The Care Podcast

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 professional experience and her personal journey supporting her mum, Helena explains how to notice subtle changes, support independence, and approach sensitive conversations with care and dignity.
Who this is for:
✓ Family members worried something has changed in a loved one
✓ People noticing subtle changes in behaviour or memory
✓ Anyone unsure whether to seek medical advice
✓ Those wanting to support someone without taking away independence
In this video we cover:
✓ How to recognise when something “feels off”
✓ Subtle changes in behaviour, memory, and routines
✓ Why it’s important not to jump to conclusions too quickly
✓ How to support a loved one without taking over
✓ When it might be time to seek medical advice
✓ Possible causes of confusion (not always dementia)
About Unique Senior Care Unique Senior Care is an award-winning home care provider, trusted by families across the UK.
With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we specialise in dignified, personalised support — from companionship to complex needs. Our expert teams are here to help your loved ones live safely and independently, every step of the way.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161
👍 If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe and share — it helps more families find trusted support.
Explore more support: 🎧
Watch more episodes of The Care Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8fboT9aroWT_IldwcpXdgl7H4p21icBW
Further resources and support:
Care Advice Hub: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/care-advice-hub/
Website: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk
Home care costs: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/
Is it time for care? https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/is-it-time-for-care/
Join our team: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/ 

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, to knowing when to seek extra support.
Who this is for:✓ Family members caring for an ageing parent✓ Those supporting someone with dementia or memory loss✓ Anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious or burnt out in a caring role✓ People exploring care options for the first time
In this episode we cover:✓ Why caring roles can feel overwhelming and how burnout develops✓ Common worries families face, including safety and independence✓ Practical ways to reduce risk at home without restricting freedom✓ How technology (pendants, alerts, care lines) can offer peace of mind✓ What the Herbert Protocol is and how it can help in emergencies✓ Where to find local support, including day centres and community services
About Unique Senior CareUnique Senior Care is an award-winning home care provider, trusted by families across the UK. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we specialise in dignified, personalised support — from companionship to complex needs. Our expert teams are here to help your loved ones live safely and independently, every step of the way.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161👍 If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe and share — it helps more families find trusted support.
Explore more support:Watch more episodes of The Care Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8fboT9aroWT_IldwcpXdgl7H4p21icBW
 
Further resources and support:Care Advice Hub: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/care-advice-hub/Website: https://www.uniquecare.co.ukHome care costs: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/Is it time for care? https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/is-it-time-for-care/Join our team: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/
Follow us:https://www.instagram.com/unique.senior.care/https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-senior-care/https://www.facebook.com/UniqueSeniorCareUK

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 this is for:
✓ Family members supporting an older loved one at home
✓ People exploring safer living options for ageing relatives
✓ Carers wanting to reduce fall risks in the home
✓ Anyone supporting someone living with dementia or mobility challenges
In this episode, we cover:
✓ How to assess risks around the home
✓ Practical ways to prevent falls and trips
✓ When equipment like hospital beds may be recommended
✓ How to keep a home feeling familiar and comforting
✓ Small safety adjustments that make a big difference
Listen to more episodes of the Care Podcast:
https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/podcasts/
About Unique Senior Care Unique Senior Care is an award-winning home care provider trusted by families across the UK.
We specialise in personalised, dignified support — from companionship through to complex care needs — helping people live safely and independently at home.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161
Explore more support:
Care Advice Hub:
https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/care-advice-hub/
Website:
https://www.uniquecare.co.uk
Home care costs calculator:
https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/
Join our team:
https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/
Check if it's time for care: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/is-it-time-for-care/
Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unique.senior.care/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-senior-care/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueSeniorCareUK 

