Caregiving as a teenager for a mother with Parkinson’s disease and informing her career using technology to help others through caregiving experiences, with Carla Velastegui (Episode 137)

Carla Velastegui began caring for her mother with Parkinson’s disease while still in high school, experiencing both the challenges and deep insights that caregiving can bring. In this episode, Carla shares how those early experiences shaped her life, her relationships, and her future. She discusses the ups and downs of her caregiving journey and how it inspired her career as a consultant working with organizations to adapt and implement technology to assist and transform the caregiving experience. About Carla: Carla Velastegui is a healthcare technologist and long-term caregiver whose early caregiving experiences continue to shape her work in healthcare, technology, and policy. Since her teenage years, she has cared for her mother, diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2010. This perspective informs the systems and solutions she helps design, with a commitment to placing patients, caregivers, and their supporters at the center. Known for her deep understanding of healthcare and technology, Carla is a dedicated advocate, global speaker, and thought leader in the caregiver community. She has led digital health initiatives, advised on policy and innovation strategies, and worked across startups, government, healthcare, and research organizations. She serves on the boards of Acclaim Health and YWCA Hamilton and holds advisory roles with the Parkinson’s Foundation, Canada’s Drug Agency, and other healthcare and research organizations.Passionate about ethical, inclusive, and practical health technologies, Carla brings lived experience and professional expertise to conversations about caregiving, patient engagement, and equity, focusing on how AI and emerging technologies can help shape systems that reflect the realities of care.Find Carla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-velastegui/?originalSubdomain=chVisit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*www.compassionincaregiving.comFor more visit our Instagram!http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving