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

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14th November 2024

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About this episode

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 interested in palliative care, Inge's wisdom and experiences offer a touching perspective on what it means to live—and die—with dignity and support.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Show notes

Guest Bio
Podcast Guest - Image
Inge McGinn

Senior Counsellor and Caseworker from Peninsula Home Hospice

Inge McGinn is a Senior counsellor case worker from Peninsula Home Hospice working alongside specialist palliative care nursing, palliative care physicians and trained volunteers in community palliative care.  Inge has worked in Palliative care for 25 years working with including with children, teenagers, young adults and older people. The roles have included, clinical supervisor, manager, clinical family therapist and bereavement counsellor.

Inge is passionate about supporting clients, carers and family to achieve all that is important for them, finding meaning, making choices and promoting quality of life as well navigating the world of loss. 

Summary

Key Takeaways:

  • The Question No One Asks Carers: How "Do you want to be a carer?" can transform lives.
  • Caring Beyond Assumptions: Recognising the unique challenges and choices every carer faces.
  • Self-Care for Carers: Inge’s insights on setting boundaries and maintaining your identity.
  • Community and Compassion: How a strong support network can uplift both carers and the dying.

Transcript

1
00:00:01,445 --> 00:00:06,745
highlight & episode:
It was only fairly recently I was speaking to someone who had popped in and

2
00:00:06,745 --> 00:00:09,825
highlight & episode:
I asked them, do you want to be the carer?

3
00:00:10,425 --> 00:00:14,005
highlight & episode:
And they said, no one has ever asked me.

4
00:00:14,465 --> 00:00:19,685
highlight & episode:
And they had been caring for over 20 years. And I said, well, let's look at that.

... Read More

Resources

 

 

 

 

 

  • 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.

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