Varsha Bhat

Aging With Dignity

Society EN ↓ 43 episodes

Your host Varsha, with deep local roots, launched this podcast in 2025 in direct response to a need she identified across South Asian communities in Montreal. Having gained key insights into the state of health care and support services as her own parents faced end-of-life challenges, she discovered many families across Montreal are just not aware of the scope of services and support available. The goal is to unite and connect people across the community with one objective in mind - to find and understand the resources available to us in Montreal to help with Aging with Dignity. You’ll hear ti...

Author

Varsha Bhat

Category

Society

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

Season 2 Episode 2 - Who Gets What Why It Matters More Than You Think 09.12.2025

An insightful episode on inheritance, taxes, and what really happens when a parent passes. With expert Tom Hamilton Piercy, we explore taxes, estate planning, and the realities of what children inherit before it’s too late. A clear, compassionate guide for families navigating end-of-life transitions.   Download your Episode 11 Care Toolkit  here ! Click here to watch the episode!

Season 2 Episode 1, Part 2 - One Table, Many Stories: Caregivers in Conversation 26.11.2025

The conversation continues. In Part 2 of The Many Languages of Care, our caregivers go deeper, exploring the emotional side of caregiving, what they wish their loved ones knew, and what they’ve learned about aging, compassion, and themselves. Click here to watch the episode! Click here for Season 1 Toolkits!

Season 2 Episode 1, Part 1 - One Table, Many Stories: Caregivers in Conversation 18.11.2025

Today we are kicking off season 2 with a conversation that is a little different. I’ve gathered a small circle of caregivers to join me today,  each with their own story.  Watch part one here.

While We Pause: The Power of Your Stories 30.10.2025

This special in-between-seasons episode is a little different — the tables are turned! Our talented videographer, Vinay Dhalla, steps in as host and puts me in the hot seat. Together, we look back on the heartfelt conversations and lessons from Season 1 of Aging With Dignity, and share a glimpse into what’s next for Season 2. Click here to watch the episode!

Episode 13 - Because You Listened: A Love Letter to Season 1 14.10.2025

In this special episode Varsha looks back on Season 1: from deeply personal moments to expert insights on elder care, grief, and end-of-life planning. It’s part reflection, part celebration, and part sneak peek of what’s ahead in Season 2.

Episode 12 - Unprepared: What I Didn’t Know About Our Finances 07.10.2025

Some parts of life are heavy, and planning for them is easy to postpone. In this episode, we talk about how to ease that weight, with two remarkable guests who bring both expert guidance and lived experience to a conversation we all need to have.   Download your Episode 11 Care Toolkit here !   Click here to watch the episode! 

Episode 11 - Navigating Grief: Finding Support When Loss Hits Home 30.09.2025

Losing an elderly loved one is never easy, and grief can feel overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. In this episode, Varsha sits down with Emelie Pothier-Tessier from Deuil-Jeunesse to explore grief, learn how it can show up differently for each family member, and understand the support resources available to help navigate this deeply human experience.   Download your Episode 11 Care Toolkit  he...

Episode 10 - Final Rites with Dignity: Resources for Hindu Funerals in Montreal 23.09.2025

Honouring a loved one through Hindu funeral rites is deeply spiritual. But navigating the logistics in a city like Montreal can be overwhelming. In this episode, we explore the requirements for a Hindu cremation, and how families balance tradition, emotion, and practical realities.   Download your Episode 10 Care Toolkit here !   Click here to watch the episode!

Episode 09 - Sacred Time: What Palliative Care Offers Our Loved Ones 16.09.2025

Palliative care is about more than just end-of-life. It’s about living well, finding comfort, and supporting both patients and families through one of life’s most challenging journeys.    Join us for an intimate Q&A with Greg, the palliative nurse who guided Varsha’s parents through their final days, sharing insights, practical advice, and the human side of care that often goes unseen.   Downl...

Episode 08 - Before the Crisis - Aging in Place At Home 09.09.2025

When life changes suddenly, an aging parent needs more help, the house no longer feels safe, or palliative care becomes part of the conversation. How do you prepare? In this episode, we face these hard but necessary transitions with an experienced advocate by your side.   Download your Episode 08 Care Toolkit  here !   Click here to watch the episode!

Episode 07 - Mic Check: The Heart and Hustle Behind AWD 02.09.2025

In this special episode, I share the personal story of how Aging With Dignity came to life- from a casual conversation after losing my parents, to the lessons learned behind the mic, and the incredible support of our all-volunteer team.   And .. We’re now live on social media!   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected, share your stories, and help grow the conversation.   Click here...

Episode 06 - Helping Parents Move Forward: Finding a Private Care Facility 26.08.2025

Choosing and transitioning into a private senior residence is never just a checklist, it’s a deeply personal journey. Especially so for families separated by distance with children living afar. In this episode, we explore how to navigate this complex path with empathy, honesty, and real-life insight.   Download your Episode 06 Care Toolkit  here !   Click here to watch the episode!

Episode 03 - No Time to Plan: Finding Care in a Crisis 22.08.2025

When a caregiving emergency turned her world upside down, one woman channeled heartbreak into hope, creating Care4giver to help families in their most vulnerable moments. This powerful story is for anyone who’s ever felt alone while caring for someone they love.   Download your Episode 03 Care Toolkit here!   Click here to watch the episode! 

Episode 05 - When Home Care Isn't Enough: CHSLD Cost Effective Options 19.08.2025

When caring for aging loved ones becomes too much, and finances may be stretched too far for private solutions, families face a heartbreaking choice: stay at home or move to a CHSLD. In this episode, we unpack the emotions, culture, and tough conversations behind that decision, with compassion, clarity, and care.   Download your Episode 05 Care Toolkit here !   Click here to watch the episode! 

Episode 04 - In Their Final Days: In-Home End-of-Life Nursing Support 12.08.2025

When a loved one is approaching end-of-life, home becomes more than just a place; it becomes a space for care, dignity, and peace. In this episode, Varsha shares her personal story and speaks with NOVA Home Care about the powerful role of in-home palliative support in Quebec. Learn how NOVA’s team helps families navigate this emotional time with compassion, presence, and expert care.   Download yo...

Episode 02 - Caregiver VS Care Provider 28.07.2025

Digging into a crucial but often overlooked part of Québec’s care system: the difference between caregivers and care providers. Understanding this distinction can help you navigate elder care, access support services, and better advocate for your loved ones. Whether you're caring for a parent, partner, or friend, this is essential listening for anyone dealing with aging, home care, or long-term su...

Episode 01 - We Need to Talk: The Conversation Every Family Puts Off 21.07.2025

There are so many issues around aging and elder care that either elicits fear, shuts people down or are outright taboo. In this episode Varsha shows how to initiate the hard converstions with an aim to normalizing these topics.   Download your Episode 01 Care Toolkit here ! Click here to watch the episode!

Episode 00 - Why "Aging with Dignity" is Important 19.07.2025

The journey of aging, caregiving, end-of-life planning and how we care for each other along the way touches all of us. In this episode Varsha shares why she created this space to explore the topics we often don’t talk about enough.   Download your Episode 00 Care Toolkit here! Click here to watch the episode!   Be sure to like, share and subscribe!

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