Who Really Cares?

Deep, Down & Desi

Within the British Asian community, care can be a controversial subject. Who should look after you when you’re in your final days and what should you expect from the pros?

Saima and Maleena chat about family expectations, the Asian stigma of so-called ‘old people’s homes’ and the benefits of modern palliative care.

Kamalpreet pops into the cafe to share her experience of looking after her Gran who suffered from dementia and how she navigated the complexities of the care system before she passed away.

Saima opened Masala Wala cafe with her family, a small Pakistani restaurant that serves her mother’s recipes with love and charm. Out of nowhere, she was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer, before she even turned 30. Her life has been dramatically cut short - without treatment, she wouldn’t be here today.

After dealing with her diagnosis, she talks frankly on how she’s getting over dying, so she can get on with living.

Maleena, a Journalist and Producer, lost her brother when they were both teenagers, after a long battle with leukaemia. As she became an adult, her father passed away suddenly and without warning. She shares openly what it’s like growing up with grief, the guilt of being left behind and how her identity as a British Asian was tested to its limits.

Together, they bond over their unique perspectives on life and death and ponder the ultimate question - why?

Join them for their chat over a cup of chai - this could be the most important podcast of your afterlife...

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this programme you can find support at the BBC Action line for bereavement: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4MmhHDSbdDmTpVJhBs2v4Py/information-and-support-bereavement