in the midst of caregiving. With over 100 heartfelt episodes, it reminded caregivers they were not alone, as it uplifted voices of wisdom, empowerment, and compassion. In October 2025 Island Treasures enters a new chapter.
This relaunched season explores life after caregiving—the transitions, transformations, and moments that follow with former caregivers sharing how they have transitioned into their next chapter.
In addition to these heartfelt episodes addressing life after caregiving, from time to time we will celebrate the treasures of Vancouver Island with an episode highlighting a place or experience unique to Vancouver Island—after all that’s where the podcast calls home.
Whether you’re just beginning to rediscover life beyond caregiving or caregiving is part of your distant past, Island Treasures offers stories that we trust will resonate with you and inspire you as you move forward after caregiving. Or if you’re curious about Vancouver Island and want to hear more about the people and places that make it special, we’re delighted to have you join us for those episodes as well.
Please note: the original episodes remain available and provide a rich archive of support for caregivers. This new season simply expands the journey.
Island Treasures
Expressions of Love Through Caregiving
Grace Block is a long-time friend of mine who is a caregiver. She has also been a care receiver. Her dad was diagnosed at the age of 50 with Parkinson’s Disease and Grace supported her mom who was his primary caregiver. Grace relocated to be closer to her parents, realizing they needed more support and after her father passed away 30 years after his diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, Grace was grateful to live close to her mom who continued to live in their home, independently.
Then came the time her mom could no longer safely live alone, and Grace stepped into a more hands-on caregiving role, supporting her mom through what they thought were mini strokes. One day her mom left her a phone message that she did not remember making – and her behavior captured in that recording gave significant information that led to a diagnosis of what really was happening, then came dementia.
Grace takes us through the transition of moving her mom into first Assisted Living and then into Long-term care and the daily involvement she continues to enjoy with her mom to this day. Grace has a wise and gentle approach to caregiving, and she is not afraid or reluctant to accept help. One such source of help comes in the form of a secret weapon! Grace also talks about the comfort that the family’s pets can provide; and she speaks directly to caregivers who may be new to caregiving – offering wisdom as they start out.
Her mom, 94 years of age, was also Grace’s caregiver when Grace was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis – which meant she had trouble with light. Thus her vision was impaired and she was no longer able to go to work.
Grace now considers it her privilege to care for her mom, as she really loves her – and she admits she feels very fortunate…. and sometimes very tired. This episode is full of candor and wisdom, not to mention expressions of love through caregiving.
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