A guide to homecare

In the final episode of series 1, Annabel & Daisy speak with Cameron Young, CEO of trinityhomecare.co.uk about the evolving home care sector in the UK, and the need for early planning and community support,Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgKey points:Early planning is essential, a subject that has come up in many of our podcast episodes.There are varied strands of home care - including live-in care, preventative care and dementia support.Technology is increasingly being used - positively - in enhancing care.We explain CQC ratings and how to gauge a care home that currently isn't CQC rated (through no fault of their own). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is not intended as individual financial advice. You should always speak to an independent financial advisor.Mel Kenny is a chartered financial planner at https://rad-new.com/ and a regional coordinator with https://societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk/. He discusses the financial considerations for elderly individuals and their families. He emphasises the importance of soft skills in financial advice, such as listening and providing reassurance. Key topics include annuities, equity release, and trusts, which can help manage care costs and help decisions when it comes to a reliance on local authorities. Kenny also highlights the challenges of balancing financial planning with emotional needs, the role of SOLLA in providing accredited advisors, and the complexities of NHS continuing care. He stresses the importance of comprehensive financial advice that considers both financial stability and emotional well-being.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgKey points:Explore annuity options to cover potential care costs.Investigate lifetime mortgages as a way to access home equity without having to move.Seek a care needs assessment from the local authority to determine funding support.It is essential for the advisor to listen to clients and make them feel heard, which can make a significant difference in meetings.The emotional aspect of financial advice should be considered and the importance of providing reassurance to clients and their families.The 'Care Cap' was proposed as a solution to the challenges of long-term planning for care funding. This idea has now been scrapped and the focus is on the wider government review and plan, with some clarity coming in 2026.There is an annual allowance for gifting money, along with other small transfers, but this is bound up in various rules and regulations which should be considered.In what can be a confusing and changing financial world, the best advice is often to build up assets to a point where potential care needs can likely be covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debbie Harris from the elderly care and retirement-living directory autumna.co.uk discusses the complexities of choosing a care home with Daisy and Annabel. She highlights the need for quick decision-making, with a typical six-week window, how Autumna supports over 3,000 families monthly, offering a care-finding tool and a seven-day advice line. The discussion also explores the current challenges facing the Care Quality Commission and the importance of understanding care needs, along with the impact of hospital discharge delays, and much more.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgKey takeaways from this episode:Using a directory like Autumna, Identify what type of care is needed (e.g., residential, nursing, complex, dementia) and search for care homes accordingly.It's important to identify a good care home, although the subjective nature of quality care to suit each individual means 'one size' rarely fits all.Autumna offers a huge number of filters in the search function, covering pets, gender and LGBTQ+ wishes, food preferences and much more.Consider factors like location, price, additional care needs, behaviors, nursing specialisms, food requirements, disability support, room types, and nearby services when searching for a care home.Ensure power of attorney is in place and understand how long any available funds will realistically last before needing a transition to local authority funding (balancing circumstances with location choices, alongside the available budget).Autumna is transparent and provides unbiased information.Consider respite care as a temporary measure to get the elderly relative back on their feet before potentially returning home.The conversation touches on the importance of positive social care stories - of which there are many - and the need for better press for the vast majority of cases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Margaret Doyle and Tracey Adamson are 'Elder Mediators'. We discuss the role of mediation in helping families to resolve issues and concerns about care and support for elderly parents and relatives.  We also cover the challenges and benefits of elder mediation, including intergenerational conflicts, estrangement, and care issues.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgMediation differs from therapy, focusing on practical solutions and respecting all parties' rights. They highlight the importance of addressing unspoken issues and the role of active listening and "I" statements. The conversation also touches on the gender dynamics in caregiving and the potential for mediation in resolving disputes with care providers. The episode emphasises the need for early, non-confrontational conversations and the benefits of mediation in achieving sustainable solutions.Mentioned In The Episode: The Elder Mediation International Network: https://elder-mediation-international.net/Sandeep Jauhar - My Father's Brain https://amzn.eu/d/3XUyWq1Kathryn Mannix - Listen https://amzn.eu/d/d7eW0SjHourglass https://www.wearehourglass.org/Summary: "Tracey speaking about the fact that mediators love conflict because it's the catalyst for change. I think that's a very sort of interesting and positive way to think about how you're feeling perhaps at this stage in discussing elderly care with parents and relatives. You know, it's a step in the process. I also thought, of course, obvious, but something you never think about that there may not be obvious conflict, just decades of baggage that you've carried around with you since you were a kid. So trying to sort of see that for what it is, I think, is probably really helpful. And then the notion that all of this is tainted with grief and loss, and, you know, fear for your parents and the fact that they're sort of slowly ebbing away before you, that's a really important dynamic in all of this. I also thought what was really important was ageism and its impact, and how we think about our elderly parents and relatives. And we need to think about it much sooner and in that broader context, and I think finally, but almost most importantly, finding the right time to have these conversations. Of course, it doesn't need to be around the kitchen table or the dining room table, which you know, as we know, can feel quite confrontation but actually out on the walk when you're side by side with each other. So a huge thank you to Margaret and Tracey". