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
Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Two Poems from Sarah Merriman
In the full episode entitled "Roadblocks and Signposts for Caregivers", Sarah Merriman talked about her poetry and reminiscence sessions for people living with dementia; and that she is a poet herself!
Sarah was willing to share two of her heart-felt poems in this mini episode. The first is called "Dad". It is a loving tribute to her father who was a single father. Sarah tells us about the backstory of the relationship She had with her father and with her Nana and why their bond and Sarah's devotion as her caregiver was so deep.
Her second poem is called "Hope" and it is a poem of understanding for caregivers; and Sarah offers compassionate hope and support through her written words. May I add, this compassionate hope is carried through how she supports caregivers in the work she does as a freeland dementia consultant.
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