Best Stephanie Muskat Podcasts (2025)

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The Hidden Truths About Long-Term Care and What it will take to Create a Better Future in the Long-Term Care System with Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos (Episode 138) 51:32

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3h ago51:32

51:32

Vivian Stamatopoulos - advocate, professor, and long-time researcher in the field of caregiving and long-term care-joins the podcast to uncover the hidden truths about our long-term care system. Vivian shares what she realized during COVID about the nursing home crisis, where long-term care stands today, and the significant changes needed to improv…

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Caregiving as a teenager for a mother with Parkinson’s disease and informing her career using technology to help others through caregiving experiences, with Carla Velastegui (Episode 137) 38:03

6d ago38:03

38:03

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 ho…

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The Statistics Behind Caregiver Mental Health: You’re Not Alone (Episode 136) 5:22

13d ago5:22

5:22

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 yo…

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Do I need to change my entire routine to feel better as a caregiver? (Episode 135) 9:48

20d ago9:48

9:48

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 tr…

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What does the research show when it comes to caregiver mental health and is there hope on the horizon, with Dr. Adrianna Shnall (Episode 134) 46:34

30d ago46:34

46:34

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 hor…

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What if I promised the person I care for that I would always keep them at home, yet now I need to move them to a facility or other location, with Jeanette Yates (Episode 133) 39:25

1M ago39:25

39:25

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 …

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What is the purpose of a caregiver processing deep emotions in therapy (isn’t it better to just let these things go as life is already so stressful?) (Episode 132) 9:04

1M ago9:04

9:04

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 c…

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Some of the WILD things people have said to me as a caregiver and following my mom’s passing (Episode 131) 10:02

2M ago10:02

10:02

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/compas…

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From not speaking, to forming a close relationship and caregiving for both his parents (for years), with Charles Morris (Episode 130) 42:12

2M ago42:12

42:12

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. Abo…

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The need for a national caregiving strategy in Canada, government-level advocacy and policy change and the hope on the horizon, with James Janeiro (Episode 129) 41:19

2M ago41:19

41:19

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…

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All about the Association of Frontal Temporal Degeneration (AFTD) including what they do, who they help, and where they hope to go next, with Esther Kane and Debbie Elkins (Episode 128) 44:37

2M ago44:37

44:37

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 t…

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Do I even need a power of attorney document and/or advanced directives? (Episode 127) 12:04

3M ago12:04

12:04

This is not commonly provided education so do not worry if this is all new or confusing! Most people are confused about powers of attorney, advanced directives and wills and why they can be extremely important/ what they can help with. In today’s episode, Stephanie discusses her perspectives on having a power of attorney document and what she has s…

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People no longer visit the person I care for (Episode 126) 10:08

3M ago10:08

10:08

This is a common scenario- perhaps when there was an initial diagnosis, people showed up and offered support and over time they stopped coming as often or at all. Or maybe even at the time of diagnosis people did not visit. Whatever the case may be, if you are finding that no one visits, this episode is for you. Stephanie breaks down the most commo…

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The gaps in dementia and aging care in Canada, a defined dementia pathway and the path forward, with Dr. Saskia Sivananthan (Episode 125) 51:54

3M ago51:54

51:54

If you have ever faced navigating the healthcare system through a dementia diagnosis, you know the difficulties that can be faced. A confusing path to navigate, difficulties receiving diagnoses, often not knowing what comes next and staying up-to-date and confident in the way forward. In today’s episode, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Saskia Sivanan…

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Strain and conflict we can experience in a romantic relationship while also caregiving for a parent, child, sibling or other family member, with Barry Jacobs and Julie Mayer (Episode 124) 42:08

3M ago42:08

42:08

Caring for someone can add complexity and conflict in a romantic relationship. Whether your partner disagrees with your decisions and beliefs regarding caregiving or whether they feel you are not present for them the way you once were, this is for any caregiver experiencing changes in a romantic relationship. Barry Jacobs and his wife Julie Mayer a…

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Talking all about ANGER and resentment in caregiving (Episode 123) 10:39

4M ago10:39

10:39

What leads to anger and resentment in caregiving and is there anything you can do to help prevent or mitigate these very intense, and sometimes overpowering, emotions? Today Stephanie talks about what can commonly trigger feelings of anger and resentment in caregiving and provides some realistic strategies to help you through these emotions while c…

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Guilt for not being able to do ‘it all’ while caring for multiple people and balancing other responsibilities (Episode 122) 7:46

4M ago7:46

7:46

Do you care for multiple family members or friends? Do you feel like you are not doing all you ultimately ‘should be’ doing given the limitations of caring for multiple people (plus potentially working and other responsibilities)? In today’s episode, Stephanie discusses this element of guilt and what happens & what you can do about being pulled in …

