This episode is a snapshot in time as things currently stand, how the social care sector has been following one set of rules and the NHS has been allowed to follow another, with care homes being given further advice. The covid-19 situation has stripped our healthcare system bare and exposed stark inequalities. Inequalities of how our healthcare workforce are viewed, treated and valued. Eventually this episode will sit as a diary entry, a log in time of how things were; hopefully, a mark to show how things have changed! Any thoughts or comments to [email protected]

Today we talk 'Prepping The Nest', that is, getting your home, mind and body ready to take the next steps in life. By that we don't mean into the afterlife but ensuring your life and home is ready for anything which may come your way, reduced mobility, reduced memory, increased falls etc. A decrease in our health is inevitable but at what point do we think about and prepare for it? That is one of the key questions we ask today. As always we'd love to read your thoughts, comments and social care stories. Please tweet us or email us at [email protected] Peace!

Every year things get more expensive, that's just part of life. However, what is the answer when the thing which is getting more expensive is something you rely upon for your wellbeing, to ensure you have enough food and have taken your medication? In this podcast we navigate those difficult questions and offer some suggestions and solutions for those receiving social care in their own homes. As always we'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions at [email protected]

It is important to reduce our production and consumtion of single use plastic but at the same time we need to acknowledge and understand than individually wrapped cakes, biscuits and small portion meals are vital to the elderly, vulnerable and apetite suppressed section of our society. In this episode we discuss ways why single use plastic is necessary in social care and how it supports health and nutrition. Contact Us: [email protected] Cook Frozen Meals :) https://www.cookfood.net/

Delivering care in the home to those who need it is a difficult job, full stop. But what do we do when we hit a crisis? Not just a pandemic but extreme weather? We think that because we live in the UK our healthcare is guaranteed, that the NHS is there for you 24/7 and this is true in the main. When it comes to social care, day to day care our healthcare system in the UK is a different beast and the sad truth is that your health is not guaranteed! The care you receive, the quality of the care you receive is determined by where you live and sometimes, how much money you have. As always we want your views and your opinions. Send them in to [email protected]

Love is a powerful factor in all our lives. It has the power to give us the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. This Valentine's Day 2022 we decided to discuss the importance of love in later life, in all it's forms. CVompanionship, friendship and random acts of kindness. We discuss broken heart syndrome and what we should do if a friend or relative finds themselves alone after many years of partnership. Our social care system is based on love, giving kindness and care to those who need it. Showing them respect and empathy, allowing someone to live their best life as they choose. As always we'd love to hear your thoughts and you can email the podcast to the following address [email protected]

Ok, perhaps not the most PC title but it begs the question; What can we do to prevent falls in the home? What are some common causes of falls? Can they be managed? What should we be concerned about? As we grow older we need more and more support, that is life. Whether it is from social services, family, friends, our partners, a variety of people and services. There are many things which can contribute to falls whether that is an infection, incorrect or unmanaged medication, side effects of medication, poor strength and mobility, hazards in the home, general old age; the list goes on. There is clear and present danger, head injuries or broken bones, but there are also, often overlooked injuries, from crushing to the destruction of confidence and therefore independance. In this episode we talk falls. If Dame Judi can take a tumble and bounce back, so can you :) As always, email us your questions, concerns, comments to mailbox@[email protected]

We discuss dementia. What it is, how it manifests and how we can manage dementia in both a home care setting and a care home setting. Specifically we discuss the pros and cons of each for the individual and the family, as well as what steps we can expect within the progression of this awfully unfair illness. With 900,000 people estimated to be living with dementia in the UK this is a highly relevant and important topic which we hope you can listen to, enjoy, get soemthing out of and as always, join us in the conversation by emailing us at [email protected]

In episode 2 we talk; what does good care look like? What does safe care look like? What does bad care look like? What does abuse look like? When we are looking for care for a loved one or for ourselves we need to have the right questions, to know where to look for a CQC report, we need to know what framework the Care Quality Commission grade agencies by etc. Whether we're dealing with demential, palliative care or just companionship the care agency entering your home needs to be the right fit and fit for purpose. Hopefully this episode will provide valuable information you can use to make the right choices and continue to monitor the care given. As always we'd love to receive your questions, opinions, corrections, stories ANYTHING so please feel free to email them into the show [email protected] CQC Website https://www.cqc.org.uk/

In our first episode we tackle the key question, what is home care? Within this discussion we also cover social care funding, how to get care in the home, who works in care and more. As a key cog in our healthcare system which provides vital support to vulnerable adults and our NHS, we believe that a greater understanding of home care, what it is and who delivers it, espcially in the age of COVID, is greatly important. We'd also love to hear your your stories, experiences and questions about care. Please email them to the address below :) [email protected]