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, and how organisations like Skills for Care support training, development and professional growth across the industry.
Who this is for:
✓ Families wanting to understand the people behind great care
✓ Anyone considering a career in adult social care
✓ Care professionals looking to grow and develop
✓ People interested in how the care sector supports its teams
In this video we cover:
✓ How Rachel and Shirley started their careers in care
✓ The role of Skills for Care in supporting the sector
✓ The qualities that make a great carer
✓ Why adult social care can be such a rewarding career
✓ Training, development and opportunities in the care sector
✓ The importance of values and compassion in care
About Unique Senior Care Unique Senior Care is an award-winning home care provider, trusted by families across the UK. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we specialise in dignified, personalised support — from companionship to complex needs. Our expert teams are here to help your loved ones live safely and independently, every step of the way.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161
👍 If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe and share — it helps more families find trusted support.
Explore more support Client stories playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8fboT9aroWTQ7F68Z63ASUVB3S3UsGmM
Moving & Handling Training: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8fboT9aroWT53V4ScI01V0uYdm4up58S
Further resources and support Care Advice Hub: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/care-advice-hub/
Website: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk
Home care costs: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/
Is it time for care? https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/is-it-time-for-care/
Join our team: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/
Follow us:
https://www.instagram.com/unique.senior.care/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-senior-care/  https://www.facebook.com/UniqueSeniorCareUK 

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 and physical pressures families can face when trying to coordinate care themselves.
Who this is for:✓ Families considering caring for a loved one themselves✓ Adult children supporting ageing parents✓ Families deciding whether to arrange professional care✓ Anyone feeling overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities
In this episode we cover:✓ Why family caregiving can become overwhelming✓ The pressure and responsibility families often underestimate✓ How caregiving can affect family relationships and dynamics✓ The training and safety involved in professional care✓ Why professional support can reduce stress and prevent burnout✓ How to start planning the right care package together
About Unique Senior Care
Unique Senior Care is an award-winning home care provider, trusted by families across the UK. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we specialise in dignified, personalised support — from companionship to complex needs.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161👍 If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe and share — it helps more families find trusted support.
Explore more support
🎧 The Care Podcast playlisthttps://bit.ly/thecarepodcast
Care Advice Hubhttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk/care-advice-hub/
Home care cost calculatorhttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/
Websitehttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk
Join our teamhttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/
Follow ushttps://www.instagram.com/unique.senior.care/https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-senior-care/https://www.facebook.com/UniqueSeniorCareUK

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 discuss the emotional barriers families face, and why introducing care early and gently can make the transition far easier.
Who this is for:✓ Families starting to notice changes in a loved one’s health✓ Adult children supporting ageing parents✓ Anyone unsure when to introduce home care✓ Families worried about how a loved one might react to care
In this episode we cover:✓ Why many families delay arranging care✓ The emotional barriers to accepting support✓ Why waiting for a crisis can make care harder to introduce✓ How starting care gently can make the transition easier✓ Practical ways to introduce a Caregiver gradually✓ Why being present during the first visits can help build trust
About Unique Senior Care
Unique Senior Care is an award-winning home care provider, trusted by families across the UK. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we specialise in dignified, personalised support — from companionship to complex needs.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161👍 If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe and share — it helps more families find trusted support.
Explore more support
🎧 The Care Podcast playlisthttps://bit.ly/thecarepodcast
Care Advice Hubhttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk/care-advice-hub/
Home care costs calculatorhttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/
Websitehttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk
Join our teamhttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/
Follow ushttps://www.instagram.com/unique.senior.care/https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-senior-care/https://www.facebook.com/UniqueSeniorCareUK

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 questions that can make a real difference when choosing a care provider, from consistency of visits to the ways care can support everyday life beyond the home.
Who this is for:✓ Families considering home care for the first time✓ Adult children supporting ageing parents✓ Anyone comparing care providers✓ Families wanting to feel more confident when arranging care
In this episode we cover:✓ Why consistency of Caregivers and visit times matters✓ Questions families should ask early in the care journey✓ How care can support outings and quality of life✓ Help with GP, hospital and other appointments✓ How care can relieve pressure on family members✓ Why it helps to think ahead about future care needs
About Unique Senior Care
Unique Senior Care is an award-winning home care provider, trusted by families across the UK. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we specialise in dignified, personalised support — from companionship to complex needs.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161👍 If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe and share — it helps more families find trusted support.
Explore more support
🎧 The Care Podcast playlisthttps://bit.ly/thecarepodcast
Care Advice Hubhttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk/care-advice-hub/
Home care cost calculatorhttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/
Websitehttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk
Join our teamhttps://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/
Follow ushttps://www.instagram.com/unique.senior.care/https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-senior-care/https://www.facebook.com/UniqueSeniorCareUK