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From caring for her mom with frontotemporal dementia, to creating a film and advocating to normalize the caregiving experience, with Katie Prentiss (Episode 121) 42:28

4M ago42:28

42:28

After being thrust into the world of caregiving and caring for her mom with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Katie Prentiss saw the need to share the caregiver experience with others, both those who could relate or those who did not understand and could learn. With her upcoming feature film, Wake up Maggie, Katie has made it her mission to bring care…

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Guilt about moving someone to a facility when you promised them you would always keep them at ‘home’, with Susanne White (Episode 120) 32:56

4M ago32:56

32:56

In today’s episode, Stephanie speaks to Susanne White (Caregiver Warrior) about the one thing that brought her tremendous guilt for many years after the passing of her parents: transferring them to a facility after promising she would keep them at home. Susanne discusses the situation that led to this change in her caregiving path, and how she now …

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Being questioned about your involvement as a caregiver (Episode 119) 11:34

4M ago11:34

11:34

Have you ever had your caregiving or involvement as a caregiver questioned? This can STING. You have spent so much time and energy providing care and suddenly someone is questioning what you have done or how you have done it. Or maybe you have finally implemented boundaries in your caregiving and people are pushing back and commenting on you and yo…

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WE ARE BACK FOR SEASON 5! 7:10

5M ago7:10

7:10

Welcome back to Caregiver’s Compass! We cannot believe we are already on season 5 and we have some incredible guests coming your way. In this episode Stephanie introduces this season and briefly discusses her mom’s recent passing after many years of caregiving. Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support: www.compassionin…

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TOP episodes of season 4! 6:18

12M ago6:18

6:18

We are back and covering the most listened-to episode of season 4! Here is a recap: 5) Episode 105: What exactly is ‘Caregiver Burnout’? 4) Episode 95: Yes, eating disorders can very much be related to caregiving- with Kyla Fox 3) Episode 93: ‘My parent has poor health habits but refuses any of my support or suggestions for change’ 2) Episode 94: S…

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Debunking the common misconceptions behind ‘palliative care’ and advocating for awareness about palliative care and MAID, with Dr. Samantha Winemaker (Episode 117) 56:46

1y ago56:46

56:46

Palliative care: a term we often hear in our communities and in the healthcare system. But do we actually know what the term palliative care means for us and the people we care for? In today’s enlightening episode, palliative care physician, Dr. Samantha Winemaker, talks to Stephanie about this very important topic in addition to concepts surroundi…

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Dementia prevention, women’s brain health and the power to improve your health NOW and for the future, with Lynn Posluns (Episode 116) 44:19

1y ago44:19

44:19

Lynn Posluns dedicates her life to women’s brain health, education and research for prevention and improvement that you can make in your life right now. In today’s episode, Lynn provides insightful and valuable information on brain health and talks about her ‘why’ for founding the WBHI. She additionally goes into detail about the many ways WBHI is …

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Caregiving while balancing a career at the same time (Episode 115) 10:09

1y ago10:09

10:09

Are you caregiving and working at the same time? This very real and very common situation is also very hidden and not talked about enough… But when you take the stress of home and everything you have to balance with the person you care for ON TOP of a career and working, the stress and overwhelm can be above and beyond what you may feel is manageab…

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Let’s talk about the nursing home transition… (Episode 114) 12:13

1y ago12:13

12:13

The nursing home transition can be very very hard, not only for the person who is moving to the residence, but for the caregiver too (in a big way). In today’s episode, Stephanie talks about this transition, the emotions behind nursing home transitions for caregivers and some helpful strategies that can help along the way. We want your feedback. Le…

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Who is the CEO behind the Ontario Caregiver Organization and how is the OCO working with caregivers to provide the diverse support they need when they need it? With Amy Coupal (Episode 113) 39:05

1y ago39:05

39:05

There are over 4 million caregivers in Ontario, yet the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), a government funded organization aimed to support this wide variety of caregivers, is still relatively new. In today’s episode, OCO CEO, Amy Coupal joins Stephanie on the podcast to talk about who she is behind her vocation, her caregiving experiences and …

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Caregiving and navigating the healthcare system with both a neurotypical child and a child with autism and a rare genetic disease AND recognizing the true need for self-care along the way after extreme ... 43:36

1y ago43:36

43:36

Nicole Dauz imagined an idyllic future for her family of 4 after giving birth to her baby daughter. She soon realized that her vision of what would be looked very different in reality. In today’s episode, Nicole takes us through her journey caregiving for her kids, learning about navigating the system and care for a child with autism and a rare gen…

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Holidays and events are so hard since the loss of/ changes have transpired in my loved one (Episode 111) 10:00

