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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
Normal Life Plus Caregiving
This episode offers valuable insights to both caregivers and non-caregivers, featuring valuable tips from Rebekah Dowhy for those who aren't caregivers but want to lend a hand.
Rebekah's journey into caregiving began at birth, as her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis the same year she was born. Growing up, Rebekah, along with her dad, took care of her mom. Through this experience, she learned the critical importance of support and the need for respite breaks. (You’ll hear how for Rebekah, even a two-hour break with peers felt like a much-needed vacation.) This inspired her, and after many years of caring for her mom, eventually seeing her home to heaven, Rebekah founded the Caregiving Support Network (CSN).
Respite is essential for caregivers, as without it, they risk facing overwhelming stress, depression, and burnout. Understanding this need, Rebekah established the nonprofit program to offer both respite and practical support for caregivers. The Caregiving Support Network (CSN) also extends support post-caregiving, such as with resume writing, recognizing that caregivers acquire numerous new skills and abilities through their experiences that can help when it’s time to return to the career they had pre-caregiving.
For more information from Rebekah, here's her website:
Caregiving Support Network
The activity books Rebekah spoke about are available through Ways 2 Wellness
Here's the video "Things Not to Say" that we spoke about.
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