The Care Podcast

Many families wait until they're in crisis before reaching out for home care. In this episode of The Care Podcast, Jo Cleary is joined by Stacey, Client Experience Manager at Unique Senior Care, to discuss why asking for help can feel so difficult and how the first conversation can make all the difference. Whether you're exploring care for yourself or supporting an ageing parent, Stacey explains w...

When is it time to stop driving? Road safety experts from Warwickshire County Council explain how older drivers can stay safe, recognise when changes may be needed, and maintain their independence for longer. As we get older, our driving needs and abilities can change—but that doesn't necessarily mean giving up the keys. In this episode, Rosalie and Sharon from the Warwickshire Road Safety Partner...

Finding the right carer for an elderly parent or loved one can be one of the most important decisions a family makes. In this episode of the Care Podcast, Jo Cleary is joined by Lucy, Director of People at Unique Senior Care, to explain why the relationship between a carer and the person receiving care is just as important as the care itself. From recognising the signs of a good match to knowing w...

When someone begins receiving care at home, feeling comfortable, respected and understood can make all the difference. In this episode of The Care Podcast, Lucy, Director of People at Unique Senior Care, shares practical insights into how carers build trust, respect personal preferences, and help people feel at ease in their own home. Who this is for: ✓ Families considering home care for a loved o...

In this episode of The Care Podcast, Lucy, Director of People at Unique Senior Care, explores why listening is often more powerful than trying to solve someone's problems. From supporting people through emotional challenges to helping loved ones accept care, Lucy shares practical insights on building trust, understanding resistance, and responding with compassion. Who this is for: ✓ Family carers...

When care needs begin to change, seeing the same familiar faces can make a huge difference. In this episode of the Care Podcast, Joe Cleary is joined by Lucy, Director of People at Unique Senior Care, to talk about why continuity of care matters so much — especially for older people living with dementia, anxiety, frailty, or more complex health conditions. Lucy shares how regular Caregivers help b...

Accepting help at home can feel overwhelming at first, especially for someone who values their independence and privacy. In this video, Lucy, Director of People at Unique Senior Care, explains what helps people feel safe with home care - from communication and consistency to empathy, trust and compassion.   If you’re exploring care for a loved one, this conversation offers practical reassurance ab...

In this episode of The Care Podcast, Jo speaks with Helena Hitchcox, Director of Operations at Unique Senior Care, about how sudden changes in a loved one’s health can quickly turn into overwhelming situations for families. From hospital admissions to unexpected diagnoses, Helena explains how to prepare in advance, what practical steps can make a difference, and how having the right support in pla...

Why You Can’t Switch Off When Caring for a Loved One (And What Helps) In this episode of The Care Podcast, Jo speaks with Helena Hitchcox, Director of Operations at Unique Senior Care, about the emotional weight that often comes with supporting a loved one. When someone you care about is struggling, it can be hard to stop worrying — even when you’re not with them. Helena shares her personal experi...

In this episode of The Care Podcast, Jo speaks with Helena Hitchcox, Director of Operations at Unique Senior Care, about what to do when something doesn’t feel quite right with a loved one. Whether it’s small changes in behaviour, memory, or daily routines, Helena shares practical advice on how to trust your instincts, respond calmly, and avoid jumping to the worst conclusions. Drawing on both pro...

In this episode of The Care Podcast, Jo is joined by Helena Hitchcock, Director of Operations at Unique Senior Care. With over 40 years of experience, Helena shares practical advice on managing the constant worry that can come with caring for an ageing parent or loved one. Together, they explore the emotional and practical challenges families face — from feeling overwhelmed and stretched too thin,...

In this episode of the Care Podcast by Unique Senior Care, we talk about how families can make practical safety changes in a loved one’s home without it feeling clinical or hospital-like. Our Operations Director, Helena Hitchcox, shares simple advice on balancing comfort, familiarity and safety, especially when supporting an older person who may be at risk of falls or other hazards at home. Who th...

What Makes a Great Carer? Insights from Skills for Care. In this episode of the Care Podcast, brought to you by Unique Senior Care, we’re joined by Rachel Shaw and Shirley Way from Skills for Care to talk about careers in adult social care and what it takes to build a strong, compassionate care workforce. We discuss how people enter the care sector, the skills and values that make a great carer, a...

Thinking of caring for a parent yourself? In this episode we explore what families often underestimate when they try to manage care alone. Jo Cleary is joined by Phil Maundrill, Founder and Director at Unique Senior Care, who shares honest reflections on the realities of family caregiving. Drawing on his personal experience arranging care for his own mum, Phil discusses the emotional, practical an...

When is the right time to arrange home care for a loved one? In this episode we explore why many families delay starting care, and why waiting until a crisis can make the decision harder for everyone involved. Jo Cleary is joined by Phil Maundrill, Founder and Director at Unique Senior Care, who shares insights from both his professional experience and arranging care for his own mum. Together they...

Starting home care and unsure what questions to ask first? In this episode, we explore the things many families wish they had understood earlier when arranging support for a loved one. Jo Cleary is joined by Phil Maundrill, Founder and Director at Unique Senior Care, who shares practical advice drawn from both professional experience and arranging care for his own mum. Together they discuss the qu...

How do you know if home care is working well? In this episode, we explore the practical and emotional signs that care is more than just tasks — it’s companionship, confidence and trust. Jo Cleary is joined by Phil Maundrill, Founder and Director at Unique Senior Care, who shares what families should look for once care begins, and how to feel reassured that a loved one is receiving the support they...

In this episode of the Care Podcast, Phil,  Founder and Director of Unique Senior Care, shares his personal experience of arranging care for his mum. We talk openly about why choosing home care can feel so emotionally difficult, especially when guilt, family pressure and responsibility are involved. If you’re currently struggling with a care decision, this conversation will help you understand why...

Life With Epilepsy After a Life-Changing Seizure-Related Accident In this episode of The Care Podcast, Angharad and her mum, Jo, talk openly about what life has been like living with severe epilepsy — and how one seizure led to a serious accident that changed everything. Angharad developed epilepsy as a teenager. Over time, frequent and unpredictable seizures affected her memory, confidence, and i...

In this episode of the Care Podcast, we’re joined by Carrie Caladine and Sianead O’Connor, specialists in later life planning from The Right Legal Group — a regulated law firm dedicated to helping families prepare for the future with clarity and compassion. Together, they break down the legal myths and common misconceptions around Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), wills, and planning for care costs...

 In this episode of the Care Podcast by Unique Senior Care, we speak with Dominique Kent, CEO of Bluecrest Wellness and a highly respected figure in the UK care sector. With a career spanning nearly two decades — including her role in founding and scaling the award-winning home care provider The Good Care Group — Dominique brings unmatched insight into the importance of early health screening and...

In this episode of the Care Podcast, we’re joined by Sarah Cooper, an Admiral Nurse and Deputy Clinical Lead for Dementia UK’s National Clinics Programme. Sarah shares calm, compassionate advice for anyone supporting a loved one following a dementia diagnosis. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or struggling with day-to-day care, this conversation offers clear, honest guida...

In this episode of the Care Podcast, we're joined by Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association, to explore one of the most important questions families face: how do you find a care provider you can truly trust? With a background spanning science, public health, social care leadership, and national policy, Jane offers practical and reassuring advice on how to make confident, informed dec...

In this episode of the Care Podcast by Unique Senior Care, we speak with Gary Strong — a highly experienced paramedic and educator — who also knows first-hand what it’s like to arrange care for a loved one. Gary shares his personal journey of supporting both his father and sister through complex care needs, offering a rare and honest perspective from someone who has stood on both sides of the care...