Carla Velastegui began caring for her mother with Parkinson’s disease while still in high school, experiencing both the challenges and deep insights that caregiving can bring. In this episode, Carla shares how those early experiences shaped her life, her relationships, and her future. She discusses the ups and downs of her caregiving journey and how it inspired her career as a consultant working with organizations to adapt and implement technology to assist and transform the caregiving experience. 

About Carla: Carla Velastegui is a healthcare technologist and long-term caregiver whose early caregiving experiences continue to shape her work in healthcare, technology, and policy. Since her teenage years, she has cared for her mother, diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2010. This perspective informs the systems and solutions she helps design, with a commitment to placing patients, caregivers, and their supporters at the center. 

Known for her deep understanding of healthcare and technology, Carla is a dedicated advocate, global speaker, and thought leader in the caregiver community. She has led digital health initiatives, advised on policy and innovation strategies, and worked across startups, government, healthcare, and research organizations. She serves on the boards of Acclaim Health and YWCA Hamilton and holds advisory roles with the Parkinson’s Foundation, Canada’s Drug Agency, and other healthcare and research organizations.

Passionate about ethical, inclusive, and practical health technologies, Carla brings lived experience and professional expertise to conversations about caregiving, patient engagement, and equity, focusing on how AI and emerging technologies can help shape systems that reflect the realities of care.

Find Carla: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-velastegui/?originalSubdomain=ch

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!

http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

In this episode, we dive into the numbers behind caregiver mental health, sharing Canadian statistics that reveal just how many caregivers, including those who are working caregivers, face similar challenges. While it can often feel like you’re alone in your struggles, the truth is that far more people are experiencing the same difficulties than you may realize. Stephanie breaks down the facts to help you feel seen, supported, and connected in your caregiving journey.

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:

www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!

http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

In this episode, Stephanie explores a common question caregivers face: Do I need to change my entire routine to feel better if I am overwhelmed as a caregiver? When self-care feels overwhelming or unattainable, is a complete lifestyle overhaul the only answer-or can small, realistic steps make a real difference? Stephanie shares insights on what truly helps when you’re feeling stretched thin, offering practical ideas to support your well-being without adding more pressure.

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:

www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!

http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Dr. Adrianna Shnall, program director at the Baycrest Kochinsky Centre, has been a social worker and clinician in the field of aging and caregiving for over 30 years. In today’s episode, she shares her top learnings in the field, what she feels is the most noteworthy in the area of aging and caregiver mental health today, and what may be on the horizon for caregivers in the future.

Dr. Adriana Shnall: , PhD, MSW, RSW, serves as the Program Director of the Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Family Caregiving at Baycrest in Toronto. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Shnall has made significant contributions to the field of gerontology, working with older adults and their families across various settings, including outpatient community services, long-term care, and inpatient services. Her extensive experience and dedication to improving the lives of older adults have earned her prestigious recognitions, such as the Baycrest Outstanding Innovations Award and the Stephen Herbert Award for Excellence in Education. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Shnall is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. She teaches graduate courses related to “Caregiving and Aging” and “Aging and Health” at the Factor- Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and at the Institute for Life Course and Aging. Dr. Shnall is also deeply involved in advocacy and community service. She is a board member of the Petro Canada CareMakers Foundation, which supports family caregivers, and the Ontario Caregiver Coalition and participates in numerous local, provincial, and national advocacy tables. Her involvement in these organizations demonstrates her commitment to influencing policy and improving support systems for caregivers and older adults on a broader scale.

A respected speaker, Dr. Shnall frequently presents on topics related to family caregiving, aging, and dementia. Her presentations are informed by her rich background in clinical practice, education, research, and leadership. By sharing her insights and experiences, she empowers healthcare providers, family caregivers, and the general public to enhance their quality of life and that of the individuals they care for. Dr. Shnall’s work is characterized by a seamless integration of clinical practice, education, research, and leadership. Her holistic approach ensures that she addresses the multifaceted needs of older adults and their families, providing comprehensive support and innovative solutions. Her dedication to the field of geriatric care and her numerous contributions make her a leading figure in the area of family caregiving and aging.

Through her ongoing efforts, Dr. Adriana Shnall continues to make a significant impact on the lives of older adults, their families, and the professionals who serve them, ensuring that the quality of care and support available to this population is continually enhanced and improved.

Find Adrianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adriana-shnall-phd-msw-rsw-88b8a4150/?originalSubdomain=ca

C-CART: https://c-cart.baycrest.org/

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provid

Many of us have had the conversation- we vow to keep the person we care for home forever; We will never move them to a facility or otherwise... And then one day, reality hits, and we face the fact that we may not be able to follow through on this promise that once seemed feasible. 

In today’s episode, Jeanette Yates discusses how she navigated this exact situation with her own mother and what she learned in the process. She shares her experiences and learnings with listeners that are sure to leave you feeling validated, heard and understood.