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Thornton, author of "The Later Years" (https://amzn.eu/d/1bPRHfQ) discusses practical advice for organising one's life in the later years. He describes his experience with older parents and friends, emphasising the importance of practical checklists and positive outlooks. He advises drafting a will, creating a "death file" with essential documents, and maintaining physical and social health. Thornton also highlights the benefits of technology like video doorbells and personal alarms for safety. The conversation touches on the need for legal paperwork, such as lasting powers of attorney and advanced decisions, to ensure one's wishes are met.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgKey Points:Draft a willCreate an "on-death" or "death" file with important personal and financial information.Consider home-sharing or taking in a lodger to provide companionship and additional support.Ensure smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency response systems are in place and functioning properly.Explore the use of smart home technologies and monitoring systems to support independent living.Consider creating an advance decision or advance statement to communicate your wishes regarding medical treatment.Peter refers to 'Telecare' & 'Telehealth' services. More information can be found here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/housing-options/adapting-home/telecare/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're marking Dementia Awareness Week by speaking to Vic Lyons from Admiral Nurses. Under the Dementia UK umbrella (www.dementiauk.org), Admiral Nurses provide emotional and practical support to families dealing with dementia. In the conversation, we discuss the definition and importance of dementia, the three stages of the disease and highlight the Herbert Protocol, a crucial resource for families to help locate missing individuals with dementia - a protocol that isn't nearly as well known about as it should be.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.org"Dementia is a word like an umbrella term... lots of people have heard of Alzheimer's, and that is still the one that we see most commonly diagnosed, then you also have vascular dementia, which, again, equally commonly diagnosed these days. And then there's actually 200 types of dementia...dementia is more than just memory loss.... It can be personality changes, difficulty in making decisions, even sometimes expressing how you feel and communicate, and perhaps getting lost in familiar places or not being able to do things that you would ordinarily be able to do. It's a progressive condition"https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/about-dementia/stages-of-dementia/On the Herbert Protocol: "You can do it all online, because I know for lots of families, when you need to submit it to the local police force, maybe they're not open, or you can't get hold of them, or that's great if that person's in the area. But of course, if they go to a different area, or they're visiting family somewhere else, the local police have it in their station. It's actually how do they get it to the area? So what Medic Alert started doing very recently, was having that form digitalised and stored on their system. It's free of charge, so if a person does go missing, anybody can ring the Medic Alert number, and they'll be able to get that relevant details to where they where they may be needed. So really good service out there"https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/living-with-dementia/herbert-protocol/https://www.medicalert.org.uk/On conversations with employers: I think it's it's important to have those conversations with your employers and say, I'm a working carer, mum's got dementia, I need to go to her appointments or whatever it is you need to do. We did a survey last year, and we know that carers talk about the how challenging it is to ask for help, to reach out, to acknowledge this is difficult, and feeling guilty that they should be able to cope. But we're not super human. We can only cope with with what we can cope with. So actually having that conversation and saying this is the reality, as you might find, that your employer can do something like offer you flexible working, or there may be something they can do to help, but if you don't have that conversation, and you leave it, it usually ends up with situations that you wouldn't want happening"https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/dementia-at-work/supporting-employees-affected-by-dementia/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Lucy Pollock is a Geriatrician and author, having written two books: The Golden Rule - Lessons In Living From A Doctor Of Aging https://amzn.eu/d/5Wnmdop and The Book About Getting Older https://amzn.eu/d/cGbBH0U. Lucy spoke to Annabel James from Age Space, giving advice on managing multiple conditions and medications, advocating for better conversations and practical conversations, and taboo subjects like incontience and whether it's time to stop driving a vehicle.