In today's episode, Sarah Macdonald tours Hammondcare’s dementia-specific 'small household' cottages in Adelaide with general manager Marie Alford and advisor Yasmin Lai, exploring how design and care can help aged care feel more like a home than an institution. 

They reveal the secrets of these cottages: hidden clinical equipment, resident access to working kitchens for snacks and cooking, and 'no-fail' garden pathways that support safe outdoor wandering while providing the 'dignity of risk'.

The conversation covers matching residents by needs and personalities, de-escalating conflict, practical communication strategies, and sensitive issues like intimacy and consent. Marie and Yasmin also discuss why 'sundowning' can be an unhelpful label, urging that carers instead pay attention to unmet needs like pain, hunger, boredom, and routine.

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

Credits:
Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life so you don't have to do it alone.

Check out '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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)
Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.com

In today's episode, Sarah Macdonald tours Hammondcare&rsquo;s dementia-specific 'small household' cottages in Adelaide with general manager Marie Alford and advisor Yasmin Lai, exploring how design and care can help aged care feel more like a home than an institution.&nbsp;
They reveal the secrets of these cottages: hidden clinical equipment, resident access to working kitchens for snacks and cooking, and 'no-fail' garden pathways that support safe outdoor wandering while providing the 'dignity of risk'.
The conversation covers matching residents by needs and personalities, de-escalating conflict, practical communication strategies, and sensitive issues like intimacy and consent. Marie and Yasmin also discuss why 'sundowning' can be an unhelpful label, urging that carers instead pay attention to unmet needs like pain, hunger, boredom, and routine.
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
Credits: Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life so you don't have to do it alone.
Check out 'Put The Kettle On' &ndash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich &mdash; hear more at <a href="https://seanwayland.com">https://seanwayland.com</a>

The Dignity of Choice | Dementia in Aged Care with Hammondcare | Club Sandwich

Does your family's sandwich have an extra layer?

Sarah Macdonald talks with educator and parenting author Maggie Dent about modern grandparenting for people in the sandwich generation, balancing support for their children, grandchildren, and ageing parents. 

They discuss the transformative identity shift of becoming a grandparent, the importance of negotiating boundaries with your grandchild's parents, and easy ways to offer help, like making meals or giving parents time off.

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

Credits:
Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life so you don't have to do it alone.

Check out '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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)
Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.com

Does your family's sandwich have an extra layer?
Sarah Macdonald talks with educator and parenting author Maggie Dent about modern grandparenting for people in the sandwich generation, balancing support for their children, grandchildren, and ageing parents.&nbsp;
They discuss the transformative identity shift of becoming a grandparent, the importance of negotiating boundaries with your grandchild's parents, and easy ways to offer help, like making meals or giving parents time off.
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
Credits: Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life so you don't have to do it alone.
Check out 'Put The Kettle On' &ndash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich &mdash; hear more at <a href="https://seanwayland.com">https://seanwayland.com</a>

Grandparenting | Maggie Dent on adding another layer to the sandwich | Club Sandwich

Worried about your parent's brain? And your own?

If you are looking after an ageing parent, you have probably wondered whether you will go the same way. Sarah talks to the ABC's Norman Swan, physician, broadcaster and author of 'The Brain Cliff', about what he has learned from the research and from a life of reporting on health.

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: Norman says the fear of falling off a brain cliff into dementia is common, and that the cliff and how bright you are are two separate things.

- Norman on his own parents, and what it was like to be a sandwich generation son from the other side of the world.
- Why Norman says the brain cliff is only about a quarter genetic, and what that means if your parent has dementia.
- Brain change rather than brain ageing, and the idea of scaffolding in the brain.
- Why a busy, complicated life can train your brain, and why stress and rumination are different things.
- The kind of stress Norman calls toxic: feeling that other people are running your life.
- Why letting your mind wander and doing nothing are good for you.
- Norman on dementia risk, which he says is falling in Australia at any given age.
- Alcohol, supplements and hormones: what he found, and what he has changed in his own life.
- Why looking after yourself comes first, and why unloading some of the work is a good thing.

This episode is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your own health.

Credits:
Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life so you don't have to do it alone.

Check out '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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)
Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.com

Worried about your parent's brain? And your own?
If you are looking after an ageing parent, you have probably wondered whether you will go the same way. Sarah talks to the ABC's Norman Swan, physician, broadcaster and author of 'The Brain Cliff', about what he has learned from the research and from a life of reporting on health.
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: Norman says the fear of falling off a brain cliff into dementia is common, and that the cliff and how bright you are are two separate things.
- Norman on his own parents, and what it was like to be a sandwich generation son from the other side of the world. - Why Norman says the brain cliff is only about a quarter genetic, and what that means if your parent has dementia. - Brain change rather than brain ageing, and the idea of scaffolding in the brain. - Why a busy, complicated life can train your brain, and why stress and rumination are different things. - The kind of stress Norman calls toxic: feeling that other people are running your life. - Why letting your mind wander and doing nothing are good for you. - Norman on dementia risk, which he says is falling in Australia at any given age. - Alcohol, supplements and hormones: what he found, and what he has changed in his own life. - Why looking after yourself comes first, and why unloading some of the work is a good thing.
This episode is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your own health.
Credits: Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life so you don't have to do it alone.
Check out 'Put The Kettle On' &ndash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich &mdash; hear more at <a href="https://seanwayland.com">https://seanwayland.com</a>

Will I end up like my parent? Sarah talks to the ABC's Norman Swan, author of The Brain Cliff, about what the research says you can do about it, and why looking after yourself comes first.

Will I age like my parent? Dr Norman Swan on the brain cliff, dementia and looking after yourself | Club Sandwich

How many people are in the sandwich generation? Until today, nobody knew.

The number: 2.43 million people aged 35–70 currently help or care for an ageing parent. This number is expected to rise to over 6 million within 10 years.

In this episode, Sarah Macdonald is joined by Melissa Reader (CEO of Vera and Commissioning Editor of Club Sandwich) to discuss Vera's new, nationally representative research conducted in partnership with YouGov. They explain why this group has been missing from major reports, and explore knock-on effects for carers' work and finances.

"People often aren't counting themselves," says Sarah. "They're not counting the labour of love they do as labour; they're seeing it as love. But if you can get help in that labour, then you've got more time to love."

Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you.

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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)
Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.com

How many people are in the sandwich generation? Until today, nobody knew.
The number: 2.43 million people aged 35&ndash;70 currently help or care for an ageing parent. This number is expected to rise to over 6 million within 10 years.
In this episode, Sarah Macdonald is joined by Melissa Reader (CEO of Vera and Commissioning Editor of Club Sandwich) to discuss Vera's new, nationally representative research conducted in partnership with YouGov. They explain why this group has been missing from major reports, and explore knock-on effects for carers' work and finances.
"People often aren't counting themselves," says Sarah. "They're not counting the labour of love they do as labour; they're seeing it as love. But if you can get help in that labour, then you've got more time to love."
Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you.
Vera is your candid companion as you care for an ageing parent. Have a look at&nbsp;<a href="https://vera.guide">https://vera.guide</a>.
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&nbsp;<a href="vera.guide/faces">vera.guide/faces</a>.
Put The Kettle On &mdash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich &mdash; hear more at <a href="https://seanwayland.com">https://seanwayland.com</a>

The first national count of Australia's 'sandwich generation' | Stand Up and Be Counted with Melissa Reader | Club Sandwich

In this bonus episode, Sarah Macdonald is joined by Melissa Reader to discuss new research into Australia's 'invisible army' of sandwich generation carers.

Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you.

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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)
Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.com

In this bonus episode, Sarah Macdonald is joined by Melissa Reader to discuss new research into Australia's 'invisible army' of sandwich generation carers.
Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you.
Vera is your candid companion as you care for an ageing parent. Have a look at&nbsp;<a href="https://vera.guide">https://vera.guide</a>.
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&nbsp;<a href="vera.guide/faces">vera.guide/faces</a>.
Put The Kettle On &mdash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor, for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich &mdash; hear more at <a href="https://seanwayland.com">https://seanwayland.com</a>

In this bonus episode, Sarah Macdonald is joined by Melissa Reader to discuss new research into Australia's 'invisible army' of sandwich generation carers.

Making the 'invisible army' seen | Carer's Week with Melissa Reader | Club Sandwich

She was one of Sydney's best door bitches. Now she's CEO of Autism Australia. 

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: Sarah talks to Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Australia and mother of Jack, about raising a neurodivergent child while also navigating ageing parents, undiagnosed traits in older relatives, and midlife self-diagnosis.
This Week's Hack: Make sure the kids are looked after, no matter what happens. Start legacy and estate planning early, regardless of how much the family has, and plan for the scenarios nobody wants to think about.

