The Hart Of It All with Teri Hart

The hidden crisis in Canadian seniors' care: why so many wait in limbo and how for-profit chains profit at their expenseImagine a system where 70% of long-term care homes are owned by private corporations, yet they profit from taxpayer dollars meant for vulnerable seniors. Meanwhile, over 50,000 Ontarians await a spot in these facilities, living in hospitals, transitional units, or at home, often in dangerous limbo. Is this the care Canada prides itself on?Melissa Miller, an elder law expert and advocate for seniors, pulls back the curtain on systemic failures, including underfunded staffing, maintenance shortcuts, and the profit motive that jeopardizes quality of life. She reveals how COVID laid bare these vulnerabilities and explains the complex maze families are forced to navigate: the distinctions between retirement communities, long-term care, and nursing homes, and why the lines blur when escalating needs arise. With jaw-dropping insights, Melissa details how for-profit chains cut corners on infrastructure, how government inspections often fail, and why the entire funding model is broken.Discover why choices matter, from the realities of aging in place to the risky waitlist for long-term care. You'll learn practical strategies to recognize quality care, including what to look for beyond fancy lobbies and luxe amenities. Melissa shares transparent resources to look up licensing and inspection reports, empowering families to advocate fiercely. And as demand for seniors’ care continues to grow, her insights are a wake-up call for policy change and community action.Whether you're a caregiver, a concerned family member, or someone planning your future, this episode exposes the urgent need to rethink aging and elder care before more lives are caught in the cracks of a deeply flawed system. If you believe care should prioritize dignity over profit, this episode is essential listening.Get ready to question everything you thought you knew about seniors’ care and discover how you can help push for transparency, accountability, and real reform.--Resources: Watch the Documentary "Stolen Time" featuring Melissa: NFB Website: https://www.nfb.ca/film/stolen-time/Prime Video: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0QMXDD9IRP9J5KYAXT0S2GUUEOFollow Melissa Miller:Website: https://hshlawyers.com/team/melissa-millerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/millermelawyer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-miller-16524320/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodWebsite: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/Follow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.__🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The housing crisis can feel especially frightening for senior women living alone. With rising rents, limited pension income, and few affordable options, the question of where and how to live can become urgent very quickly.In this episode, Teri Hart speaks with Pat Dunn, founder of Senior Women Living Together, about her own experience facing housing insecurity and the community-based solution she created in response.Teri and Pat discuss why so many senior women are financially vulnerable, how caregiving and the gender pension gap contribute to the problem, and why shared living can offer affordability, safety, friendship, and dignity.This episode is for anyone worried about the cost of aging, supporting an older woman through housing decisions, or looking for hopeful alternatives to aging alone.__This episode is sponsored by RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. This content is provided for general information only and is not intended to provide any advice nor endorsements/recommendations. All opinions and views expressed by the speaker(s) are not representative of views and opinions of RBC Wealth Management. All Information and opinions provided in this podcast are in good faith of the speaker(s), but without legal responsibility for RBC Wealth Management.A longer life means planning for the longer run. And that requires more than just financial foresight. It takes a plan that encompasses health, wellness and finances. That’s why RBC Wealth Management partners with leading organizations to help Canadians maneuver each of life’s stages with peace of mind and confidence. Learn more at: RBC Wealth Management: http://rbcwm.com/Aging Well Hub: http://rbcwm.com/agingwell__Resources: Follow Senior Women Living TogetherWebsite: https://swlt.ca/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576221544918Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swlt.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/senior-women-living-together-swlt/Single Seniors For Tax Fairness: https://www.singleseniorsfortaxfairness.com/Seniors Social Action Ontario: https://www.seniorsactionontario.com/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodWebsite: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/Follow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.__🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money is one of the hardest parts of caregiving to talk about, but it is also one of the most important.In this episode of The Hart of It All, Teri Hart sits down with longtime personal finance expert Rob Carrick for part one of a two-part conversation about the financial realities of aging, caregiving, and planning for the future. From aging in place to retirement homes, long-term care, home equity, personal support workers, and the hidden costs families often do not see coming, Rob explains why the question is not just “What do we want?” but “What can we realistically afford?”Rob also shares a practical financial checklist for adult children supporting aging parents, including what to know about joint bank accounts, monthly expenses, power of attorney, investments, taxes, beneficiaries, and current ID. It is a conversation about preparation, clarity, and having the money talks before a crisis forces your hand.Whether you are caring for a parent now or trying to plan ahead, this episode will help you understand the financial decisions that can shape care, housing, and peace of mind. And because there is so much to cover, Rob will be back next week for part two, where he and Teri dive deeper into RRIFs, home equity lines of credit, reverse mortgages, and the tax implications families need to understand.Resources: Follow Rob Carrick:Website: https://robcarrick.ca/Substack: https://robcarrickpf.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-carrick-66a6a017/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodWebsite: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/Follow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lot of people dealing with dementia caregiving quietly wonder: Is it supposed to feel this overwhelming?Troy McCallum understands the kind of exhaustion that comes from constantly being “on” for someone you love.As his mother’s dementia progressed, Troy found himself trying to manage everything at once: the confusion, the wandering, the emotional volatility, the constant fear that something could go wrong. He was exhausted, anxious, and running on adrenaline for so long that his own health began to suffer.In this episode of The Hart of It All, Troy opens up about the reality so many caregivers live behind closed doors. The guilt of setting boundaries. The pressure to always be available. The feeling that your own life is slowly disappearing while you try to hold someone else’s together.From using smart home devices, cameras, and AirTags to help his mom stay safe, to learning when he needed to step back and protect his own well-being, Troy shares the practical strategies that made caregiving feel more manageable.Troy speaks candidly about navigating long-term care, managing the emotional toll of dementia, and the importance of recognizing your own limits before burnout takes over.If you’ve ever felt isolated, burnt out, resentful, scared, or like you’re failing at caregiving because you can’t do it all perfectly, this episode will feel deeply familiar. More importantly, it may help you feel a little less alone.Troy is a media professional and the creator/host of DEMENCHATS, an Instagram account documenting the everyday realities of dementia caregiving with honesty, humour, and compassion.Resources:VON Home and Community Care:https://www.von.ca/enFollow Troy McCallum & DEMENCHATS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demenchatsTo watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodWebsite: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/Follow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.-🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to caring for aging parents, siblings can be the hardest part.You might agree on everything for years, and then suddenly you’re facing decisions about care, money, or where your parent should live and nothing feels simple anymore. Old dynamics resurface, tensions build, and conversations that should bring you together can start to pull you apart.In this episode of The Hart of It All, Teri sits down with family dynamics expert Dr. Amy D’Aprix to unpack why caregiving can turn siblings into what she calls “business partners you didn’t ask for” and how to navigate it without damaging the relationships that matter most.This episode is for you if you’re feeling frustrated with a sibling, carrying more than your share of the caregiving load, or unsure how to have conversations that don’t spiral. It’s also for you if you want to get ahead of conflict before it starts.Dr. Amy brings clarity to what can feel incredibly messy, sharing practical ways to start honest conversations, find common ground, and ask for help without resentment taking over. You’ll also hear about the “40–70 rule” for starting these conversations earlier than most families do, and why it’s never too late to begin.Because caregiving doesn’t just impact your parents. It shapes the relationship you’ll have with your siblings long after they’re gone.Resources:Download Dr. Amy's Caregiving Task Planner: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ux37Nh2tbFheByEXYTybn2S88wGR6MDM/view?usp=sharingDownload Dr. Amy's "Essential Conversation Process" Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/14l0w2UKGEOl8bGD18Z-KUdIyIg3OuMIn/view?usp=sharingFollow Dr. Amy D'Aprix:Website: https://www.dramy.life/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramydaprixTo watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.-🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people don’t realize how much caregiving reshapes you until you are living it. When sportscaster Evanka Osmak’s mother was diagnosed with ALS, everything changed quickly. What followed was a period of intense caregiving, difficult decisions, and the emotional weight of watching someone you love decline.In this episode, Evanka reflects on that time with honesty and clarity. She shares what it looked like to balance her career with being present for her mom, Jeanne, and how she navigated the uncertainty and pressure that often comes with end-of-life care. She also speaks to the ways she coped, including moments where she found herself compartmentalizing just to get through the day.Evanka’s experience is also at the heart of her new book, "When the Game Changes: Losing My Mum and Finding Myself", where she explores her mother’s illness and death, and the unexpected role hockey played in helping her reconnect with herself. In this conversation, she opens up about finding small but meaningful pockets of relief, and why those moments mattered more than she ever expected.We also talk about the importance of honest conversations around end-of-life wishes, the role of community during overwhelming times, and the reality that caregiving is not something you are meant to do alone. Evanka shares what helped her navigate that period and what it looked like to keep showing up through it.This is a grounded, deeply human conversation about love, loss, and what it means to keep going when life asks everything of you. If you are supporting someone through illness, or trying to make sense of your own experience with grief and caregiving, there is a lot here that will stay with you.Resources: Read Evanka's new book, "When the Game Changes: Losing My Mum and Finding Myself"https://www.amazon.ca/When-Game-Changes-Losing-Finding-ebook/dp/B0FCG5TVT9https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/when-the-game-changes-losing-my-mum-and-finding-myself/9781668057926.htmlFollow Evanka Osmak: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evankaosmak/Website: https://www.evankaosmak.com/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aging in place is something most Canadians want, but making it possible takes more than good intentions. In this practical and reassuring conversation, Teri Hart is joined by Deb Galet, President and CEO of Baycrest Hospital and Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged, to talk about what it really takes for older adults to live safely and independently at home.Drawing on her background as an occupational therapist and healthcare leader, Deb breaks down the physical, cognitive, and environmental factors that can make aging in place more successful. From stairs, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and lighting to decluttering, fall prevention, and home safety assessments, she shares clear, actionable advice for seniors and caregivers alike.Deb also speaks candidly about the realities of caregiving, why planning ahead matters, and how small changes now can make a meaningful difference later. Whether you are supporting an aging parent, thinking about your own future, or simply trying to better understand what aging in place actually involves, this episode is full of helpful guidance, expert insight, and compassionate perspective.__This episode of The Hart of It All is brought to you by Capital Direct. The Capital Direct Flexi Line™ turns your home equity into flexible support, so you can arrange the care your family deserves now and pay it back when the time is right.Please visit: https://www.capitaldirect.ca/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hart-of-it-allBC AN #101742 | Ontario Mortgage Broker Licence #10549 | Admin Licence #11408 | Alberta MW-9811291 | Nova Scotia 10769862Best 10 Year Return in the Mortgage Funds Category as at June 30, 2025.Resources: Baycrest Hospital + Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged:https://www.baycrest.org/all-entities/hospital-long-term-care/College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario:https://www.coto.org/Ontario Health At Home: https://ontariohealthathome.ca/Home First from Hospital to Home - Info Sheet:https://ontariohealthathome.ca/document/champlain-home-first-fact-sheet-english/Follow Deb Galet at Baycrest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baycrest/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baycrestcentre/Website: https://www.baycrest.org/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taylor Kaye became a caregiver overnight when her husband, Greg, suffered a devastating stroke in 2022. In this deeply honest conversation with Teri Hart, she shares what it means to navigate life after a sudden stroke while also raising three daughters, working full time, and adjusting to the unexpected realities of becoming a family caregiver.Taylor opens up about the shock of those early hospital days, the pressure of making life-altering medical decisions, and the responsibility of advocating for a loved one within an overwhelmed healthcare system. She also reflects on the emotional toll of stroke caregiving, the challenges of navigating recovery and long-term care, and why caregivers urgently need more support, empathy, and practical resources.This episode offers an unfiltered look at caregiving after a catastrophic health event, and at the resilience it takes to keep moving forward when life changes in an instant.