Still Me

Interview with: Janine Karlsen

Janine Karlsen is a registered nurse, business owner, and advocate. From nursing in the Intensive Care Unit at B.C. Children’s Hospital, to Director of Care with a multi-office Family Physician practice, and Clinical Director of a busy surgical center, Janine has championed health care throughout her extensive career.

With a Master’s Degree in Counselling, Janine’s passion for advocacy is evident in her volunteer work as Board Chair of the KGH Foundation, as well as in her work at the Home Instead Senior Care Office in Kelowna, which she owns with her husband. Janine is active and loves the outdoors. She spends the winters skiing and the summers hiking. She treasures her friendships and invests in them often. She loves to laugh and often talks too loud, but that is part of her exuberant love of life.

A strong belief in giving back, as well as the joy and purpose she experiences in her work keeps Janine’s enthusiasm alive.

In this episode we explore: 

• Janine’s Background: Nurse, Entrepreneur, and Community Engagement
• Changes experienced
• Symptoms and impact
• Getting a diagnosis at 56!
• The importance of early diagnosis
• Thoughts, emotions, and judgements
• The impacts: personally and professionally
• Why this is such an important topic to discuss!

Resources & Links:

• Alzheimer Society of Canada – https://alzheimer.ca/en
• First Link (across Canada): https://alzheimer.ca/firstlink/
• Dementia Helpline in BC: 1.800.936.6033 
• US Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/chapter-search (to find local resources)
• US Helpline: 1.800.272.3900
• US Alzheimers.gov: https://www.alzheimers.gov/