Topics covered in this episode:
- Raising a child with autism while caring for ageing parents
- Estate planning, trusts and guardianship for a disabled child's future
- Grandparents who show undiagnosed neurodivergent traits
- Midlife autism and ADHD diagnosis, and when a label actually helps
- Talking to neurodivergent loved ones about death and grief

Featured in this episode: 
Sarah Macdonald — Veteran broadcaster and host. 
Nicole Rogerson — CEO, Autism Australia.

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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin 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.com

She was one of Sydney's best door bitches. Now she's CEO of Autism Australia.&nbsp;
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: Sarah talks to Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Australia and mother of Jack, about raising a neurodivergent child while also navigating ageing parents, undiagnosed traits in older relatives, and midlife self-diagnosis. This Week's Hack: Make sure the kids are looked after, no matter what happens. Start legacy and estate planning early, regardless of how much the family has, and plan for the scenarios nobody wants to think about.
Topics covered in this episode: - Raising a child with autism while caring for ageing parents - Estate planning, trusts and guardianship for a disabled child's future - Grandparents who show undiagnosed neurodivergent traits - Midlife autism and ADHD diagnosis, and when a label actually helps - Talking to neurodivergent loved ones about death and grief
Featured in this episode:&nbsp; Sarah Macdonald &mdash; Veteran broadcaster and host. Nicole Rogerson &mdash; CEO, Autism Australia. Meet the regular Clubbers: Melissa Reader &mdash; CEO of Vera and expert on Australia's ageing crisis. Jo Lamble &mdash; Clinical psychologist specialising in guilt and family dynamics. Dr Ginni Mansberg &mdash; GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight. Dr Stephanie Ward &mdash; Geriatrician helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis. Kerry Milligan &mdash; Gogglebox star bringing humour and honesty to the sandwich generation.
This episode was supported by Australian Unity, home health and care services &mdash; 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 &mdash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au
Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor for P. Zinner Pods (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music 'Club Sandwich' &mdash; hear more at https://seanwayland.com

Sarah talks to Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Australia, about raising a son with autism, the sandwich generation's double layer when ageing parents are added to the mix, and the blunt, funny, necessary conversation about what happens to a disabled child after you're gone.

Neurodiversity in the Sandwich | Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Australia | Club Sandwich

She used to let everyone else win. Now nobody's safe at bowls.

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: Sarah visits a dementia day programme run by ECH in Adelaide to meet Gina, who's living with dementia; her husband David; and daughters Marie and Michelle. Gina has become more competitive, more outgoing and more herself since her diagnosis. Vanessa Stanley-Gordon, who runs ECH's programmes, explains why that's not as unusual as it sounds.

Topics covered in this episode:
- Dementia day programmes as respite and quality of life
- Personality change after a dementia diagnosis, masking and early signs
- How relationships with pets can be an 'early warning system'
- Carer guilt, and why taking a break isn't abandonment
- Why vascular dementia isn't the worst news you can hear
- Commonwealth Home Support and user-pays access routes

Featured in this episode: 
Sarah Macdonald — Veteran broadcaster and host. 
Gina — Living with dementia, and thriving.
Marie and Michelle — Gina's daughters.
Vanessa Stanley-Gordon — Runs ECH's day programmes.

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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin 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.com

She used to let everyone else win. Now nobody's safe at bowls.
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: Sarah visits a dementia day programme run by ECH in Adelaide to meet Gina, who's living with dementia; her husband David; and daughters Marie and Michelle. Gina has become more competitive, more outgoing and more herself since her diagnosis. Vanessa Stanley-Gordon, who runs ECH's programmes, explains why that's not as unusual as it sounds.
Topics covered in this episode: - Dementia day programmes as respite and quality of life - Personality change after a dementia diagnosis, masking and early signs - How relationships with pets can be an 'early warning system' - Carer guilt, and why taking a break isn't abandonment - Why vascular dementia isn't the worst news you can hear - Commonwealth Home Support and user-pays access routes
Featured in this episode:&nbsp; Sarah Macdonald &mdash; Veteran broadcaster and host. Gina &mdash; Living with dementia, and thriving. Marie and Michelle &mdash; Gina's daughters. Vanessa Stanley-Gordon &mdash; Runs ECH's day programmes. Meet the regular Clubbers: Melissa Reader &mdash; CEO of Vera and expert on Australia's ageing crisis. Jo Lamble &mdash; Clinical psychologist specialising in guilt and family dynamics. Dr Ginni Mansberg &mdash; GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight. Dr Stephanie Ward &mdash; Geriatrician helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis. Kerry Milligan &mdash; Gogglebox star bringing humour and honesty to the sandwich generation.
This episode was supported by Australian Unity, home health and care services &mdash; 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 &mdash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au
Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor for P. Zinner Pods (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music 'Club Sandwich' &mdash; hear more at https://seanwayland.com

She used to let everyone else win. Now she's got a trophy cabinet and a Rottweiler who reads her mind. Sarah visits a dementia day programme run by ECH in Adelaide to meet Gina, and get honest advice on respite, guilt, and the signs that are easy to miss.

