In this episode of Able to Care, Andy Baker is joined by Tim Farmer, a multi-award-winning mental capacity expert, author of Grandpa on a Skateboard, and co-founder of Comentis. With over 24 years of experience as a mental health nurse and more than 3,500 mental capacity assessments conducted, Tim brings deep insights into how we assess and understand decision-making abilities. This conversation explores the complexities of mental capacity, common misconceptions, and the importance of getting as...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 99
Have you ever felt truly seen? That moment when someone acknowledges your emotions without judgment? That’s the power of verbal attending – a simple yet transformative communication tool that can help us connect, de-escalate tense situations, and build trust. In this episode, Andy dives deep into I notice statements and how they can turn conflict into understanding, frustration into calm, and disengagement into connection. Whether you're a caregiver, teacher, parent, or leader, this skill can he...
Feb 14, 2025•17 min•Ep. 98
In this episode, host Andy Baker sits down with Emily Warren, founder of Little Fox Education, to discuss the transformative power of play in children’s development. With a background in teaching and behaviour support, Emily now works with children with additional needs through tutoring, family support, and attachment-based play. Andy and Emily explore: ✅ Why play is essential for children's emotional, cognitive, and social development ✅ The connection between play and mental health – and why ch...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 97
Have you ever faced a task that felt overwhelming? Now imagine learning a new skill or trying to maintain independence while experiencing cognitive or physical decline. In this episode of Able to Care, Andy Baker explores forward and backward chaining—powerful techniques that break down complex tasks into manageable steps, helping individuals learn new skills, regain confidence, and maintain independence. Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, or healthcare professional, understanding these strate...
Feb 07, 2025•24 min•Ep. 96
In this episode of Able to Care, Andy Baker is joined by Gina Awad, an award-winning dementia advocate and founder of Exeter Dementia Action Alliance. Gina shares her journey in dementia advocacy, her work supporting carers, and her insights into rare dementias. This conversation highlights the importance of community awareness, personalised support, and the challenges carers face. Whether you're a caregiver, a professional working in dementia care, or someone looking to understand the condition...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 95
In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker delves into the critical topic of boundaries. Often misunderstood as barriers, boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy relationships, ensuring self-respect, and preserving mental well-being. Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, parent, or manager, learning to set and communicate boundaries effectively can transform your interactions and boost your resilience. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 🎁 Sponsor: Carers Card UK Care...
Jan 31, 2025•21 min•Ep. 93
In this heartfelt episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker sits down with Taiba Bajar, an experienced advocate for children with autism and their families. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of raising and supporting children with autism, focusing on practical and compassionate approaches to addressing symptoms and nurturing their potential. Taiba shares her unique perspective on holistic care, including sensory and emotional support, the critical role of family invol...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 94
Have you ever felt like someone wasn't truly listening to you? Or found yourself so focused on your response that you missed the heart of a conversation? In this episode of The Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker dives deep into the art of active listening—a transformative skill that builds stronger relationships at home, work, and in care settings. Andy shares practical insights, real-life examples, and actionable tips to help you become a more present and empathetic listener. Resources Menti...
Jan 24, 2025•21 min•Ep. 92
In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker sits down with Hannah Karim, a care expert and leader at Lottie, a rapidly growing later living marketplace. Hannah shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother and offers invaluable insights into navigating the often overwhelming world of elder care. Whether you’re just beginning the search for care options or are deep in the decision-making process, this episode is packed with practical advice and resources to help you f...
Jan 21, 2025•53 min•Ep. 91
In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker dives into the concept of stage desensitisation—a step-by-step approach to overcoming fears, managing transitions, and building trust. Originally developed for treating phobias, this method has far-reaching applications for caregivers, educators, and parents. Whether it’s helping someone adapt to sensory challenges, navigate life changes, or overcome a fear, stage desensitisation offers a compassionate, effective framework for fosterin...
