David's story - loosing Frances. David shares an insightful and deeply personal account of living with, and caring for his wife of fifty years, from receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease until her death five years later.. David shares the highs (and there were some) and the lows of this period and the way that helped him cope with his emotions as he was (in his own words) incrementally losing the person he loved and shared his life with for more than 50 years.

Our guest Caroline shares her experiences of living with her father for almost 12 years and supporting him at home until his peaceful death.

Caroline gives a candid and personal account of the impact this had on her, her daughter and her father. She explains how they have together navigated this time and made the decisions about his care, from social support after he was widowed, to more ‘hands on’ help as he became gradually more physically frail.

Talking about end of life, our own or that of a loved one, can be a taboo subject, and challenging for many.

In this episode we acknowledge these challenges and highlight the importance of overcoming them in order to prepare for as ‘ good death’ as possible. In particular documenting in advance wishes and preferences regarding care and support at end of life. Despite the belief that end of life care and palliative care can only be provided in a hospital or hospice, we explain that it can be provided in one’s home or care home, and may be preferred by many to do so.

We explain terms such as end of life care and palliative care, advanced wishes, anticipatory medication and Do Not Attempt Resuscitation/Allow Natural Death.

We also provide links to websites that offer information and support to those facing or affected by death and bereavement.

Our guest Richard shares his personal experience of planning and arranging care for his father when his health was declining both physically and cognitively. He describes the challenge of balancing the needs and preferences of his father with those of his mother, and how, despite his father's progressing dementia they have enabled him to make decisions about his care at home and in a care home.

In the second episode on dementia, we focus on the impact of dementia on people’s physical health and abilities. Our guest speaker Padriac Garrett draws on his extensive experience in dementia care, mental health and sensory impairment. He explains the very individual progression of the condition and its possible impact on mobility and eating and drinking, and how visual and auditory perceptions may be altered. The emphasis is again on supporting the person living with dementia to live as good and as active a life as is possible and how this can be achieved.

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.

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.

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.