Dementia Daycare | A gift for everyone in the sandwich generation | 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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin 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.com

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:&nbsp; Sarah Macdonald &mdash; Veteran broadcaster and host. Stan Grant &mdash; 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 &mdash; CEO of Vera and expert on Australia's ageing crisis. Jo Lamble &mdash; Clinical psychologist specialising in guilt and family dynamics. Dr Ginni Mansberg &mdash; GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight. Dr Stephanie Ward &mdash; Geriatrician helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis. Kerry Milligan &mdash; Gogglebox star bringing humour and honesty to the sandwich generation.
This episode was supported by Australian Unity, home health and care services &mdash; 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 &mdash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au
Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor for P. Zinner Pods (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music 'Club Sandwich' &mdash; hear more at https://seanwayland.com

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.

Reflections on Ageing and Caring For Elders | Stan Grant | Club Sandwich

Maggie Beer, cook, author and founder of the Maggie Beer Foundation, joins Sarah Macdonald to talk about food, ageing and why what's on the plate in an aged care home matters more than most families realise. 

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: Maggie shares why aged care food is a wellbeing issue, not just a nutrition one, the physiology behind why older palates need more salt, sugar and flavour, and why leadership is the biggest predictor of whether a home's kitchen actually works for its residents.

This Week's Hack: Before you choose an aged care home for a parent, go and eat a meal there yourself, without telling them you're coming.

Send This To: Anyone touring aged care homes right now, or anyone who keeps dropping meals off to mum instead of cooking with her.

Topics covered in this episode:
- Why aged care food is a wellbeing issue, not just a nutrition one
- The one-line test for touring an aged care home
- How taste and smell change as we age, and what that means for cooking
- Cooking with your parent, not just for them
- Ageism, and the 80% of healthy ageing that's within our own control
- Maggie's own philosophy on staying creative, positive and purposeful with age

Featured in this episode: 
Sarah Macdonald — Veteran broadcaster and host. 
Maggie Beer AO — Cook, author, co-host of The Cook and the Chef, and founder of the Maggie Beer Foundation, which trains aged care kitchens nationally.

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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin 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.com

Maggie Beer, cook, author and founder of the Maggie Beer Foundation, joins Sarah Macdonald to talk about food, ageing and why what's on the plate in an aged care home matters more than most families realise.&nbsp;
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: Maggie shares why aged care food is a wellbeing issue, not just a nutrition one, the physiology behind why older palates need more salt, sugar and flavour, and why leadership is the biggest predictor of whether a home's kitchen actually works for its residents.
This Week's Hack: Before you choose an aged care home for a parent, go and eat a meal there yourself, without telling them you're coming.
Send This To: Anyone touring aged care homes right now, or anyone who keeps dropping meals off to mum instead of cooking with her.
Topics covered in this episode: - Why aged care food is a wellbeing issue, not just a nutrition one - The one-line test for touring an aged care home - How taste and smell change as we age, and what that means for cooking - Cooking with your parent, not just for them - Ageism, and the 80% of healthy ageing that's within our own control - Maggie's own philosophy on staying creative, positive and purposeful with age
Featured in this episode:&nbsp; Sarah Macdonald &mdash; Veteran broadcaster and host. Maggie Beer AO &mdash; Cook, author, co-host of The Cook and the Chef, and founder of the Maggie Beer Foundation, which trains aged care kitchens nationally. Meet the regular Clubbers: Melissa Reader &mdash; CEO of Vera and expert on Australia's ageing crisis. Jo Lamble &mdash; Clinical psychologist specialising in guilt and family dynamics. Dr Ginni Mansberg &mdash; GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight. Dr Stephanie Ward &mdash; Geriatrician helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis. Kerry Milligan &mdash; Gogglebox star bringing humour and honesty to the sandwich generation.
This episode was supported by Australian Unity, home health and care services &mdash; 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 &mdash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au
Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor for P. Zinner Pods (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich &mdash; hear more at https://seanwayland.com

Maggie Beer, cook, author and founder of the Maggie Beer Foundation, joins Sarah Macdonald to talk about why food is one of the clearest signs of whether an aged care home is doing right by its residents. She shares her one-line test for touring a home, why older palates need more salt and sugar to taste properly, and why cooking with your ageing parent, not just for them, might matter more than the recipe itself.

