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
Thinking Ahead About Alzheimer's and Care Needs with Betsy Haddad
Betsy Haddad has returned to the podcast to share some exciting news on the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. Since the passing of her beloved dad, Edward, Betsy has had time to reflect on his suffering and that has channeled her grief into activism in the fight against the disease. Betsy is a member of Generation X and she grew up in the era of 80's music. She has two wonderful adult sons who are the light of her life. In her spare time, Betsy loves to sing - performing occasionally at local restaurants with her friend on keyboard. She also sings with the Orlando Episcopal Cathedral church choir.
In this episode you will hear about a blood test (still in its trial stages) that measures protein levels, believed to be a tool to detect Alzheimer's early on. Betsy, herself, has had the blood test so you'll want to hear her take on what this means for her.
Betsy shares about GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) designed to support people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers and how this test model provides a care navigator who is in charge of the person with the diagnosis' care, supports the caregiver and provides opportunities for respite care for the caregiver. Betsy also mentioned RIPPL through Alzheimer's Association.
We also hear from Betsy, who works as a consultant in the health insurance industry, about an important distinction between long-term care insurance and hybrid long-term care insurance.
Betsy doesn't just talk about her wish to improve the future for others; she puts her words into action by participating in research to advance the science and she's connecting folks to resources that she has discovered through and since her caregiving journey.
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