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
The Must-Have Talk for Caregivers
Today's guest, Amy Friesen, is a best-selling author and expert in the senior living industry and she has worked with seniors and their families throughout the world. She shares how she and her family used 'the talk' to open the door for her father-in-law to come and live with them.
Amy founded Tea & Toast in 2014 to help seniors and their families gain access to better choices and reduce the stress and feeling of being overwhelmed; and she has learned the importance for folks with aging parents to have 'The Talk'. In this episode we hear about the benefits of having the talk to remove the guess work in what your loved one's wishes are. We hear how it's also important to know which questions to ask and what your options are when navigating eldercare.
Through Tea & Toast Amy and her team have a unique method of assisting those who are navigating the retirement living industry - saving families countless hours. This personalized service advocates for clients' personal needs and wants, while simultaneously ensuring that their short-term and long-term goals, as well as care needs, are planned for.
Amy has been recognized by the House of Commons for her 2018 Businesswoman of the Year Award as well as being a 2019 Forty Under 40 recipient.
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