Able to Care

Able Training Support Ltd
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Join host Andy Baker (author, speaker and educator) for Able Training’s care-focused podcast Able to Care. For paid and unpaid caregivers, teachers and parents to better understand themselves and those they support. With twice-weekly episodes covering understanding people, promoting self-care and resilience, signposting support and services, strategies to reduce stress and distress, promoting good practice and ensuring positive outcomes for all. Includes special guest experts, caregivers and those with lived experience.

  1. 20H AGO

    What Is Positive Behaviour Support PBS ? Real-life examples and practical insights

    If you’ve ever felt like you’ve “tried everything” with a child or adult showing distressing behaviour—this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Andy Baker, behaviour specialist and author of Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge, breaks down the misunderstood world of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). With real-life examples and practical insights, Andy explores why PBS is more than a poster on the wall. It’s a mindset and a method—rooted in assessment, adaptation and empathy. Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, or parent, this episode offers a compassionate and science-backed look at how to reduce distress, not just manage behaviour. 🧰 Resources Mentioned 📘 Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge by Andy Baker: Buy on Amazon 🧠 The Able Target System: able-training.co.uk/ats 🖥️ Learn more about Able Training’s behaviour courses: www.able-training.co.uk/podcast 🧩 Three Key Messages PBS isn’t soft—it’s strategic. It’s about analysing the function of behaviour, not just punishing the form. Every behaviour has a benefit. If you don’t see it, you’re not asking the right question yet. Focus on skill-building, not shaming. Replacement behaviours work best when they meet the same need in a safer way. ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Behaviour vs Punishment: Why "we’ve tried everything" often isn’t true 00:42 – What is Positive Behaviour Support?: A real-world breakdown 01:08 – Integrating Trauma-Informed Practice: Going beyond the behaviour 02:01 – The 6-Stage TARGET Model: Andy’s unique approach to PBS 03:43 – Real-World Example: Head-Scratcher Strategy 06:19 – Skill-Building vs Compliance: Teaching safer ways to meet needs 07:42 – Autonomy and the Competing Pathway 08:29 – Why PBS Often Fails (and how to fix it) 10:21 – Book Excerpt: Weathering Behaviour with Insight 🤔 Why Listen to This Episode? If you’re a parent or carer constantly firefighting distress without long-term change If you’re a teacher struggling to apply behaviour policies to neurodiverse students If you want a clear, compassionate alternative to sanctions, shame, and suppression This episode offers tools you can start using today—rooted in neuroscience, not guesswork. 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Podcast hub: www.able-training.co.uk/podcast 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: Able Training 📲 LinkedIn: Andy Baker

    11 sec

  2. 3D AGO

    Living Well With Dementia: Friendship, Dignity and Making Moments Matter

    In this deeply moving and often joyful episode of the Able to Care podcast, Andy Baker is joined by Peter Berry, who lives with Alzheimer’s, and Deb Bunt, author, counsellor and Peter’s close friend. Together, they explore what it truly means to live well with dementia — not through clinical labels or deficits, but through friendship, dignity, purpose and shared humanity. This conversation will resonate strongly with family carers, professional caregivers, teachers and anyone supporting someone with additional needs, as it challenges common assumptions about memory, identity and “loss”. Peter and Deb share honest reflections on diagnosis, stigma, trust, cycling challenges, writing together, and the idea of being an “external memory” — all grounded in a relationship that prioritises connection over care and moments over memories. ⏱️ Episode Chapters (Timestamps) 00:01 – Living with a dementia diagnosis: shame, silence and the turning point 05:30 – Purpose, advocacy and planting a new future 06:30 – Not being defined by dementia 08:45 – Dignity, stigma and the “shabby coat” metaphor 13:50 – Living in the moment and finding joy 17:10 – Metaphors, meaning and communicating the unsayable 19:20 – Cycling, challenge and staying active 25:50 – Life after diagnosis: what is still possible 33:15 – “External memory”, trust and friendship 41:45 – Making moments, not memories 47:00 – Support versus care and mutual relationships 56:05 – Messages for those newly diagnosed or supporting someone 59:05 – Books, advocacy and what comes next 💡 Three Key Messages from This Episode Dementia does not erase identity Peter is not “a person with dementia” — he is Peter. Diagnosis may change memory, but it does not remove personality, humour, values or worth. Dignity is shaped by how we respond As Peter powerfully explains, dignity isn’t taken by dementia itself, but by how others react to the label. Compassionate responses preserve humanity. Moments matter more than memories You may not be able to create lasting memories — but you can always create meaningful moments. Joy exists in the here and now. 📚 Resources Mentioned in the Episode Slow Puncture – Living Well with Dementia Available in print, Kindle and audiobook Walk with Me – Musings Through the Dementia Fog Patching the Puncture – Continuing to Live Well with Dementia (Released February 2026) 👉 Pre-order: https://bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/memoir/patching-the-puncture 🌐 Peter & Deb’s website and media appearances: https://www.peter-berry.com 🎧 Why Listen to This Episode? If you support someone living with dementia — professionally or personally — this episode offers hope, clarity and a reframe. You’ll gain: A deeper understanding of memory, identity and emotional connection Practical insights into supporting someone without diminishing them Reassurance that life, joy and purpose do not end with diagnosis A reminder that friendship, humour and dignity still matter deeply This is not a conversation about “managing dementia” — it’s about being human together. 🔗 Connect with Our Guests Deb Bunt – Author & Advocate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-bunt-ab247524/ Instagram: @deb.bunt Twitter/X: @debbunt Peter Berry – Living with Alzheimer’s Facebook: Peter Berry Living with Alzheimer’s Website & media: https://www.peter-berry.com 🌍 Able to Care – Links & Social Media 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: Able Training 📲 LinkedIn: Andy Baker

