Caring for Changes

It’s a nightmare shared by many: A sudden, non life-threatening event lands an elder loved-one in the emergency department  where overcrowding, limited resources and staffing shortages combine to not only hamper their recovery, but eventually lead to their physical and mental decline. A story that became a signature piece of Canadian Health Journalism thanks to former Ottawa Citizen Senior Reporter Elizabeth Payne. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)https://ottawacitizen.com/feature/the-fall-my-once-vibrant-dad-emerged-broken-from-the-hospital-then-he-was-gone #eldercare #hospitalovercrowding #strainedhealthcaresystem #palliativecareAbout Elizabeth Payne: Elizabeth Payne is an award-winning veteran health journalist whose stories became must-reads during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. A focus of her work has been on health care and the elderly. Elizabeth and her sisters became caregivers to their father after a fall sent him to the hospital leading to his worsening condition and eventual passing. It was an experience Elizabeth wrote about in a feature called The Fall, first published by the Ottawa Citizen in early 2024. Her nearly 4-decade long career encompasses experience in Editorial Writing with a demonstrated history of working in the newspaper industry as well as strong media and communication professional skills in News Writing, Headline Writing, Breaking News, Editing, and Feature Writing.

Anyone who’s ever cared at home for a younger sister or brother with a lived experience of having a disability or other special needs can relate to the unique challenges other sibling caregivers grow up with. This episode illustrates through storytelling how the lines can sometimes blur for sibling caregivers between being a care recipient’s older brother or sister, their caregiver and perhaps even taking on the role of being regarded as a third parent—all the while having to navigate their own journey through adolescence. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)https://hollandbloorview.ca/stories-news-events/BLOOM-Blog/when-your-sibling-has-disability-you-may-feel-overlooked-online-tool #siblingcaregiving #supportsforsiblingcaregivers #autismcaregivingAbout Melissa Ngo: In addition to being the sole elder sibling to her brother Scott, for whom she has helped care for (and continues to) through his own lived-experience of being on the autism spectrum, Melissa Ngo is a community-builder with 10+ years of healthcare and program management experience. She is also Co-Founder and Director of Hand Over Hand, an organization aiming to create safe, accessible spaces with and for the disabled community. Melissa’s passion for community engagement and accessibility through inclusive design runs deep along with her belief that learning and sharing within the social model of disability frameworks needs to be both active and continuous in order to support in meaningful ways those having a lived experience of disability.

Award-winning health columnist, author and Order of Canada recipient André Picard has been sounding the alarm for years about the state of Canada’s health care system in general and—with a degree of added fervency—pointing to the “little changes” that we can all be making in order to better integrate our aging population—including those with a lived experience of dementia—into our everyday world. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)Link: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/andre-picard/#agefriendlysociety #dementiafriendlysociety #eldercareadvocate  #globeandmailnewspaper #healthreporter #healthcolumnist #healthincanada #canadianhealthjournalism #neglectednomorebook About André Picard: André Picard is a health reporter and columnist for The Globe and Mail, where he has been a staff writer since 1987. He is also the author of six bestselling books.André is a two-time winner of the Columns category at Canada's National Newspaper Awards, and past winner of prestigious Michener Award for meritorious public service journalism.He was named Canada’s first Public Health Hero by the Canadian Public Health Association, and a Champion of Mental Health by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. He received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his dedication to improving healthcare.André is a graduate of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, and has received honorary doctorates from eight universities, including UBC and the University of Toronto.

The burdens that young caregivers carry daily are often done so in silence—which puts an extra layer of feelings of isolation experienced by those who are often thrust into the task of caring for a loved one where they like it or not at the forefront of this episode. As co-founder and director of the Young Caregiver Council of Canada, Rebekah Gold candidly shares her own lived experience on what it means to be a young caregiver. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.) youngcaregivercouncil.ca #youngcaregivers #youngcareradvocacy #givingvoice #YCCC About Rebekah Gold:Rebekah Gold is a young adult carer advocate, a PhD candidate in Child and Youth Studies at Brock University, and a Research Affiliate with the Young Caregivers Association. She is the Co-Founder and Director of the Young Caregiver Council of Canada, a grassroots advocacy community of young carers across Canada. Her MA thesis research focused on a collaborative project called: Understanding Young Carers and their Leisure (UYCL): A Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR) Initiative.Rebekah's research is at the intersection of critical disability studies, critical childhood studies, and care work. Her professional work interests include: Building community among young carers through relational practice in research and the communityEngaging in critical dialogue, research, and action in disability justice, mental health, and caregiving spacesBringing attention to the stories and experiences of young carers supporting parents with mental distress, substance use, psychosis, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective conditionsExploring and supporting young carers’ mental health and well-being within the context of care work and systemic neglect Identifying barriers in system access and how young carers and families navigate care, support, access, and system responses.

