A short introduction to the series.

Information and insights into the care home sector, delivered by experts who share their knowledge, experience and hands-on expertise. The Care Home Option Podcast Series, hosted by Gabriella Wills and produced by Drew Rice, is for those who are considering care and support options, and for those who wish to gain insight and understanding about care homes; how they function and the important role they have in keeping Health and Social Care working for us.

Gabriella Wills, a nurse and social care leader with almost 25 years experience in the sector, together with her expert guest speakers cover a multitude of subjects over the series, including how to select a care home, costs, funding and legal matters, complaints and safeguarding, dementia care and end of life care (see full programme below).

The Care Home Option series provides listeners with both practical and general information. Whilst issues concerning regulations and fees are specific to England, most issues discussed are relevant to anyone considering care and support for themselves or a loved one, anywhere in the world. Gabriella has worked to improve the quality (and equality) of life for those living and working in care homes, and presents an in-depth and holistic view of the sector, to offset the mostly one-sided reporting in the media.

Drew who is the co-creator, producer and co-host of the series asks the questions he feels would be helpful for himself and the listeners. We are very grateful to all those who supported us during the making of these podcasts, especially to our expert guest speakers - Jonathan West, Romy Pikoos, and Padraic Garrett. To Caroline, Richard and David for sharing their personal experiences of care and to Daniella Wills, Paula Madden and Shelley Fish for their feedback, and to Shelley Wills Designs for the creation of the logo. The full version of the lullaby played throughout the series Co-written and Produced by Drew can be heard and seen at www.bettyndrew.com

Episode Program, to be released over a number of weeks.

Episode 1 - Care homes; an overview.

Episode 2 - Choosing and preparing for a care home.

Episode 3 - Costs, fees and legal matters. Guest speaker, Jonathan West.

Episode 4 - Life in a care home, Part 1.

Episode 5 - Life in a care home, Part 2

Episode 6 - When things go wrong; complaints and safeguarding.

Episode 7 - Living with dementia - Part 1; Guest speaker Romy Pikoos.

Episode 8 - Living with dementia - Part 2; Guest speaker Padraic Garrett

Episode 9 - Richard's story; Caring for a parent during physical and cognitive decline.

Episode 10 - End of life care

Episode 11 - Caroline's story; End of life care at home

Episode 12 - David’s story; caring for his wife from diagnosis of dementia until her death.

Our first episode describes the function of care homes, both nursing and non-nursing, and the role they hold within the health and social care system.

We also talk about alternatives to care homes including domiciliary care, day centres, retirement living and respite care.

Finally, we explain the role of local authorities and the Care Quality Commission.

In this episode we consider the merits of starting discussions about living in a care home as an option, how to create a shortlist and what to look out for when visiting potential homes.

We also describe the admissions process.

We delve into the costs, fees and legal matters for care homes with our expert guest, Jonathan West.

We describe the main routines and activities in a typical care home. From explaining staff shift patterns, to the importance of interactions and activities that give meaning and reduce loneliness. We explain what a care plan is, and its role in personalising care, as well as the benefits of digital technology (when used appropriately). Managing risks and keeping people safe, and the impact of visitors are also explored.

We continue to describe the main routines and activities in a typical care home. From explaining staff shift patterns, to the importance of interactions and activities that give meaning and reduce loneliness. We explain what a care plan is, and its role in personalising care, as well as the benefits of digital technology (when used appropriately). Managing risks and keeping people safe, and the impact of visitors are also explored.

As discussed in previous episodes, ongoing communication and feedback are essential for building trusting relationships and a positive partnership of care.

Positive feedback is great but when the experience of a resident or relative is less than expected or desired, it is important to know how to do this in a constructive way.

We discuss the way that complaints are dealt with in places with good practice and what options are available when these may not be resolved in a timely manner.

We also explain the concepts of safeguarding, abuse, and neglect in a care home setting and the responsibilities that various agencies hold, regarding reporting and resolving such concerns.

In this episode we begin to explore the subject of dementia, providing information about the condition and the most prevalant types.

Our expert speaker Romy Pikoos, is an occupational therapist specialising in care for people living with dementia and describes a positive way of life that people diagnosed with the condition can live have and how those around them, at home, a care home and society at large can support them to keep their independence, dignity and quality of life.

Romy gives some easy to achieve practical ways to shape the environment where someone with dementia lives in order to make a positive difference to their life.