What happens when dementia enters a home where achievement is expected, aging is denied, and illness isn’t talked about until it can’t be ignored?

In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Anoushka Fernandes — caregiver, consultant, and founder of The Soggy Sandwich — to explore how dementia shows up inside South Asian families and why silence still surrounds it. After leaving a senior government role to support her parents, Anoushka found herself navigating a disease few in her community were willing to name, let alone prepare for.

Anoushka shares the early signs her family noticed, the denial that followed, and the emotional hit of realizing that even a highly educated, active, and disciplined person like her mother could be affected. She opens up about the guilt, anger, and grief that shape caregiving, the isolation that comes from being “the one who steps in,” and the cultural expectations placed on daughters in first-generation households.

Together, Andrew and Anoushka unpack why dementia remains stigmatized in South Asian homes, how cultural values both help and hinder caregiving, and what Canadian caregivers need to understand when supporting someone who grew up in a completely different world. They also talk about the power of early diagnosis, the gaps in Alberta’s healthcare navigation, the importance of community support, and why she became an early adopter of blueBell Connect during her mother’s care.

In this episode:

• Early signs families often miss — and why denial is common

• How South Asian cultural expectations shape caregiving roles

• The emotional paradoxes caregivers face: anger, guilt, grief, and acceptance

• Why isolation grows in a hyperconnected world

• How to find reliable information without getting lost in online noise

• What Canadian caregivers need to know when supporting South Asian parents

• The role of the Alzheimer Society and system navigators

• Why she created The Soggy Sandwich after her mother’s sudden passing

• How blueBell Connect helped her keep dispersed family members aligned

Whether you are a caregiver searching for better communication strategies, a professional working in memory care, or someone looking for clarity on what truly helps, Rachael’s insights are a reminder that connection is still possible — especially when we meet people where they are.

Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://thesoggysandwich.ca/blog/

https://www.marcelinomarisesolutions.com

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.