Supporting ageing parents was the topic of the latest BBC Radio 4’s ‘Guide to Life’ podcast (8 March 2026) a spin-off of the Woman’s Hour programme. Concord co-founder and mediator Tracey Adamson was an invited guest, bringing an elder mediator’s perspective to the discussion.
The podcast features the experience of listener Cat, one of the so-called ‘sandwich generation’. As well as bringing up a young family in London, she is supporting her geographically distant parents who have increasing health needs. It also hears direct from Cat’s dad, who is the main carer for her mum who has Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
L-R: Presenter Nuala McGovern; listener Cat Sims; mediator Tracey Adamson; care manager/nurse Debby McGinnes
The conversation between Cat, mediator Tracey, nurse & care manager Debby McGinnes, and presenter Nuala McGovern looks at some of the practical and emotional aspects of this kind of situation.
It touches on changing family dynamics, decision making, how to find information about care/support, funding options and legal matters, and resistance to receiving support. The need for families to have sensitive conversations, to prepare for and deal with typical challenges in later life, is discussed too.
changing family dynamics
Cat speaks about how the changing needs of her parents brought a shift in roles and some tensions around decision making. She and her dad also talk about wanting the best for each other. Their desire not to add to each other’s worries had become a barrier to conversations that could help ease their situation and address their fears about the future.
“This highlights how, even within families where relationships are strong, it can be tricky for people to broach these kinds of conversations,” says Tracey.
The podcast 
ends with some ‘top tips’ for families facing similar challenges. A key one is to start early in preparing for the changes that are very likely to come in later life. Talking openly with family members about our hopes, fears and preferences for the future is the first step.
Tracey says: “With more people living well into their 80s and 90s and needing at least some support, it’s helpful that the issue is receiving more media attention. It is also encouraging that there is recognition that certified elder mediators are well placed to help where older people and their families are struggling.”
“Where they are finding it difficult to converse, reach a decision, make plans, collaborate or resolve a specific disagreement, our range of expertise and specific knowledge is there to help. We work with all the relevant people to ensure each can give their perspective. We keep things constructive and focussed on how to move forward in a way that is workable and acceptable to everyone.”
Find out more about our work supporting families on later life issues. Or contact us now for a no-obligation chat to see how we can help.
Listen to the ‘Guide to Life’ podcast here (links to the BBC Sounds website).
