Don't Be Caught Dead

Do You Really Want to Be a Carer? The Question Nobody Asks


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Imagine caring for someone for over 20 years without anyone ever asking if you want to be their carer. It sounds unthinkable, right? In this episode, we delve into this powerful, often unasked question and explore what it truly means to support someone at the end of their life, without sacrificing your own.

Join me as I chat with Inge McGinn, a Senior Counsellor and Caseworker from Peninsula Home Hospice, who has over 25 years of experience working in palliative care. Inge’s unique journey to this field started with deeply personal experiences that taught her the importance of discussing death openly.

She’s passionate about helping people talk about what’s often left unspoken: death, dying, and the role of carers. In our conversation, we explore how she supports carers in navigating the intense emotional journey that comes with caring for someone at the end of life. Inge’s approach brings compassion to an often-overlooked aspect of palliative care, recognising carers' needs and creating space for their struggles and strengths.

In this episode, Inge and I also tackle the importance of asking carers, “Do you actually want this role?” It’s a powerful moment when carers realise they can have a say in their role. We unpack how understanding their own limits, boundaries, and desires can help carers fulfil their responsibilities with respect for both themselves and those they care for.

Whether you're a carer, know someone who is, or are int

The Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz is back — now in its third year, and it’s a sellout event for a reason.

Join us on May 12 at 7pm at Hotel Lona in Frankston, as part of the South Side Festival.

Come solo and join a team, or bring your own crew — and compete for great prizes.

 Go to criticalinfo.com.au/events 

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/




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Don't Be Caught DeadBy Catherine Ashton