A Life of Good Food | Maggie Beer on Ageing With Purpose and Passion | Club Sandwich

Natalie Siegel-Brown spent years holding the government to account for the funding, administration and regulation of Australia's aged care system as the Inspector General of Aged Care. She's also part of the sandwich generation herself, raising an 11-year-old while supporting her own ageing parents.

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: Natalie brings both her professional expertise and her own experience as a sandwich generation parent to unpack why a system built on compassion and dignity in law still fails the sandwich generation in practice — through year-long wait times, punishing co-payments, and a contested assessment algorithm.

This Week's Hack: Get in early. Don't wait for a crisis to start the aged care assessment process — the wait itself is often what accelerates decline.

Listener Letter / Send-this-to: Send this to anyone who feels gaslit by the aged care system and just wants to understand why it's this hard.

Topics covered in this episode:
- Natalie's own experience as a sandwich generation parent, alongside her expertise as the former Inspector General of Aged Care
- The real cost of long aged care wait times, financially and personally
- Co-payments, and how they hit pensioners hardest
- The contested aged care assessment algorithm
- What Denmark, Singapore and Thailand do differently
- Australia's own hidden success story: the Veterans' Care Nursing Program

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 Producer
Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin McArthur – Executive Producer + Editor for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)
Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.com

Natalie Siegel-Brown spent years holding the government to account for the funding, administration and regulation of Australia's aged care system as the Inspector General of Aged Care. She's also part of the sandwich generation herself, raising an 11-year-old while supporting her own ageing parents.
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: Natalie brings both her professional expertise and her own experience as a sandwich generation parent to unpack why a system built on compassion and dignity in law still fails the sandwich generation in practice &mdash; through year-long wait times, punishing co-payments, and a contested assessment algorithm.
This Week's Hack: Get in early. Don't wait for a crisis to start the aged care assessment process &mdash; the wait itself is often what accelerates decline.
Listener Letter / Send-this-to: Send this to anyone who feels gaslit by the aged care system and just wants to understand why it's this hard.
Topics covered in this episode: - Natalie's own experience as a sandwich generation parent, alongside her expertise as the former Inspector General of Aged Care - The real cost of long aged care wait times, financially and personally - Co-payments, and how they hit pensioners hardest - The contested aged care assessment algorithm - What Denmark, Singapore and Thailand do differently - Australia's own hidden success story: the Veterans' Care Nursing Program
Meet the regular Clubbers: Melissa Reader &mdash; CEO of Vera and expert on Australia's ageing crisis. Jo Lamble &mdash; Clinical psychologist specialising in guilt and family dynamics. Dr Ginni Mansberg &mdash; GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight. Dr Stephanie Ward &mdash; Geriatrician helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis. Kerry Milligan &mdash; Gogglebox star bringing humour and honesty to the sandwich generation.
This episode was supported by Australian Unity, home health and care services &mdash; 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 &mdash; Vera's free conversation guide: the five questions worth asking your ageing mum or dad, at putthekettleon.com.au
Credits: Sarah Macdonald &ndash; Host + Executive Producer Melissa Reader &ndash; Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber Justin McArthur &ndash; Executive Producer + Editor for P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au) Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich &mdash; hear more at https://seanwayland.com

Natalie Siegel-Brown is the former Inspector General of Aged Care — and, like so many of our listeners, she's also raising a child while supporting her own ageing parents. In this episode she unpacks wait times, co-payments, the contested assessment algorithm, and what Denmark, Singapore and even Thailand do differently — and what it would take to fix it here.

She Was The Watchdog for the Sandwich Generation | Natalie Siegel-Brown, Former Inspector General for Aged Care | Club Sandwich

The Sandwich Generation finally gets the conversation we deserve.

Club Sandwich is the community for those caring for ageing parents while juggling work, kids, relationships, and sanity. This is your tribe when family doesn't get it - or just isn't enough.

