Care2Share Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Theresa Doody, Lifestyles Manager at our Birchwood Heights Care Home in Kent. This is Theresa's second appearance on the podcast. She previously spoke on the podcast about her role at Birchwood Heights as Lifestyles Manager.

In this episode, we are talking to Theresa again as she has recently completed training with the Alzheimer's Society to establish a Singing for the Brain group at Birchwood Heights.

Studies have shown that music can trigger emotions and memories, connect to a person's past, and foster interaction with caregivers and others with dementia. Theresa shares some insightful information on how singing can be an excellent aid to bring together residents with dementia and the many benefits it can provide. She shares some heartwarming stories on how she has used singing and music with residents at Birchwood Heights to calm, encourage socialisation and bring residents together in a fun and friendly environment. 

Meet Jon Mason! Jon is the Head of Recruitment for Oakland Care. 
 
In this episode, we talk everything about "A Career in Care". We discuss the different roles available in a care home, including some that people may not be aware of. We talk about who can work in care, the necessary skills and experience required, the kind of person you need to be, and the many benefits and advantages of working in this field. 
 
We offer a candid look into how you can start a career in the care industry. 

You can contact us on:

E-mail : rtiff@oaklandcare.com

Website: www.oaklandcare.com/care2share

Instagram: @care2share_podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Maryum Ahmad, Deputy Manager at our Woodland Grove Care Home in Loughton, Essex, to discuss end-of-life care. 

A difficult discussion and topic to talk about, Maryum explains with sensitivity and compassion why we should all have this conversation while we are young and why it's important to have it with loved ones. We talk about how and when to discuss end-of-life care with your loved one, assessing end-of-life wishes, the final days, death and supporting families and team members after death.

In this eye-opening episode, we also discuss the Gold Standard Framework for end-of-life care at Woodland Grove and how this accreditation has helped support those in their final days, their families and team members.

Thank you to Maryum for speaking about this difficult subject. If you need support on this subject, you can contact:

National Bereavement Support Line: 0800 0246 121

The Good Grief Trust: www.thegoodgrieftrust.org

Age UK: www.ageuk.org.uk

Would you like to hear more on this subject, please let us know at https://www.instagram.com/care2share_podcast/

The new season of the Care2Share podcast will discuss the many practical questions surrounding the process of choosing a care home, moving in and what life is like for residents living in an elderly care home.

In this episode, we're joined by Siobhan Gurney, Client Relationship Manager at our Hastings Court Care Home. Siobhan came to work at Hastings Court initially as a Business Administrator and has now been at Hastings Court for five years.

Siobhan spoke to us about what life is like inside a care home, the activities, relationships, residents and the people who work in care. Siobhan helped us dispel some misconceptions about living in a care home by shedding light on our beautiful, vibrant community of residents living life to the fullest at Hastings Court. 

Siobhan shares some truly heart-warming stories of residents and team members at Hastings Court and shows how small moments and gestures can really make all the difference in a resident's life. We hope you enjoy listening and learning more about life at Hastings Court.

Welcome back to Season 2 of the Care2Share podcast.

On the new season of the Care2Share podcast, we discuss the many practical questions surrounding choosing a care home, moving in and what life is like for residents living in an elderly care home.

In this episode, we are joined by Pauline Cichy, Director of Care and Governance at Oakland Care and Nino Cuffaro, a qualified private client solicitor. 

We discuss care home funding, paying for a care home, and the important subjects of wills and lasting power of attorney. This vital information is not only important for those moving into a care home but is also essential for anyone, young or old, and Nino does an excellent job explaining why. 

We also discuss probate, contested probate and mental capacity. These subjects are often viewed as uninteresting or confusing, but by the end of this episode, you will understand why they are essential for us all to be informed about.

Meet Joanne Balmer (BEM).

Joanne Balmer (BEM) is Chief Executive Officer at Oakland Care.

Since entering the world of care over 20 years ago as a Care Assistant, Joanne has risen through the ranks and developed into one of the most impressive and well-respected professionals within the sector. She received a British Empire Medal in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to social care during the pandemic and was invited to the King’s Coronation on May this year.