1y ago10:00

10:00

The first, second, third…. times we experience a holiday or an event since changes or the loss of someone we love can be so hard. These moments and the anticipation of them can be so full of loss and grief and memories of what once was. In today’s episode, Stephanie talks about these moments, what they can feel like and what we can start to do to p…

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I really wish I had a sibling to help me in my caregiving (Episode 110) 8:08

1y ago8:08

8:08

As an only child, for many years Stephanie thought that having a sibling by her side would really help in the caregiving process. But after working with caregivers for many years, she soon realized that this is not always the case. In today’s episode, Stephanie walks listeners through some scenarios when sibling conflict was more prevalent than sup…

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Pushing forward, breaking boundaries and achieving an outstanding career in modeling while caring for her mother with early onset FTD, with Nicole Petrie (Episode 109) 46:02

1y ago46:02

46:02

Nicole Petrie is not a person who is easily describable with words. Using her passion for FTD advocacy and surpassing numerous obstacles and limits in her way, she achieved an outstanding career in modeling, featured in some of the largest publications and on the largest platforms worldwide. In today’s episode, Nicole talks about her journey caring…

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Moving countries and caregiving for her grandmother with cancer and her mom with dementia as an only child, and the lessons learned along the way, with Katrina Prescott (Episode 108) 40:57

1y ago40:57

40:57

When Katrina Prescott left her commercial production role in New York City and returned to British Columbia as she was faced with the realities of her aging grandmother. Little did she know, almost immediately following her grandmother’s passing, she would become a full on solo caregiver for her mother with FTD. In today’s episode, Katrina takes yo…

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Becoming more aware of our thoughts as caregivers, with Jessica Smith (Episode 107) 37:33

1y ago37:33

37:33

As people, we have thousands and thousands of thoughts each and every day. But do you truly recognize your thoughts and are you aware of the thoughts you are having? How are your thoughts impacting you and your daily life as a caregiver? In this episode, Jessica and Stephanie talk about the importance of noticing our thoughts and how this practice …

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Let’s talk about the driver’s license (Episode 106) 15:38

1y ago15:38

15:38

The driver’s license and cognitive or physical impairment. Something that, unless you’ve experienced it, you can never fully understand. The battle and the ethics and the nuances to exploring safety vs. autonomy and taking the path of least resistance. What in the world do we do when we are faced with the reality that it may be time to confront the…

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What exactly is Caregiver Burnout? (Episode 105) 11:22

1y ago11:22

11:22

We hear about this term, caregiver burnout, so often. But what exactly is ‘burnout’ and how do we get there? What can we do to try and prevent or mitigate burnout? In today’s episode, Stephanie takes it back to basics to talk about this commonly used term and what it means. We want your feedback. Let us know how you liked today’s episode! Rate, rev…

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Parenting after the devastating loss of an infant- continuing to care while growing a successful business and determining her own needs in processing substantial grief- with Caitlin Melvin (Episode 104 ... 38:16

1+ y ago38:16

38:16

Caitlin Melvin’s life changed forever in 2021 when her 3 week old baby Scottie passed away. Having to continue caring for her young son in the face of grief, Caitlin learned how to navigate a situation she never thought she would face. In today’s episode, Caitlin talks about feeling substantial pain and having to continue on while growing her famil…

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Finding herself again after substantial loss: continuing on and locating meaning after a long chapter as a care partner to both parents- with Patti LaFleur (Episode 103) 53:27

1+ y ago53:27

53:27

Patti LaFleur (known as misspatticake on social media) has become a well-known figure in the caregiving space. After leaving her teaching job of many years, she dedicated her life to caring for her father and her mother Linda, diagnosed with dementia. Documenting her journey daily, Patti and Linda were an inspiration and a real view on the happines…

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Using music and art as a method of coping and growth while caregiving for her spouse with Lewy body dementia - with Mary Lou Falcone (Episode 102) 50:52

1+ y ago50:52

50:52

Mary Lou Falcone lived a life of sophistication and excitement as a prominent figure in the classical music space, her husband a well-known artist. Using music throughout her life helped as a means of expressing herself and proved to be paramount when her husband was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia- at a time in her life that was shocking and une…

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I no longer want to engage in sex or intimacy with my partner who I care for (Episode 101) 13:01

1+ y ago13:01

13:01

Do you ever feel completely removed, turned off or differently in general about your partner who you care for? Do you notice that you no longer want to engage in intimacy with your partner because of the changes in your relationship and the dynamic as a result of your caregiving? In today’s episode, Stephanie touches upon the topic of sex as a care…

