Pull Up a Chair and Let's talk Care

Well it arrived at our door and we were not prepared for the ten ton trunk hitting us (that's how it felt to be fair). I realise we had it milder then others and we are so thankful that we did because if it had been any worse not sure I could have coped. however, here we are day 10 and on the road to recovery, it gave me time to reflect, wallow and moan (nothing new there really). It gave me more time really in fact!. However, I did spend sometime researching what's going on in care and other services and was shocked to read about levels of inspections and the grading at present and so I decided to do a podcast to share my thoughts. It's a bit random but hey so are many of my podcast so bare with and be kind because remember I have covid_19 so I am poorly. Be gentle but take a listen and know that we are in a bit of shit but we can do better. By the way sorry for the swearing but honestly just 2 bad words. 

It's a tricky time for many in social care and sometimes the the stories that filter down on social media just have you placing your head in your hands and shaking you head in disbelief. It has been like that for may the last few years in social care but more so in the last few months. However, yesterday and today I just felt like 'for f**k sake really' with the Matt Hancock story and then the story about the hike in hourly rate for nurses from agencies I just felt things are just at an all time shit show. Don't get me wrong they were already there but things seem to spiral and I need to get it out of my mind and that what you get a podcast that is full of my thoughts. Take a listen and just know it's really just a 'MIND DUMP'. Hey its important to know though. 

Be ware what comes out of your mouth can impact on someone's wellbeing, ability and self esteem. It can have a bearing on the image we show people and the interpretation of care in general. Just me saying what I'm thinking and sharing my thoughts after reading all your posts on social media about the terms you use. All I ask is just take a moment to think before you speak, label and judge. Don't allow the words you use to prevent someone being able to achieve outcomes. 

Well it's been a while and well there is no excuse except I was feeling sorry for myself because no one is listening (haha) well not many. However, I have decided this podcast is more about what I gain from it also, and so if it allows me to get what I want off my chest then it it worth continuing. So here is is another chat from the Sluice to wet your appetite again. I will be looking for guest people so if you fancy a chat contact me. Care, politics, life, mental health or just a general chat about being here let me know and we can organise. So come on why not contact me on [email protected]

It had to happen the elephant in the room, big and just not going anywhere. To vaccinate or not. Well if you work in a care home or nursing home your choice has been taken away as it is compulsory to have a vaccine. The deadline is coming soon and this is going to have an impact on staffing in some companies. As well as vaccines we need to also, ensure that we continue to wear PPE appropriately and follow good IPC, we also need a government to lead by example and to bloody understand more about social care before they make decisions about it. It maybe a little rant and apologies in advance for that. I'm a believer in the vaccine and I stand by that,I also feel we need to be kind and thoughtful to others, we need to reassure and ensure we support all. We need to be a team and work together. We need to protect our most vulnerable and I believe this is is one of the best ways to do that at this point in time. Check out the information on vaccine role out for care. #vaccines #care #socialcare  homes.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/everyone-working-in-care-homes-to-be-fully-vaccinated-under-new-law-to-protect-residents

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9958909/Health-Secretary-Sajid-Javid-plans-make-vaccines-condition-employment-NHS-workers.html

We need to understand more about Autism because we are failing people. I talk to Emily again about the crisis we are in within care service and how we need to look more at training and accessing care and support. I don't deem myself as being an expert but I do see Emily from Autism and me as the right person to talk to as she is an autistic person who knows what she requires and has a valuable insight into her world and how autism impacts her and how it MAY impact others. Take a listen, feel free to message me on [email protected]

or check out instagram @attentiontocare or @emilyautism 

We aim to dispel the myths and tell the truth that it isn't as simple as going to your GP, and saying 'Dr I think I am Autistic' or Dr I think my child is Autistic" because sometimes you may just find some responses like this 'what you can be autistic because you have good eye contact' or 'no you are not autistic because you don't have a special talent' or 'you feel to much to be autistic' or 'you are to intelligent to be autistic'. I hear you shout 'no, surely not' surely no person would respond in this way, well sadly may girls will have had this response and some boys. So I spoke to Emily today about her journey and some of the barriers and hurdles she had to get over to gain a diagnosis and also what it means once she gain her diagnosis. 

Now of course I am being general here and that is wrong because not everyone experiences the same. But we are finding that many people are struggling and the older you are the harder to get a diagnosis it becomes. 

The biggest thing out of this discussion I feel is we need to be more aware of looking at all the aspects of traits and differences when we are younger and mapping them earlier to gain a diagnosis before adulthood otherwise we have more unmet needs, more people at risk and more mental health issues then we can deal with in an ever saturated system that needs a reform. 

https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/other-services/Autism%20assessment%20and%20diagnosis/LocationSearch/309 (you can enter your postcode)

Its going to be bigger and better, louder and brighter, maybe more swearing then before (as the topics are going to be more honest and open). We are bringing a new series between the serious topic called 'chat/gossip/shit talk from the sluice room' yep the nitty gritty chat of care, not just the rose coloured spectacle world care but the reality that care is for many that work in it and so if you work in care drop me a message to be a guest to tell me you tales (confidentiality maintained), or send me an email and I will read it out. 

I want this series to be different and I want it to be about life, care and what it's like to live with conditions, disorders, progressive diseases, differences, illnesses or diagnosis of health issues or labels that we are given. We will be talking about Autism, Dementia, Chronic illness, and so many other Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Neurocognitive and physical health conditions that may impact people. Also, discussing what it is like being a family carer or paid carer so join me and let me know if you want to be a guest. Here is how you can message me or contact me to be a guest or send me a message. 

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829102857107898

https://www.instagram.com/attentiontocare/

Well Series 1 comes to a close but I will be back with a new format where the podcasts will be a bit more themed and may have more than one part to them. My hope is that I will still continue to have guests and talk about many topics from elderly care to learning disabilities to mental health. From the perspectives of people living with chronic illness, conditions, mental health conditions difficulties, disabilities to individuals that are paid carers to family carers. 

For now though I take a quick look back over series 1, I am happy with how it went and pleased I got pull up a chair and let's talk care going. So please come back and join me soon. 

Always wanted to be a roving reporter or do I mean raving? Think they mean one of the same where I am concerned. So again I venture out of my comfort zone and get out in the great outdoors and become Maxine the explorer and podcaster, with her side kick her Scottish kilt wearing hubby (only joking no kilts were harmed in the recording of this podcast). 

On a serious note, we decided share what our journey has been since January regarding our healthier lifestyle. Certainly no experts and not preaching to anyone but what we can say is that we feel healthier and our mental health is definitely improve as well as other parts of our relationship (I will leave it for you to think about what other parts have improved). We are not here to tell you there is a magic wand because there is not and with one thing going another issue is always put in its place but it's a journey and we are on it together and I for one am pleased that my Scotsman is stood right next to me going on the journey with me. So have a listen. Be aware, the wind is blowing and some sound quality is a bit poor and so I apologies for that, but I still wanted to share.