Welcome to the final episode of Season 1 of the Able to Care Podcast! In this special episode, host Andy Baker reflects on the journey so far, sharing insights into how the podcast has grown since it first launched in August 2023. Andy takes us back to the very first episode, featuring co-host Nadine Sutton, where they discussed dementia, stigmatisation, and misconceptions about this condition. From initial nerves to personal growth, Andy reveals how the podcast has evolved over the past year. I...
Oct 29, 2024•51 min•Ep. 72
Episode Description: In this special revisit of Episode 10 of Able to Care, host Andy Baker is joined by co-host Nadine and special guest Alex Bond to discuss the often overlooked and misunderstood topic of autism in girls. Diagnosed with autism a year ago, Alex shares her journey alongside her daughter Ava’s diagnosis in 2019. Together, they delve into the distinct experiences of girls on the spectrum and the challenges around diagnosis, masking, and social expectations. This episode aims to ra...
Oct 22, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 71
In this special episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker takes a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Season 1. After more than a year and a half since starting the podcast with just one episode a month, Andy shares how the podcast has evolved, now releasing two episodes per week. He speaks candidly about the meaningful connections he’s made, the growth of the podcast, and his excitement for the future, with Season 2 set to launch on 5th November. Key Moments: Reflecting on...
Oct 18, 2024•7 min•Ep. 70
As we draw season 1 of The Able to Care Podcast, to a close we revisit some old favourite episodes from our very first year. Season two starts on the 5th of November - remember remember! On this recording Andy Baker and co-host Nadine Sutton are joined by stand-up comedian and disability advocate Benny Shakes. Benny shares his inspiring journey living with cerebral palsy (CP) and how it has shaped his career as a speaker and comedian. He discusses his challenges growing up, the stigma around dis...
Oct 15, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 69
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker delves into the widely known Kubler-Ross model, or the Five Stages of Grief. While commonly linked to the experience of losing a loved one, Andy reveals how these stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—apply to a range of significant life changes, from job loss to major personal transitions. With personal insights and real-life examples, Andy explains how grief is not a straightforward, linear process but rather o...
Oct 11, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 68
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Kate Thubron, a trained occupational therapist and dementia care expert. Kate shares her journey from working in multiple care settings across the UK and abroad, to her passion for improving dementia care through the Montessori approach and cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). Kate discusses her experiences working with Teepa Snow’s Positive Approaches to Care model and how mindfulness and meditation practices enhance her t...
Oct 08, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 67
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker delves into an effective negotiation technique that’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of settings – from managing relationships within a household to navigating conflicts in the workplace. Inspired by an approach he discovered in a book on ADHD, Andy shares how this strategy can help set rules and boundaries in a fair and non-confrontational manner, giving all parties a voice. Whether you're a caregiver, teacher, or parent, th...
Oct 03, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 66
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker explores the essential topic of whistleblowing and creating a speaking up culture within organisations. Joined by Sean Keep, founder and co-director of SaySo, an independent whistleblowing service, the episode dives into how whistleblowing works and the importance of fostering a transparent and open environment. This benefits both businesses and staff by improving workplace safety and culture. With over 30 years of experience in law en...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 65
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, Andy Baker delves into the Incredible 5-Point Scale, a simple yet effective tool originally developed to help individuals on the autistic spectrum understand and manage their emotions. Andy explains how this scale can be used as a powerful tool for emotional literacy and self-regulation, not only for children but also for caregivers and adults. Learn how this system helps track emotional intensity, develop awareness, and foster better communication, a...
Sep 26, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Join Andy Baker and co-host Nadine on the Able to Care podcast as they explore the transformative power of trauma-informed care with Kirstie Wooley, founder of Lunar Mind. In this insightful episode, Kirstie shares her personal journey through childhood trauma and her mission to help children and families overcome attachment and trauma challenges. Discover the limitations of the social work system, the critical need for early intervention, and Kirstie 's bespoke therapeutic approaches to support...
Sep 23, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 63
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker delves into the "Cycle of Change," a powerful tool for understanding and facilitating behavioural shifts. With real-world examples and insights, Andy explores how this model helps us navigate through stages like precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Whether it's quitting smoking or managing self-harm, understanding where a person is in the change cycle can transform how we support them. Tune in to learn...
Sep 19, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 62
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker welcomes Alison Kerr, a neurodivergent single parent with over three decades of experience in holistic therapies and personal development. Alison shares her journey of navigating ADHD and neurodiversity, both for herself and her daughter, highlighting the challenges they faced growing up in a chaotic household. She discusses the importance of advocating for neurodivergent individuals, the emotional impact of undiagnosed ADHD, and the v...
Sep 16, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 61
In this episode, we delve into one of the major risks facing older adults: falls. With 1 in 3 people over 65 and half of those over 80 experiencing at least one fall per year, the impact on well-being and mobility can be severe. The episode discusses the causes of falls, including reduced muscle strength, balance issues, and medication side effects. It also covers practical tips to prevent falls at home and in residential care, such as decluttering, securing rugs, improving lighting, and introdu...
Sep 12, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 60
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker sits down with Dr. Jane Gilmour, a consultant clinical psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and course director at University College London. Dr. Gilmour, co-author of "How to Have Incredible Conversations with Your Child," shares her extensive experience in child development, neuropsychology, and managing challenging behaviours in children. They dive into practical strategies for improving communication between caregivers and ...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 59
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker delves into the powerful tool of ABC analysis to better understand and address challenging behaviours in care and education settings. Learn how to break down incidents into Antecedents, Behaviours, and Consequences to uncover the root causes of behaviours and develop effective strategies for support. Andy also highlights the importance of focusing on both maladaptive and adaptive behaviours, offering practical advice on how to use this...
