B.J. Doyle

B.J.’s immersion into caregiving began while shepherding his wife Judy’s Early Onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, which she received in 2011. He considers himself very fortunate to have cared for her in their own home up to three days before Judy’s journey ended in early 2019.

About six months after her passing, B.J. spent time in volunteer work with those afflicted with Alzheimer’s prior to successfully completing an online course through the University of Tasmania in Australia to further his understanding of dementia disorders.

Inspired by these events he approached the agency that he had used for respite—the Sunshine Coast’s Home Healthcare Network—and spoke with founder and owner Caroline Gagne about coming on board as a companion caregiver. As Caroline’s attitude was basically “experience makes an expert”, B.J. then began carving out a new role for himself in September 2019.

As a former broadcast professional, B.J. also brings years of experience in radio as host of Home Healthcare Network’s podcast “Caring For Changes.” And through taking his own partner’s journey to its completion, a newfound passion for the enriching rewards that caregiving brings runs deep, as does his appreciation for the challenges that family caregivers face.