__This episode of The Hart of it All is brought to you by Capital Direct. Since 2006, Capital Direct One Income Trust has been investing in and supporting Canadian families and homeowners. The Capital Direct One Income Trust may be a perfect addition to your portfolio. Their proven track record has been recognized by the Canadian Hedge Fund Awards for Best 10 Year Return* and is eligible for qualified investment accounts including TFSA, RESP and RRSP. For more information, visit incometrustone.comBest 10 Year Return in the Mortgage Funds Category as at June 30, 2025.Please visit: https://www.capitaldirect.ca/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hart-of-it-allResources: Follow Taylor Kaye: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetaylorkaye/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetaylorkayeWebsite: https://taylorkaye.com/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caregiving burnout isn’t just feeling tired. It’s a slow, chronic depletion that can quietly impact your mental clarity, physical health, and emotional resilience.In this episode, returning guest Alyson Schafer, parenting expert, family counsellor, and current caregiver, joins Teri to unpack what burnout really looks like for caregivers. They explore how love, duty, and guilt can blur the early warning signs, and why so many caregivers don’t recognize what’s happening until they are already running on empty.Alyson breaks down the difference between short-term stress and long-term burnout, and explains how it can show up as brain fog, irritability, withdrawal, or physical symptoms that are easy to dismiss. She also shares practical ways to process complicated emotions like anger and guilt, set boundaries that protect your well-being, and build support that actually fits your life.This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about what it takes to sustain yourself while caring for someone else. If you have been feeling stretched thin, isolated, or unsure whether what you are experiencing counts as burnout, this episode offers clarity, validation, and realistic next steps.Because caring for someone else should not mean losing yourself in the process.__This episode of The Hart of It All is brought to you by Capital Direct. The Capital Direct Flexi Line™ turns your home equity into flexible support, so you can arrange the care your family deserves now and pay it back when the time is right.Please visit: https://www.capitaldirect.ca/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hart-of-it-allBC AN #101742 | Ontario Mortgage Broker Licence #10549 | Admin Licence #11408 | Alberta MW-9811291 | Nova Scotia 10769862Best 10 Year Return in the Mortgage Funds Category as at June 30, 2025.Resources: Follow Alyson Schafer: Instagram: @alysonschaferFacebook:@AlysonSchaferParentingExpertWebsite: www.alysonschafer.comTo watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Cheryl Hickey’s father was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, her family was thrown into a world they were not prepared for.In this candid conversation, Cheryl shares the emotional and practical realities of caregiving for an aging parent navigating dementia and Parkinson’s disease, including the difficult decision to move him into long-term care. She reflects on caregiver guilt, burnout, and the quiet strength required to keep going, all while balancing the demands so many in the sandwich generation face as they support both aging parents and their own families.We also explore the broader challenges facing families today: why aging in place can feel out of reach, why long-term care systems remain stretched, and how we can better support caregivers across the country. It’s a powerful reminder that caregiving is both exhausting and deeply rooted in love, and that better support for the sandwich generation is urgently needed.__This episode of The Hart of It All is brought to you by Capital Direct. The Capital Direct Flexi Line™ turns your home equity into flexible support, so you can arrange the care your family deserves now and pay it back when the time is right.Please visit: https://www.capitaldirect.ca/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hart-of-it-allBC AN #101742 | Ontario Mortgage Broker Licence #10549 | Admin Licence #11408 | Alberta MW-9811291 | Nova Scotia 10769862*Best 10 Year Return in the Mortgage Funds Category as at June 30, 2025.Resources: Cityline: Why Cheryl Hickey is advocating for higher standards in senior carehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu5U_et9yesFollow Cheryl Hickey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylhickey/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cherylhickeyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherylHickeyETCanada/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalI’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people underestimate how deeply Parkinson’s disease reshapes identity, independence, and daily life. In this revealing episode, award-winning writer and journalist Marni Jackson shares her journey from diagnosis to redefining how she lives, including the unexpected ways she pushes back through boxing, mindfulness, and movement.Marni speaks candidly about living with an incurable disease, the importance of honest conversations around caregiving and asking for help, and finding joy and humour as life slows down. Her story offers a powerful reminder that resilience is not about fixing what is broken, but about presence, patience, and learning new ways to stay connected to yourself and others.