Sep 05, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 58
In this episode of the "Able To Care" podcast, discover essential strategies to support children and adults with sensory processing needs as host Andy Baker engages with Monique Thoonsen, a leading expert and author in the field. Monique shares her insights on how educators, parents, and caregivers can foster inclusive environments by understanding sensory modulation and incorporating practical approaches to enhance learning and well-being. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or caregiver, this ep...
Sep 02, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker dives into the power of mindset and how it can help caregivers, educators, and parents navigate the daily challenges they face. Andy introduces a practical tool—Gratitude, Perspective, and Service (GPS)—that can reshape how we perceive and manage difficult situations. By focusing on gratitude, shifting our perspective, and finding ways to serve others, listeners can learn to silence their inner critic and embrace a more positive, resil...
Aug 29, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 56
In this compelling episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker sits down with Louisa Wilcox, a remarkable mother of two children with special educational needs, including one son with cerebral palsy. Louisa shares her powerful journey of advocating for her son, winning a court case against a local authority for his educational needs, and balancing her role as a multi-business owner. As the CEO of Let's Get Wealthy, Louisa empowers high-achieving neurodivergent entrepreneurs and corporat...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 55
In this episode of the "Able to Care" podcast, host Andy Baker explores the essential topic of effective communication with children through a review of the book How to Have Incredible Conversations with Your Child by Jane Gilmour and Bettina Honan. This insightful episode emphasises the importance of building strong parent-child relationships, especially when engaging with neurodiverse children. Andy discusses how this book offers practical tools and exercises to enhance emotional intelligence ...
Aug 22, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 54
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker sits down with Jayne Connery, founder of the Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFV). Jayne shares her inspiring journey from a successful career in the airline industry to becoming a passionate advocate for elderly care, driven by her personal experience with her mother’s care. The discussion highlights the importance of transparency, safety, and the implementation of independent safety monitoring in care homes. Jayne also emphasises ...
Aug 19, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 53
In this Able to Care episode delves deep into the concept of inclusion. Andy highlights how inclusion goes beyond being a buzzword, intricately linking it with equality and diversity. Reflecting on past discussions about the Kitwood flower and its importance in emotional and psychological well-being, Andy emphasises the need for an inclusive approach in care environments, especially for those with dementia. This episode also explores practical aspects of inclusion in daily routines, decision-mak...
Aug 15, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Charlie Beswick, a remarkable mother, entrepreneur, author, and advocate. Charlie is the driving force behind several influential businesses and the author of the Amazon bestseller, Our Altered Life, which narrates her journey as a mother to twin sons, including Harry, who was born with complex disabilities. Charlie's mission centres on providing essential support, guidance, and resources to parents and professionals working with individuals with...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 51
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker discusses the important but often overlooked topic of end-of-life care. Drawing from his extensive experience in delivering training on various subjects, Andy revisits his knowledge on end-of-life and palliative care, emphasising the significance of planning and communication. He shares personal insights on the importance of having an advanced care plan, the differences between palliative and end-of-life care, and the need for empathy ...
Aug 08, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 50
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, hosts Andy Baker and Nadine welcome back Sarah Merriman, an expert in the charity sector and a caregiver with extensive experience working for the Alzheimer's Society and tide. Sarah shares her personal journey as an unpaid caregiver and her deep passion for raising awareness about young onset dementia. The conversation delves into the unique challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65, the importance of early diagnosi...
Aug 05, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, hosted by Andy Baker and sponsored by Apple Training Support Ltd, we delve into the intricacies of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Inspired by feedback and a previous guest, Lorna, a specialist in this field, Andy addresses common misunderstandings and challenges associated with these laws. He outlines the key principles of the Mental Capacity Act, emphasising the importance of protecting and empowering individuals who m...
Aug 01, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker welcomes Rowan Aderyn , an LGBTQ+ role model who has turned personal adversity into advocacy and leadership. Rowan shares her remarkable journey from being a care leaver to becoming a prominent figure in initiatives for equity, diversity, and inclusion. With heartfelt honesty, she recounts the challenges of her upbringing, battles with mental health, and experiences with homelessness. Rowan discusses the importance of recognizing care ...
Jul 29, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker delves into the crucial topic of manual handling and safe practices for moving individuals, particularly in elderly care. Drawing from personal experience and professional insight, Andy explores the risks associated with improper lifting techniques, such as the outdated "drag lift," and emphasises the importance of following proper procedures to ensure safety for both caregivers and those being cared for. He highlights the impact of go...
Jul 25, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode, we focus on the unique challenges and experiences of ADHD in women, shedding light on how it affects their personal and professional lives. Our guest, Lucy, opens up about her own journey with ADHD, discussing the often-overlooked aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and self-care. We explore practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, overcoming societal and internal barriers, and prioritising mental health. Join us as we uncover the realities of ADHD in women and provide valu...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode, we delve into a unique analogy from the Able Target system that offers profound insights into understanding challenging behaviours. Imagine every individual you interact with as a shaken bottle of Coke—unpredictable in their reactions, even if unintended. Learn how to identify human, emotional, cognitive, locational, and physical stressors (H.E.L.P.) can illuminate proactive approaches to calming these metaphorical bottles and nurturing environments of compassion and mutual resp...
Jul 18, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker and co-host Nadine Sutton delve into the essential concept of person-centred care, a principle fundamental to their work. They discuss the origins of the person-centred approach, initially developed by psychologist Thomas Kitwood for dementia care, and its broader application in various care settings. The conversation highlights Kitwood’s "flower" model, focusing on the five psychological needs represented by its petals, starting with ...
Jul 15, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 43