Jan 17, 2025•24 min•Ep. 90
In this eye-opening episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker welcomes Dr Alice Loving, an expert in child protection, attachment, and trauma-informed social work. With over 14 years of experience working with families in community and residential settings, Dr Loving has pioneered innovative methods to support families in crisis. Her PhD research on "change facilitators" and "change inhibitors" has not only informed her work but has also shaped her mission to transform the social care...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 89
In this transformative episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker explores the concept of resilience—what it means, why it’s essential for managing stress, and how to cultivate it in yourself and those you care for. Andy breaks down practical strategies to build resilience, emphasising its importance for caregivers, educators, parents, and leaders alike. Drawing from real-life experiences, powerful analogies, and actionable advice, Andy offers a comprehensive guide to navigating life’s...
Jan 10, 2025•18 min•Ep. 88
In this transformative episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by the legendary Geoff Thompson—acclaimed author, playwright, and speaker—to explore themes of fear, forgiveness, and personal transformation. Geoff shares his remarkable journey from facing adversity to creating profound works of art, including his stage play Fragile and his feature film collaboration with Orlando Bloom. With his deep insights into resilience, spirituality, and the power of truth, Geoff offers...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 87
Join host Andy Baker on the Able to Care podcast as he unpacks the complexities of stress and its impact on behaviour. In this episode, Andy introduces the HELP Framework—Human, Emotional, Cognitive, Location, and Physical—and explores how recognising these stressors can transform the way we manage and respond to challenging behaviours. Through practical examples, he highlights the importance of identifying unmet needs, addressing slow stressors, and fostering empathy to build better connections...
Jan 03, 2025•17 min•Ep. 83
In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by Sylvia Stock, widely known as The Dementia Whisperer. With a deep background in nursing and care management, Sylvia shares her profound personal journey of caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s dementia in 2010. From navigating the early days of denial and confusion to creatively adapting daily routines, Sylvia offers heartfelt advice and practical tools for carers, educators, and families ...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 86
Join host Andy Baker on this special Christmas Eve episode of the Able to Care podcast, created with parents, teachers, and caregivers in mind. In this heartfelt discussion, Andy shares practical self-care strategies to help you manage the joys and stresses of the holiday season. Whether you’re juggling family responsibilities, navigating classroom challenges, or supporting loved ones in your care, this episode offers actionable advice to keep you grounded and prioritise your wellbeing. 🎄 With ...
Dec 24, 2024•20 min•Ep. 85
As the festive season approaches, many caregivers and parents turn to the idea of "Santa's watching" as a quick fix for managing behaviour. But does this popular strategy genuinely help in the long run? In this episode, Andy Baker dives deep into why using Santa as a disciplinary tool may be counterproductive, exploring its potential risks and sharing alternative approaches to fostering positive behaviour. By understanding the limitations of fear-based motivation and focusing on empathy and conn...
Dec 20, 2024•14 min•Ep. 84
Join host Andy Baker on the Able to Care podcast as he sits down with Dean from Grey Matters Consultancy to explore how families can plan for the future, access vital care and financial support, and navigate sensitive conversations about care needs. Dean shares his wealth of experience, from starting as a frontline care worker to managing a franchise dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, vulnerabilities, or aging needs. This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone see...
Dec 17, 2024•57 min•Ep. 82
Join host Andy Baker on the Able to Care Podcast as he explores the fascinating phenomenon of emotional contagion—how emotions spread between individuals and influence group dynamics. Andy delves into the psychology behind emotional ripple effects and shares actionable strategies to manage behaviour in classrooms, workplaces, care environments, and even at home. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or leader, this episode equips you with the tools to create calm, positive, and resilient environ...
Dec 13, 2024•13 min•Ep. 81
Join Andy Baker, Nadeen Sutton, and guest Peter Middleton as they explore the lived experience of dementia, breaking stigmas and inspiring hope. In this heartfelt episode of the Able to Care Podcast, Andy Baker and co-host Nadeen Sutton are joined by Peter Middleton, an inspiring advocate with lived experience of dementia. Diagnosed five years ago, Peter shares his journey of navigating life with dementia, breaking down myths and misconceptions, and discovering ways to live a meaningful and fulf...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 80
In this insightful episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker dives into the fascinating world of social conditioning and its profound impact on behaviour. From the early days of childhood to complex adult interactions, Andy explores how behaviours are shaped by norms, expectations, and the environments we navigate daily. He challenges traditional punishment-and-reward models of behaviour management, offering a fresh perspective grounded in research and practical strategies. Drawing on...