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 deserve.
Who this is for:✓ Families who have recently arranged home care✓ Anyone unsure whether their current care service feels right✓ Adult children supporting ageing parents✓ Family members looking for reassurance about care quality
In this episode we cover:✓ The difference between care tasks and genuine companionship✓ Signs your loved one feels comfortable and content✓ Why consistency of Caregivers matters✓ How to introduce care gently in the early stages✓ What to do if something doesn’t feel quite right✓ Why regular communication with your care provider is essential
About Unique Senior Care
Unique Senior Care is an award-winning home care provider, trusted by families across the UK. We specialise in dignified, personalised support — from companionship to complex needs — helping people live safely and independently in their own homes.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161👍 If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe and share — it helps more families find trusted support.
Explore more support:
🎧 The Care Podcast playlist:https://bit.ly/thecarepodcast
Care Advice Hub:https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/care-advice-hub/
Home care costs calculator:https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/
Website:https://www.uniquecare.co.uk
Join our team:https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/
Follow us:https://www.instagram.com/unique.senior.care/https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-senior-care/https://www.facebook.com/UniqueSeniorCareUK

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 those feelings are normal, and why asking for support can be the right way forward.
Who this is for:✓ Adult children supporting ageing parents✓ Family carers feeling overwhelmed or stretched✓ Anyone feeling guilty about arranging home care✓ Families navigating difficult care decisions
In this episode we cover:✓ Why putting care in place can feel traumatic at first✓ The guilt many families experience when stepping back✓ Trusting someone else to care for your loved one✓ Managing family dynamics when relatives live at a distance✓ Recognising when someone’s wellbeing means change is needed✓ Why seeking support can protect both you and your parent
About Unique Senior Care
Unique Senior Care is an award-winning home care provider, trusted by families across the UK. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we specialise in dignified, personalised support, from companionship to complex needs. Our expert teams are here to help your loved ones live safely and independently, every step of the way.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161👍 If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe and share, as it helps more families find trusted support.
Explore more support:
Client Stories Playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8fboT9aroWTQ7F68Z63ASUVB3S3UsGmM
Further resources and support:Learning Centre: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/learning-centre/Website: https://www.uniquecare.co.ukHome care costs: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/Join our team: https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/
Follow us:https://www.instagram.com/unique.senior.care/https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-senior-care/https://www.facebook.com/UniqueSeniorCareUK

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 independence. In her early twenties, a seizure caused a serious accident, leading to long-term physical injuries and a lengthy period of rehabilitation. In this conversation, Angharad and Jo share what everyday life has been like since, and what support has helped them feel safer and less alone.
Who this episode is for:✓ Families supporting someone with epilepsy or neurological conditions✓ Parents caring for an adult child with complex needs✓ Anyone trying to understand what day-to-day life with epilepsy can really look like✓ People exploring care, companionship, or managed support
In this episode, we discuss:✓ How epilepsy affected Angharad’s memory and independence✓ What happened after the seizure that caused her accident✓ Why companionship matters just as much as safety✓ The constant worry families live with when seizures happen without warning✓ How the right support can protect independence rather than take it away
About Unique Senior CareUnique Senior Care is an award-winning, regulated home care provider trusted by families across the UK. We support people to live safely and independently at home, with carefully matched Caregivers and consistent, well-managed care.
📞 Call us for advice: 0808 134 1161👍 If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share — it helps more families find honest, practical support.
Explore more support:Care Advice Hub:https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/learning-centre/
Website:https://www.uniquecare.co.uk
Home care costs:https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/home-care-costs-calculator/
Join our team:https://www.uniquecare.co.uk/carer-jobs/
Listen to more episodes of The Care Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8fboT9aroWTQ7F68Z63ASUVB3S3UsGmM
Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unique.senior.care/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-senior-care/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueSeniorCareUK
Home Care Advice Hub | Unique Senior Care
Explore care advice, services, tips, videos & client stories. Our Advice Hub supports you at every step of your care journey with expert guidance.