On this episode of the Podcast, we learn about Joanne’s journey to becoming CEO at Oakland Care, including studying for an MBA alongside working and managing family life, her motivation for success, and how she maintains a work-life balance. 

You can get in contact with us on:

wellbeing@oaklandcare.com 

https://www.instagram.com/care2share_podcast/

Meet Abbe Clarke. An aspiring athlete, student and Lifestyles Assistant at our Birchwood Heights care home.

Abbe is an inspirational young student, currently studying for her International Baccalaureate whilst balancing training five times per week as a committed member of Dartford Harriers Athletics Club. She also works as a Lifestyles Assistant, helping to run activities for our residents at our care home on the weekends and in school holidays. 

We talk to Abbe about what keeps her motivated to train, her commitment to running and what she gains from working in a care home environment, and her plans and aspirations to become a Lawyer. 

We hope you enjoy the episode.

You can contact us on:

E-mail : wellbeing@oaklandcare.com 

Website: www.oaklandcare.com/care2share

Instagram: @care2share_podcast

Meet Samantha Goddard.

In our 10th episode we talk to Therapist Samantha Goddard. Samantha started her career as a dancer after training at the Goodman Training Academy.

During her career as a dancer Samantha spent years being very critical of herself and her body. After teaching dance and fitness Samantha studied nutrition and weight management.

Whilst working with various clients, she discovered the importance of emotional and psychological issues and their impact on losing weight, and that is where Rapid Transformational Therapy came in to play for Samanatha. 

We talk to Samantha about Rapid Transformational Therapy, what it is and how it can help everyone. We touch on issues of self-esteem, the menopause, parenting and how mental health issues can affect children and the importance of self-compassion.

We hope you enjoy this episode.  

You can contact us on:

E-mail : wellbeing@oaklandcare.com 

Website: www.oaklandcare.com/care2share

Instagram: @care2share_podcast

Meet Aaron White.

Aaron is the Head of Business Services & Sustainability at Oakland Care. As part of our celebrations at Oakland Care for Earth Day 2023, we spoke to Aaron about how Oakland Care became ‘the Greener Care Choice’ by investing in sustainability and our planet. 

Aaron talks us through what initiatives Oakland Care has implemented to look after our planet and our residents and what other businesses can do to start or continue their sustainability journey with simple, practical tips that everyone can begin to help protect our planet.

We hope you enjoy this conversation and come away with new knowledge on how to help the environment at home and work.

To learn more about Oakland Care and sustainability :

Website : www.oaklandcare.com/sustainability 

You can get in contact with us on :

E-mail : wellbeing@oaklandcare.com

Website : www.oaklandcare.com

Instagram : @care2share_podcast 

We are here to grow and growth requires getting out of your comfort zone and exploring unchartered terrain - physically and mentally.

In this episode, Harry and Luke discuss the Marathon races they ran in Brighton and Paris this past weekend.

You can contact us on :

E-mail : wellbeing@oaklandcare.com

Website : www.oaklandcare.com/care2share

Instagram : @care2share_podcast

Meet Kirsty Farmer. Client Relations Assistant at our Beechwood Grove Care Home. 

We had the honour of sitting down with Kirsty to discuss her journey to date. We discuss how mental health issues can affect those in senior positions within organisations and key mindset tools that can help.

We discuss the importance of helping others and the work Kirsty does with the homeless.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Kirsty. We this conversation leaves you equally enriched.

You can contact us on :

E-mail : wellbeing@oaklandcare.com 

Website : oaklandcare.com/care2share

Instagram : instagram.com/care2share_podcast/

Meet Peter Garston.

Father, Grandfather, Therapist, and Millwall Football Club Director.

In this conversation, Peter talks about his extraordinary and inspiring journey, from his upbringing to the battles he has overcome and everything that has led him to where he is today. 

We discuss the significant role Millwall Football Club has played throughout his life, including his role as Fan on the Board of Directors and how he changed the relationship between the club and its fanbase.

Peter is now a Person-Centred Therapist and has exposure to many of the main therapeutic approaches; Humanistic, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). He works extensively with people with addiction problems, having battled and beaten his own.

This episode is fascinating. We loved getting to know Peter and we know you will too. 

