Reflections on Ageing and Caring For Elders | Stan Grant | Club Sandwich
Stan Grant, journalist, author and Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man, joins Sarah Macdonald to talk about caring for his ageing parents, why he sees himself as a 'provider, not a carer', and what eldership really means. Along the way, he shares the process behind his new book, visions of John Coltrane, and wisdom gleaned from a lifelong love of music, books and family. Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you. JOIN THE CLUB: Visit clubsandwich.community to join the tribe, access resources, and find our private Facebook community.SEND US YOUR QUESTION: hello@clubsandwich.community In this episode:The Conversation: Stan on confronting his father's physical frailty for the first time, realising he's more of a provider than a hands-on carer, and what he's learned about eldership as he approaches it himself. This Week's Reframe: Not everyone in a family is built for hands-on care, and that's not a failing. Knowing which role you play, and letting others play theirs, is what actually lets a family function without one person burning out. Send this to anyone who feels guilty they're not the sibling doing the hands-on care, or anyone quietly renegotiating what role they play as their parents age. Topics covered in this episode:- Confronting a parent's physical frailty for the first time- Why "provider, not carer" is a useful reframe for family caregiving guilt- In-home support services and the role of extended family- What eldership means once you're the one expected to carry it- Forgiveness, and not expecting closure from your parents Featured in this episode: Sarah Macdonald — Veteran broadcaster and host. Stan Grant — Journalist, author and Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man. His most recent book is 'When Words Fail Us: Truth Beyond Time'.Meet the regular Clubbers:Melissa Reader — CEO of Vera and expert on Australia's ageing crisis.Jo Lamble — Clinical psychologist specialising in guilt and family dynamics.Dr Ginni Mansberg — GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight.Dr Stephanie Ward — Geriatrician helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis.Kerry Milligan — Gogglebox star bringing humour and honesty to the sandwich generation. This episode was supported by Australian Unity, home health and care services — australianunity.com.au/clubsandwich. Vera is your candid companion as you care for an ageing parent. Have a look at https://vera.guide. FACES (Families for Aged Care Equity and Support) is a family-led campaign asking for one honest count of the number of people waiting for their aged care funding and the people who die while they're waiting. Add your name at vera.guide/faces. Put The Kettle On — Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au Credits:Sarah Macdonald – Host + Executive ProducerMelissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + ClubberJustin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor for P. Zinner Pods (https://pzinner.com.au)Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music 'Club Sandwich' — hear more at https://seanwayland.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