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgTerms Used In This Episode:BRAN - Benefits. Risks. Alternatives. (What happens if I do) Nothing.DNR - Do not resuscitateACP - Advance care planADRT - Advance decision to refuse treatmentLearnings From This Episode:Geriatricians are based in hospitals but an increasing number work in the community. Most problems with older relatives and friends are managed in primary care, but complex cases may require a geriatrician. Preventative care is incredibly important and helps reduce the risk of acute emergency admissions.Lucy's motivation to write was a wish to fill a gap in information about geriatric care and helping families ask the right questions. Having key conversations with elderly relatives is important - and whilst taboo subjects like driving cessation and incontinence can be difficult, there are ways to approach this.The BRAN test evaluates the benefit, risk, alternatives, and necessity of medications.Polypharmacy (multiple drugs and medications) is a growing challenge for professionals, patients and relatives. Using the BRAN test, an unnecessary medication can be identified.Incontinence is common but it isn't necessarily 'normal'. There are ways to manage it, including pelvic floor exercises, dietary changes and equipment.Except in limited cases, you cannot ask the doctor to stop somebody driving, This has to be a conversation with the DVLA.Lucy also discusses the benefits of hospital at home and virtual wards for elderly patients. She explains that hospital at home can be a safer and more comfortable alternative to traditional hospital admissions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marking Hospice UK's Dying Matters Awareness Week (https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters) Liz Pryor from the Anne Robson Trust talks frankly about an essential conversation that is often avoided until it is too late. The Trust (https://annerobsontrust.org.uk/) provides advice, training and companionship, working alongside partner healthcare organisations, bringing support, comfort and compassion to those nearing the end of life, and those closest to them.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgThe story behind the Anne Robson Trust.Liz set up the trust in memory of her mother, providing resources, workshops, and work with healthcare organisations to provide support for those dying. The most important thing to do for those supporting relatives and friends who are near end of life, is to have conversations as early as possible - rather than making hasty plans during their final days. There is a helpful "my wishes" checklist available on the Anne Robson Trust website.Understanding the Process of DyingLiz explains the process of dying, including physical changes and the importance of understanding these stages. She mentions the concept of "Cheyne-Stokes breathing" and other physical signs that indicate the end of life. She also highlights the importance of having a calm and supportive environment for the dying person.Practical Advice for Family MembersFamily members should ask direct questions about the expected timeline of death and to have early conversations about end-of-life care. it is also important to have advanced care plans, DNRs if appropriate, and other legal documents in place. Liz also explains the role of hospices in providing support both in hospitals and at home, and the importance of accessing these services.The Role of 'Death Doulas'Liz introduces the concept of death doulas or soul midwives, who provide spiritual support during the end-of-life journey. She mentions the Anne Robson Trust's new project to engage volunteers to support people in their homes as they die and highlights the importance of moving end-of-life care back into the community to reduce emergency admissions and provide better support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Holidays, vacations and excursions are the subject of a fun and upbeat conversation in this episode. Age Space's Annabel James and broadcaster & journalist, Daisy McAndrew speak to Silver Travel adviser, Kelly Gallagher (https://silvertraveladvisor.com/). They talk about the cost benefits to travelling out of season, the challenges of solo travel and the dreaded 'single supplement', and how travel companies and advisors are upping their game to encourage a mature customer base to holiday with them.Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.orgChanges in the Travel Industry for Older TravelersAn aging population has influenced the travel industry with a growing popularity in long-stay holidays and a flexibility for older travellers, who are able to take advance of low or 'shoulder' seasons and avoid peak prices.Special Interest Holidays (SPIN Holidays)Another development is a 'SPIN' holiday - a 'special interest' trip. These holidays have increased by 64% in 2024 and can focus on cookery, language learning, walking, photography, bird watching etc.Meeting Physical Needs of Older TravelersEnquire about the availability of accessible rooms, assisted support on airlines, and fully assisted holidays. The important thing is to work with the right companies and operators to meet specific needs. Silver Travel Advisors work with Dementia Adventure which offers retreats for people living with the illness (https://dementiaadventure.org/)Solo Travel for Older AdultsTips for solo travelers include starting with shorter trips, joining group tours, and choosing cruises that cater to solo travelers. It is important the there is an understanding of what the solo holidaymaker wants from their experience..Addressing the Single Supplement IssueThere are various options, including sharing rooms with same-gender travelers and booking with companies that offer no single supplements. The importance is to work with travel agents who can find promotional offers to reduce or eliminate single supplements. Some cruise lines offer solo cabins with no single supplement.Sustainable Travel PracticesA number of cruises depart from the UK and reduce carbon emissions. The importance of considering the residents of the area you visit and being a respectful tourist is important, regardless of age.Cruise ships and hotels have made efforts to reduce their environmental impact, such as no plastic policies and water conservation efforts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Age Space's Annabel James and broadcaster & journalist, Daisy McAndrew have a long overdue catchup, two months into the podcast. This episode includes advice on the increasing costs but also the increased benefits available for parents and friends needing later life care. Plus, Annabel and Daisy review some of the key points from the show's interviewees to-date (with apologies for Annabel's dodgy microphone!).Get in touch with your comments & questionsEmail: [email protected] Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstageWhatsApp: 07982 360113Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657Age Space: www.agespace.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.