Dec 06, 2024•11 min•Ep. 79
In this insightful episode of the Able to Care Podcast, we welcome the renowned Sarah Naish—author, speaker, and advocate for therapeutic parenting. Sarah draws from her experience as the mother of five adopted children and her extensive work in fostering and adoption support. She discusses the transformative power of trauma-informed practices and offers practical strategies for caregivers and professionals navigating the complexities of parenting children with trauma histories. Whether you're a...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 78
Are you a caregiver, educator, or parent struggling to manage behaviours that challenge? This episode of the Able to Care Podcast is packed with actionable strategies to help you navigate these situations with confidence and compassion. Host Andy Baker shares three essential tips that can make a big difference in reducing stress, promoting positive behaviours, and improving outcomes for everyone involved. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ How to Focus on Positives: Shift your mindset to encourage...
Nov 29, 2024•11 min•Ep. 77
Join Andy Baker on the Able to Care Podcast as he sits down with Teepa Snow, one of the world’s foremost dementia care educators, to explore practical techniques for compassionate caregiving. Teepa shares insights from her renowned Positive Approach to Care model, offering strategies that help caregivers connect meaningfully, respond to behavioural challenges, and support individuals with dignity and respect. This episode is packed with actionable advice for caregivers, educators, and healthcare...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 76
In this engaging episode, host Andy Baker uncovers the connection between challenging behaviour and emotional dysregulation, highlighting how trauma impacts responses to stress. Explore the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn survival responses and gain valuable insights into creating trauma-informed approaches for caregivers, educators, and support professionals. Discover how understanding these behaviours can lead to safer, more empathetic environments. Resources Mentioned: Carer's Card UK (Sponso...
Nov 22, 2024•15 min•Ep. 75
In this insightful episode, former guest Tem interviews host Andy Baker about his new book, Targeting the Positive with Behaviours that Challenge. Together, they discuss the core mission behind Andy’s work: providing practical tools and strategies to empower caregivers, educators, and support workers facing challenging behaviours. Andy shares personal stories and practical insights, shedding light on how understanding, empathy, and strategic techniques can reshape challenging interactions. From ...
Nov 19, 2024•51 min•Ep. 74
Join host Andy Baker on the Able to Care podcast as he shares powerful strategies for de-escalating challenging behaviours through the HELP-Prompt-Wait-Protect approach. Andy explains each step of this practical model, offering insights on how caregivers, educators, and social workers can communicate calmly, validate emotions, and foster safer interactions. He highlights the importance of framing intentions, staying calm, and prompting positive actions to support individuals experiencing emotion...
Nov 15, 2024•15 min•Ep. 73
Join Host Andy Baker and Actress Gemma Oaten on a Powerful Episode Addressing Mental Health, Eating Disorders, and Resilience In this deeply moving episode of the Able to Care Podcast, Andy Baker is joined by actress Gemma Oaten, known for her work on Emmerdale, Holby City, Coronation Street, and her new role as a BBC Radio Humberside host. Beyond her successful acting career, Gemma shares her powerful journey of overcoming personal struggles with eating disorders, mental health challenges, and ...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Join host Andy Baker in this insightful episode as he explores the concept of dynamic risk assessments—a critical skill for caregivers, educators, and anyone in high-stakes environments. Learn how to approach everyday risks with adaptability and situational awareness. Andy breaks down dynamic risk assessments, explaining how they differ from traditional assessments and why they’re essential for effective, safe decision-making on the go. Using practical examples, he covers how to apply this skill...
Nov 08, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 2 of the Able to Care Podcast! 🎉 And launch of the ablehub.uk membership site. Join host Andy Baker in this powerful season launch episode featuring Olympic medallist and British javelin icon, Fatima Whitbread. Dive into an inspiring discussion on resilience, advocacy, and transformation within the UK care system. Fatima’s story—from her challenging childhood in the care system to her rise as a legendary athlete—reveals a remarkable dedication to uplifting children in care. Wi...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 1