Hosted by veteran broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, Club Sandwich features clinical psychologists instead of life coaches, GPs instead of gratitude journals, and honest conversations about the relief-guilt paradox nobody else will touch.

Episodes include:
🔧 This Week's Hack - Actionable strategy you can use today
💌 Listener Letter - Real questions from Clubbers like you
🔥 Hot Mess Moments - Stories that make you feel less alone

🛠️ What We're Using - Resources and tools that actually help

Meet the regular Clubbers:

Melissa Reader - CEO of Vera aged care platform (vera.guide) and expert on Australia's ageing crisis and system failures.

Dr. Jo Lamble - Clinical psychologist specializing in guilt, family dynamics, and the impossible decisions when every option has a cost.

Dr. Ginny Mansberg - GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight about what caregiving does to your body.

Dr. Stephanie Ward - Geriatrician and consulting expert for ABC's Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds, helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis—and when it doesn't.

Kerry Milligan - Gogglebox Australia star bringing humor, honesty, and hard-won perspective to impossible family situations.

No bubble baths. No bullshit. Just expert-led, community-first support for people who don't need another thing to feel bad about not doing.

Club Sandwich is more than a podcast - it's a movement. Join our private Facebook community, attend live events across Australia, and access free downloadable resources with every episode.

New episodes every Thursday.

Visit clubsandwich.community to join the tribe.

Topics covered: Caregiver guilt, sibling conflict, dementia care, financial planning, legal issues, family boundaries, burnout prevention, end-of-life decisions, self-care that actually works, navigating aged care systems, and the emotional toll of caring for ageing parents.

Credits

Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life — so you don't have to do it alone.

Sarah Macdonald - Host + Executive Producer

Melissa Reader - Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber

Rachel Fountain - Executive Producer

Audio + video edits by Fountain Media Group

Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our awesome theme music Club Sandwich - hear more from Sean at seanwayland.com

The Sandwich Generation finally gets the conversation we deserve.
Club Sandwich is the community for those caring for ageing parents while juggling work, kids, relationships, and sanity. This is your tribe when family doesn't get it - or just isn't enough.
Hosted by veteran broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, Club Sandwich features clinical psychologists instead of life coaches, GPs instead of gratitude journals, and honest conversations about the relief-guilt paradox nobody else will touch.
Episodes include: 🔧 This Week's Hack - Actionable strategy you can use today 💌 Listener Letter - Real questions from Clubbers like you 🔥 Hot Mess Moments - Stories that make you feel less alone
🛠️ What We're Using - Resources and tools that actually help
Meet the regular Clubbers:
Melissa Reader - CEO of Vera aged care platform (vera.guide) and expert on Australia's ageing crisis and system failures.
Dr. Jo Lamble - Clinical psychologist specializing in guilt, family dynamics, and the impossible decisions when every option has a cost.
Dr. Ginny Mansberg - GP and women's health advocate who tells it straight about what caregiving does to your body.
Dr. Stephanie Ward - Geriatrician and consulting expert for ABC's Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds, helping you understand when "old" becomes a crisis&mdash;and when it doesn't.
Kerry Milligan - Gogglebox Australia star bringing humor, honesty, and hard-won perspective to impossible family situations.
No bubble baths. No bullshit. Just expert-led, community-first support for people who don't need another thing to feel bad about not doing.
Club Sandwich is more than a podcast - it's a movement. Join our private Facebook community, attend live events across Australia, and access free downloadable resources with every episode.
New episodes every Thursday.
Visit <a href="https://clubsandwich.community/">clubsandwich.community</a> to join the tribe.
Topics covered: Caregiver guilt, sibling conflict, dementia care, financial planning, legal issues, family boundaries, burnout prevention, end-of-life decisions, self-care that actually works, navigating aged care systems, and the emotional toll of caring for ageing parents.
Credits
Club Sandwich is brought to you by <a href="https://vera.guide/">Vera</a>, helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life &mdash; so you don't have to do it alone.
Sarah Macdonald - Host + Executive Producer
Melissa Reader - Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Rachel Fountain - Executive Producer
Audio + video edits by <a href="https://www.fountainmediagroup.com.au/">Fountain Media Group</a>
Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our awesome theme music Club Sandwich - hear more from Sean at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seanwayland.com/">seanwayland.com</a>

The community for maxed-out midlifers caring for ageing parents and everything else. Hosted by Sarah Macdonald. Clinical psychologists instead of life coaches. Real support instead of wellness BS. You've got them. We've got you.

Club Sandwich

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