You can contact us on :

E-mail : wellbeing@oaklandcare.com

Website : oaklandcare.com/care2share

Instagram : instagram.com/care2share_podcast/ 

Join us as we speak to actor Tanya Franks, best known for her roles as Raine Cross in 'EastEnders' and Karen, in 'Pulling'.

We spoke to Tanya about her fight against dementia through her research with her non-profit foundation, ‘Elimtia’, which seeks to condense the latest discoveries and information around the prevention of dementia. 

We explore how Tanya's own heartache led her on a 'road of recovery' to unpick the roots of dementia and extract vital information from the world's leading neuroscientists to bring straightforward advice everyone can benefit from.

Tanya gives her tips on wellbeing and discusses 'Babs Army' in which some of the EastEnders cast are running the 2023 London Marathon to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of Barbara Windsor.

It is with great pleasure we share this episode with you and one we will not forget. 

You can contact us on:

E-mail : wellbeing@oaklandcare.com 

Website: oaklandcare.com/care2share 

Instagram: instagram.com/care2share_podcast/ 

Meet Bashir Jamal.

Bashir has 40 years nursing experience, served in the Gulf War and he has commissioned over 50 luxury Care Homes, all whilst raising 2 daughters alone. He is truly an inspirational professional with a wealth of knowledge and life experience. 

We explore his positive mindset and humble approach to life, which has brought endless success. We also discuss how hard work and looking after the mind can help us overcome the unhealthy patterns that live between reality and the best version of ourselves lurking within. 

Bashir's messages are powerful and inspirational. It was our honour to spend time with him and a delight to share this experience with you.

You can contact us at wellbeing@oaklandcare.com

Website: www.oaklandcare.com/care2share 

Instagram: instagram.com/care2share_podcast/ 

Meet Theresa Doody. Mother, wife, Lifestyles Manager and mental health awareness advocate.

Theresa is a stalwart at Oakland Care and a staunch advocate of wellbeing. Theresa has a positive impact on the residents she cares for, her colleagues, family, friends and the local community.

In this episode, we walk through Theresa's journey, exploring the elements to Theresa's humble approach on how she has balanced being a mother, wife, foster parent & working a full-time job. 
We explore how Theresa has managed her own wellbeing over the course of time and her advice for tackling wellbeing. 

We sincerely hope you at the end of this conversation you are armed with new practises that can elevate your thinking and behaviour towards a more fulfilled life.

You can contact us on: 

E-mail : wellbeing@oaklandcare.com

Website : www.oaklandcare/care2share 

Instagram : @care2share_podcast 

On Thursday 8th December 2022, a few days after recording this episode, John Port a World War 2 Soldier, D-Day survivor, and resident at one of our Oakland Care Homes sadly passed away aged 102. 

In a tribute to his extraordinary life, this is a conversation about risk, fear, resilience, building relationships, and gratitude.

As John talks about his time in the war as a teenager, living without electricity, starting a new career after retirement, and living through Covid, John really puts things in perspective for us, the younger generation. 

It was an honour to spend time with John and it is a privilege to share this experience with you.

Rest in peace John Port. 

*Please be patient with this recording. John had an exceptional memory of his life, although his recollections were (understandably), not always linear, so some editing has had to take place. Please persevere with the podcast as there are some truly inspiring messages throughout.

You can contact us on wellbeing@oaklandcare.com 

Website : https://oaklandcare.com/care2share

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/care2share_podcast/?hl=en

Meet Ricky Chaplin.

Highly decorated local figure to our Swanley Care Home. Ricky is a Boxer, Actor, Stuntman, Fireman & Boxing Coach.

Ricky walks us through his life story, touching on many subjects close to his heart, allowing him to share his inspirational tips and advice on wellbeing and overcoming insurmountable obstacles.

We dive into Ricky's successful boxing career and his renaisssance as an actor which has seen him star in Prizefighter : The Life of Jem Belcher alongside Russell Crowe and Ray Winstone (available to watch on Amazon Prime)

You can contact us on wellbeing@oaklandcare.com 

Website : https://oaklandcare.com/care2share

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/care2share_podcast/?hl=en