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An informative look at our ‘crumbling’ healthcare system, its shortcomings , achievements and what we need to focus on shifting to benefit the future of our caregivers and those they care for- with Andr ... 46:21

1+ y ago46:21

46:21

For 43 years André Picard has been at the forefront of health journalism and health reporting for The Globe and Mail. In today’s episode, André takes a deep dive into the reality of our healthcare system and its impact on caregivers and the people they care for. André compares and contrasts the Canadian system in relation to systems in other nation…

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How caregiving for 3 family members concurrently drove her to create innovative tools for other caregivers, with Debbie Compton (Episode 99) 36:04

1+ y ago36:04

36:04

Debbie Compton and her husband cared for 3 family members at the same time. It was during this balance that she recognized exceptionally innovative ways to navigate presenting difficulties and stressors. She has since adapted these innovations and techniques for other caregivers to help them through their journeys. Debbie is a positive and truly in…

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Exploring potentially unknown networks of support and community, mitigating feelings of isolation and loneliness and fostering connection by using the Atlas CareMap- with Rajiv Mehta (Episode 98) 40:47

1+ y ago40:47

40:47

In today’s episode, Rajiv Mehta talks about his non profit organization, Atlas of Caregiving, and his revolutionary mapping tool the Atlas CareMap which has been taught to and used by groups around the world. Rajiv explores how the Atlas CareMap tool can truly impact the lives of caregivers by helping them gain a fuller awareness of their own selve…

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Examining our expectations of respite care: setting ourselves up for success when it comes to maximizing our respite experiences and outcomes (Episode 97) 8:20

1+ y ago8:20

8:20

You work so hard to organize and plan respite care so that you can get that long awaited and very needed break, but your expectations and hopes fall short of what you were hoping for, and suddenly you find yourself frustrated, angry and even more depleted. In episode 97 of Caregiver’s Compass, Stephanie talks about expectations and realities of res…

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Learning from significant burnout- how incorporating care for self (even in the smallest ways) is a necessity when it comes to caregiving and grief, with Nikki Nurse (Episode 96) 43:34

1+ y ago43:34

43:34

Nikki Nurse learned what burnout in caregiving can look like when she broke 2 of her limbs while caring for her mother. It was at that time that she realized the true importance of incorporating self-care and working to minimize and prevent burnout as an essential part of caregiving. In today’s episode, Nikki shares her story of caregiving and cont…

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Yes, eating disorders can very much be related to caregiving- with Kyla Fox (Episode 95) 43:48

1+ y ago43:48

43:48

Did you know that eating disorders, at their core, have very little to do with how you look? In this insightful episode, social worker and therapist, Kyla Fox , identifies what an eating disorder is, how it can present in one’s life and how it can be related to and triggered by caregiving. If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disord…

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Supporting Family Caregivers in Healthcare Through Research, Education and in Practice with Dr. Jasneet Parmar (Episode 94) 40:42

1+ y ago40:42

40:42

Caregivers are aware there are significant gaps in our healthcare system, yet some of the answers to these gaps are found in supporting and providing education to the healthcare workers on the front lines. It was not until recently that Dr. Jasneet Parmar and her team sought to change the landscape of caregivers in healthcare and began to create an…

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‘My parent has poor health habits but refuses any of my support or suggestions for change’ (Episode 93) 14:02

1+ y ago14:02

14:02

So you have identified what needs to change when it comes to your parent’s care or habits, or you have recognized the risks in their current lifestyle choices and want to ensure they stay safe and healthy. But whenever you approach them to talk about this, they are either entirely resistant, or refuse to talk about this. Or maybe they are open to e…

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How to Care for the Caregiver (Episode 92) 16:52

1+ y ago16:52

16:52

We all know about the caregiver and the intense care they can provide around the clock. But when it comes to caring for the caregiver themselves, what might they need? How do we support and care for the caregiver who is doing it all? Should you pull back and leave them alone in all this and give them space to come to you or should you show up at th…

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Top 5 episodes of season 3! 9:52

2y ago9:52

9:52

There were so many incredible episodes this season and today Stephanie recaps the most listened to episodes of season 3. This entire season we have also highlighted quotes from our guests and these will be available on one beautiful free PDF the week of January 8th! To download all of these that you can print or keep with you, visit our website (ww…

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The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, advocating for change in the caregiving landscape, and balancing life as a mom and caregiver to others, with Liv Mendelsohn (episode 91) 33:11

2y ago33:11

33:11

1 in 4 in Canada are presently caregivers and this number is expected to increase to 1 in 2 in the coming years. Yet our healthcare system is not equipped to support the family caregiver or the private caregiver in a way that prevents collapse. A national healthcare strategy is needed. Enter the CCCE, spearheaded by director Liv Mendelsohn, this or…