The third series of the Northern Ireland Social care Council’s (the Social Care Council’s) podcast ‘Care to chat’, which showcases conversations and interviews with people in the social work and social care community, has launched with an important discussion about supporting people with memory loss.
The ‘Care to chat’ podcast continues in its mission to share stories that matter to social workers and social care practitioners, steered by host Dr Wendy Austin MBE who returns with plenty to say.
The new season’s first episode airs today, 21 May, followed by a new episode being released every two weeks up to the Autumn.
This series launches during Dementia action week, which runs from 19-25 May, with the first episode delving into the world of dementia care and memory services. It features input from social workers and those with lived experience, all experts in how to support people with dementia and their families. For some, this change can be difficult to accept and manage, but there are services in the community to support people who find themselves in that situation.
Despite the challenges, there is much to be positive about. This episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the daily efforts of social workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
Among the guests in the first episode are social workers from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Jenny Magee, Lead Social Worker for Memory Services and Psychiatry of Old Age, Lisa Marley, Memory Clinic Manager, Amy Morgan, Newry and Mourne Community Memory Service and Roisin Donnelly, who is a carer for her mum who lives with dementia.
The panel provided valuable advice for the episode on what people should do if they have a concern about their memory or if a loved one is becoming forgetful.
“Becoming forgetful doesn’t necessarily mean that you have dementia. There could be other reasons why your experiencing memory loss or symptoms of memory loss,” explained Lisa Marley, Memory Clinic Manager.
“It can be caused by physical health or mental health problems. So, the first port of call would be to go to your GP and discuss your concerns with your them. Talk about your symptoms and how it’s impacting on your daily life. Someone knows themselves, something isn’t right, you always have that gut feeling and intuition, listen to yourself.”
Social Care Council, Interim Chief Executive Declan McAllister believes the ‘Care to chat’ podcast has become an important go to for the social work and social care professions.
“I would like to thank all those social care practitioners, social workers, people who receive support and their families who have helped make this series of ‘Care to chat’ the best yet.
“Like any illness, with the right support and care, it is possible to continue to live a fulfilling life after a diagnosis of dementia. But what should that support and care look like? And what is it like, to get such a life-altering diagnosis? This first episode shows how important it is to hear their stories and how they that will help us all to better understand people living with dementia, ” he added.
Future episodes will cover diverse topics such as conversations about the role of carers in social care, career progression, diversity in social care and social work and taking care of yourself, with guests each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to the series.
Listen to and follow ‘Care to chat’ wherever you find your favourite podcasts. or on our website: niscc.info/care-to-chat-podcast where you will also find all episodes from our previous series.
Episode 1: Precious memories’ – the voice of social work in memory and dementia services’ (39 minutes)
For more information:
- The Social Care Council acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Department of Health for this initiative.
- If you have dementia, or are caring for someone who does, you can find information and support on the website and social media pages for your local Health and Social Care Trust or using the links below:
- For suggestions, questions or feedback about the ‘Care to chat?’ podcast, email: comms@niscc.hscni.net.
- For media queries contact: Rita McCullagh, Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement: rita.mccullagh@niscc.hscni.net or call 07874682049.