About Jeanette:

Jeanette began caring for her mother at 8 years old. As a lifelong caregiver, she understands the challenges of balancing self-care with the demands of caring for others. She eventually discovered the power of prioritizing her own needs without sacrificing the care she provides to her loved ones. Jeanette started The Self-Caregiver to help caregivers take time for themselves, without being weighted down by guilt. Jeanette is the author of From Guilt To Good Enough: A Caregiver's Journey of Overcoming Burnout Through Healing Childhood Trauma. You can find her on Instagram (@theselfcaregiver), TikTok, and Substack (selfcaregiver.substack.com).

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Why would you even want to talk about or process the deep emotions? The painful thoughts or feelings that just feel too difficult to think about? In caregiving, isn’t it easier to just let these go and focus on the task of hand since things are already so stressful? 

In today’s episode, Stephanie answers these questions and talks about why therapy can be so helpful for caregivers and why doing some of the hard work can lead to very positive benefits ongoing.

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

In this episode, Stephanie shares some of the most memorable (frankly, ridiculous) things people have said to her while she was caring for her mother and following her mother’s passing. 

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Charles Morris has an incredible story, and we are so thankful he is sharing it on our podcast today. From not speaking to his mother for years, to forming a beautiful and meaningful relationship with her, to moving in with his parents and caring for them for years… And then a traumatic brain injury…. This is an episode you do not want to miss.

About Charles Morris:

Charlie Morris was a full time live-in caregiver for his mother as she died from dementia and cancer, during the peak of the Covid pandemic. He has turned his journal entries from that time into a book and podcast titled "Us At Our Worst". Charlie currently lives in Iowa City, Iowa where he spends as much time outside as possible and bothers his two adult children by checking in with them way too often. 

Find Charles Morris on instagram: @thevideoslab

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Canada is in dire need of a national caregiving strategy. And on today’s episode, we welcome James Janeiro, director of policy and government relations at the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE), a program of the Azrieli Foundation, to discuss what he and the CCCE are tirelessly working on to make this dream a reality. If you have ever wondered how policies come into effect and what it takes behind the scenes to make this happen (and how a Canadian caregiver strategy may be closer than ever before) listen now!

About James:

James Janeiro is a public policy and advocacy professional with over a decade of experience in politics, policy and government relations. As director of policy and government relations at the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, James leads an ambitious national and pan-Canadian advocacy and policy development agenda focused on substantive and practical reform.

He began his career in the Ontario Public Service working on disability legislation. He then transitioned to the political policy space and served two successive Ontario ministers of community and social services as senior policy advisor on social assistance, poverty, disability, and veterans’ issues.

In 2014, James assumed a new role serving Premier Kathleen Wynne as her social policy advisor. In this position, he was responsible for a diverse array of policy areas, including poverty reduction, housing, the Basic Income Pilot, disability issues, autism services and municipal affairs. In 2018, James left government for a senior role in the not-for-profit sector. He was director of community engagement and policy at Community Living Toronto from 2018 to 2022. In this role, James developed and executed advocacy strategies focused on housing, income security, and service improvement.

He holds an honours BA in political science, history, and languages and a master’s in public policy from the University of Toronto. James lives in Toronto with his wife, dog and two cats.

Find the CCCE: https://canadiancaregiving.org/
On instagram: @canadiancaregiving

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

In today’s episode, caregiver @debbieelkins , shares her story caring for her husband Chuck with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), and discusses how @theaftd  supported her during both her caregiving journey, and provided her a sense of purpose through volunteer and advocacy. AFTD’s director of support and education, Esther Kane, also joins us on today’s insightful episode to discuss all that AFTD provides currently, how they support caregivers and those with an FTD diagnosis, and what may be on the horizon for the organization and the FTD landscape.

About Debbie Elkins: 

Debbie Elkins is a care partner for her husband, Chuck, who is living with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), a proud mother of three daughters and a grandmother of six. She is deeply committed to advocacy and education, volunteering with The Association for

Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) as an Ambassador and support group leader, and serving as a voting member of the West Virginia State Dementia Task Force. Through her efforts, she strives to raise awareness, support affected families, and contribute to the development of a stronger, more informed future for those impacted by dementia. You can theaftdconnect with Debbie on Instagram @debbieelkins

About Esther Kane:

Esther Kane, MSN, RN-CDP, has been serving as the Director of Support and Education at AFTD since November 2020. With a rich background in dementia care, Esther previously held the position of Director of Nursing at several long-term care facilities specializing in the care of individuals with dementia. Her expertise in clinical dementia care, combined with her deep commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care for those living with neurological conditions, drives her work at AFTD. Esther is dedicated to ensuring that every person affected by Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) has access to the support and care they need. She is also passionate about educating healthcare professionals to enhance diagnosis and care, underscoring the critical role of education and training throughout the entire process from diagnosis on. 

Find the AFTD website here: https://www.theaftd.org/
Find the AFTD on Instagram here: @theaftd

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*