For Chris Rosati, being thrust into the role of caregiver to his wife Jane ended up being the most profound experience of his life. It also meant a crash course in reinventing himself through his and Jane’s shared experience of drawing on humour to eventually emerge as both a storyteller and caregiver advocate. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ About Chris Rosati:Chris Rosati was blessed to be his beloved wife Jane’s primary caregiver on her end of life journey with terminal cancer. Together with children Sam, Rebecca and Sam’s wife Chelsea, the family cared for, comforted and loved their Mom through the most difficult and most profound of experiences. Chris is a retired Ontario Public Servant. Following a successful 20 year career as an actor, comic improvisor and large scale festival and event producer, including the Vancouver International Comedy Festival, Chris moved into public service as an Arts Consultant for the Ministry of Culture. Following Jane’s passing in the spring of 2022, Chris has become very active in the caregiver advocacy space with an emphasis on encouraging and supporting men as family caregivers. Chris is currently an active member on Caregiver Advocacy Committees for The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, The Ontario Caregiver Organization and Princess Margaret Hospital – all committees devoted to the support, advocacy and care of family caregivers in Ontario and across Canada.

Getting a diagnosis of a Loved One’s serious illness is enough to knock any of us off the emotional “beam”, to say nothing of the physical and financial considerations that often come into play. Tracy Heath’s multi-faceted experience serves as a ground zero compass of sorts to help anyone get and keep their bearings throughout the caregiving journey. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)https://www.TracyMHeath.com#beforegoodbye  #canadianauthor #indieauthor #caregiversAbout Tracy Heath:With over 30 years of experience in the investment industry, specializing in estate planning and generational wealth transfer, Tracy Heath, a multiple award-winning professional in her field, has become a beacon of wisdom for those facing the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that accompany a loved one’s serious illness. Her expertise transcends mere numbers, drawing from a profound well of personal experiences that have shaped her compassionate approach. A respected speaker and educator, Tracy has dedicated her career to empowering financial advisors and their clients with the knowledge and tools to plan ahead, ensuring a legacy of love and security for future generations. Her qualifications extend far beyond the realm of finance, encompassing diplomas in acupuncture and orthomolecular nutrition, as well as certifications in coaching, positive psychology, meditation and mindfulness. Tracy’s journey has been marked by profound loss, having lost her parents to cancer in her twenties, three siblings-in-law to ALS, and her brother to cancer at the tender age of 47. These experiences have forged her into a resilient and empathetic guide, uniquely equipped to navigate the turbulent waters of serious illness with grace and wisdom. With a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between emotional, physical, and financial well-being, she offers a holistic approach to supporting individuals, families, and professionals alike. Whether you’re a financial advisor, medical professional, or someone navigating the uncharted territory of a loved one’s illness, Tracy is the support needed.

Anyone who’s ever tried managing care for a loved from a distance can relate to Pierre Pelletier’s story. As both his and his siblings’ parents’ health began to decline, the miles that separated them came into play as circumstance, adjustment and finally acceptance dictated their journey’s unfolding. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

Are all visits to the hospital emergency department or Doctor’s office absolutely necessary? What if patients could be empowered to deal with at least some of their medical issues in their own homes, thereby alleviating the added strain on our already overburdened health care system? That’s where Community Paramedicine comes in. As a former First Responder, Lianna Corsini brings her own story into this vital role which adds an extra level of support to ongoing patient care. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)https://www.bcehs.ca/our-services/programs-services/community-paramedicine

Where did the name for this podcast series - Caring for Changes - come from? In 2017, host BJ Doyle wrote a one-time only blog about the early days of shepherding his partner Judy’s journey into Early Onset Alzheimer Disease. The piece, titled “Caring for Changes, Healing a Caregiver”, was later picked up and published by the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia. He shares it as written in this episode. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)https://bjdoyleblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/08/alzheimers-caring-for-changes-healing-a-caregiver/