__This episode of The Hart Of It All is presented by Capital Direct. Invest in your family’s future and care with the Capital Direct One Income Trust a carefully, curated portfolio of residential mortgages.Please visit: https://www.capitaldirect.ca/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hart-of-it-allBC AN #101742 | Ontario Mortgage Broker Licence #10549 | Admin Licence #11408 | Alberta MW-9811291 | Nova Scotia 10769862Best 10 Year Return in the Mortgage Funds Category as at June 30, 2025.Resources:Marni Jackson's Globe & Mail article about boxing with Parkinson's Disease:https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-after-being-diagnosed-with-parkinsons-im-literally-in-the-fight-of-my/Rock Steady Boxing - Fighting Back Against Parkinson's Disease:https://rocksteadyboxing.org/Regent Park, Dancing with Parkinson’s:https://parkinson.ca/care-finder/dwp-toronto-regentpark/Canada's National Ballet School - Sharing Dance Parkinson's:https://www.nbs-enb.ca/dance-for-life/sharing-dance-parkinson-s/Follow Marni Jackson:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnibjacksonTo watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalI’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.-🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply personal episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart is joined by filmmaker and casting director Heidi Levitt, who shares her journey as a caregiver to her husband, Charlie Hess, following his diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s.Heidi opens up about the emotional weight of caregiving, the shock and clarity that came with an early diagnosis, and how love and partnership evolve in the face of profound change. She also discusses her documentary "Walk With Me", a film borne from lived experience that offers an honest and compassionate look at how Alzheimer’s reshapes families.This conversation is a powerful reminder of the resilience required to care, the importance of support for caregivers, and the role storytelling can play in helping others feel less alone.__This episode of The Hart of It All is brought to you by Capital Direct. The Capital Direct Flexi Line™ turns your home equity into flexible support, so you can arrange the care your family deserves now and pay it back when the time is right.Please visit: https://www.capitaldirect.ca/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hart-of-it-allBC AN #101742 | Ontario Mortgage Broker Licence #10549 | Admin Licence #11408 | Alberta MW-9811291 | Nova Scotia 10769862*Best 10 Year Return in the Mortgage Funds Category as at June 30, 2025.Follow Heidi Levitt:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidelaFollow Heidi's Documentary, "Walk With Me":Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkwithmedocWebsite: https://www.walkwithmedoc.com/Follow Charlie Hess:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdesignGo to https://www.walkwithmedoc.com/ to request access to the incredible documentary, "Walk With Me"To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalI’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.-🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and we’re opening a 4-part series on Alzheimer’s and dementia with Cathy Barrick, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. In this first episode, Cathy helps cut through fear and misconceptions to focus on what really matters early on, including why getting a clear diagnosis is so important, what “respite” actually looks like in real life, and how caregivers can communicate through repetition, confusion, and behaviour changes.Listeners will come away with a better understanding of early warning signs, practical ways to support brain health, and where to turn for trusted support at any stage of the journey. If this diagnosis is touching your life, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and a reminder that you don’t have to navigate it alone.Follow The Alzheimer Society of Canada:Website: https://alzheimer.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alzheimercanada/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlzheimerCanadaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlzheimerCanadaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alzheimercanadaResources: First Link: Help for people living with dementia and care partnershttps://alzheimer.ca/firstlinkU-First Training Program https://alzheimer.ca/on/en/help-support/programs-services/u-firstrTo watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalI’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.