Like many areas across Canada, BC’s Sunshine Coast continues to experience a shortage of healthcare providers. And with approximately 1/3rd of the local population at present without a family doctor, making the best uses of what resources and supplementary programs are available is key. That can often depend upon a person’s ability to advocate—not only for themselves but often for loved ones who can’t speak up. That’s where facilitators such as Erin Lane come in. (Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

Imagine a lifetime of caregiving for your child with a lived experience of having a disability from birth right through to adulthood. Of being thrust into a space early-on where you have to constantly advocate and push the envelope to ensure your child’s quality of life. And then having to deal with your own mortality as you begin to grow older. This episode attempts to shed light on Martha Ware’s shared journey together with her son Brian—a story imbued with both love and determination. (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

What happens when a primary caregiver's pleas for help from family go unheard? Does that impact the quality of care they're able to provide for their loved one? And how much of a toll does feeling alone on the caregiving path eventually take on their well-being? These questions and more as we delve into Mary Caros’ heartfelt journey into caregiving for her mother.  (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

https://livingbydesign.ca#LivingByDesignAbout Tom Grant:Tom is an experienced Occupational Therapist, registered with the College of Occupational Therapists, BC and a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. He transitioned into healthcare after starting out working as an Elementary school teacher in England, before moving to BC over 20 years ago. He now shares his time between living and playing on the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver’s North Shore.Tom has worked in both the public health system and in private practice. He is on the Clinical Faculty at the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia, enjoying his role of mentoring future occupational therapists. He finds great satisfaction in supporting clients to achieve their goals, and in helping them to maintain autonomy and independence. He works with a diverse range of diagnostic population groups including people with traumatic brain injury, orthopedic injuries and dementia. Having had both professional and personal experience of working with people experiencing the challenges associated with aging and dementia, he understands the issues firsthand and he is motivated to find innovative ways to make a difference. Tom has taken several additional courses in home modifications and aging-in-place including the Canadian Home Builders Association’s Adaptiv Home Renovations course.Tom is a good listener and he brings empathy, creativity and a sense of humour to his work. In his downtime, he is a health and fitness enthusiast, running fitness bootcamps in the local community. He is also a father of three active kids and he can be spotted on the sidelines of soccer fields or whacking a field hockey ball on the weekends.

As Canada’s law surrounding the process of accessing Medical Assistance in Dying (M.A.I.D.) continues to evolve, it’s with great honour that this episode serves as a platform for Allan Forest's story of devotion and unparalleled love in shepherding his spouse’s decision to choose M.A.I.D...and how the experience has changed his life.   (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

Our first conversation with a medical professional—retired physician Carla Paetkau—who after years of guiding families through their trek with dementia found her own family having to shepherd and care for a loved one, and how her experience as a doctor helped process that journey with her mother as they embarked along the path together.   (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

According to the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, one in four Canadians currently identifies as a caregiver, and one in two will be caregivers at some point in their lives. We can be grateful for passionate souls such as Cindy Naude who—after overcoming personal adversity—now views her own “sunset career” in caregiving as a journey of the heart.    (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

What happens when the power of music allows those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia disorders to access their long-forgotten memories? In this episode with Bruce Devereux—who coordinates recreation programs in facility—we delve into how reconnections such as this permit individuals to feel “a part OF” as opposed to “apart from”, with some surprising benefits for those lucky enough to witness it!   (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

Our first guest conversation is with frontline health care provider Jan Lee who shares her insights, challenges and wins while engaging daily alongside those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia while working in facility. Jan’s experience parallels those faced by many family caregivers immersed in the “ground” game of caregiving for a loved one.   (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

From subtle changes in the language we invoke while in the presence of a loved one to presenting them with choices while those choices can still be made, there are countless ways we can respect and preserve that person’s autonomy.   (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

This episode highlights the need for primary caregivers to strike a balance between caring for their loved one and taking care of themselves by focusing on just a few examples of in-home respite and how caregivers’ self-care is essential.   (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)

In this first in a series of vignettes from a caregiver's perspective, Home Healthcare Network's BJ Doyle--drawing on his experience in shepherding his late partner's journey--shares his own approach in working alongside those with Alzeimer's Disease and other dementia disorders.   (*Content presented in the following podcast is for information purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and may not represent the views and opinions of Home Healthcare Network. Always consult with your physician for any medical advice and always consult with your attorney for any legal advice.)