    1 min

  3. FEB 6

    Trauma Isn’t a Behaviour Problem: 3 Mindset Swaps for Carers and Teachers

    Why trauma-informed practice isn’t soft — it’s smart, strategic, and essential for real behavioural change. In this solo episode of the Able to Care podcast, behaviour specialist Andy Baker unpacks a powerful mindset shift: what if “won’t behave” is really “can’t cope”? With relatable examples from schools, care settings and families, Andy explores how trauma impacts the nervous system, why traditional discipline strategies often backfire, and how a more compassionate, strategic approach creates better outcomes for everyone. If you support children or adults with complex needs, this episode offers practical insights to rethink behaviour, build connection, and respond with clarity—not just consequences. 📚 Resources Mentioned Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge by Andy Baker Order now on Amazon UK Able Training – Trauma and Attachment Courses https://www.able-training.co.uk 💡 Three Key Messages Behaviour is Communication: What looks like defiance is often the nervous system protecting itself. Language and Goals Matter: Swap “What’s wrong with you?” for “What happened to you?” and “Compliance” for “Safety.” Connection Before Correction: Build trust and co-regulation before expecting behavioural change. ⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 – Why trauma isn’t a behaviour problem 00:57 – The story of Ryan: behaviour in context 03:01 – Understanding fight, flight, freeze and fawn 04:49 – The brain’s alarm system and trauma response 07:35 – The behaviours we misinterpret: defiance, shutdown, hyperactivity 08:58 – Shame, punishment, and internalised beliefs 09:18 – Language swap: from blame to curiosity 10:05 – Goal swap: from control to safety 11:00 – Strategy swap: from punishment to teaching regulation 12:03 – The golden question: “What are you trying to protect right now?” 🎧 Why Listen to This Episode Whether you're a teacher facing ‘challenging’ behaviour in the classroom, a foster carer navigating emotional outbursts, or a support worker helping someone who keeps shutting down—this episode reframes what behaviour really means. Learn how trauma impacts the body and brain, and why responding with curiosity and connection changes everything. 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Website & Podcast Hub 📸 @AbleTraining 💼 Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast

    14 min

  4. FEB 3

    From Carer to Diagnosis: Michael Booth on Living with Young Onset Dementia

    What happens when the person you once cared for… becomes the person you are? In this deeply moving and insightful episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Michael Booth – dementia educator, author, and advocate – who brings a rare dual perspective to the conversation. Michael first cared for his mother, Christine, through young onset dementia. Then, just months after she passed away, he received the same diagnosis himself, at just 46 years old. Now 51, Michael is defying expectations. He’s speaking out, mentoring others, and sharing his powerful message: dementia is not the end. This conversation challenges misconceptions about identity, memory, and diagnosis – and offers practical guidance for anyone supporting a loved one with dementia. If you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode will help you better understand distress behaviours, communication, and how to stay present when everything feels uncertain. 📚 Resources Mentioned 📖 Dementia: You Are Not Alone by Michael Booth – Order on Amazon 🏥 Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust – Website 🌐 Able Training Podcast Archive – able-training.co.uk/podcast 💬 Three Key Messages Dementia is not the end – A diagnosis does not erase who someone is. Behaviour is communication – Even ‘aggression’ often signals distress, confusion, or unmet need. Perspective matters – Understanding dementia through both the eyes of a carer and the person living with it changes everything. ⏱️ Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 – What if the person you cared for became you? 03:00 – What it feels like to live with dementia day to day 06:20 – Lessons from caring for his mum Christine 10:40 – Receiving his own diagnosis at 46 17:00 – What people get wrong about identity and dementia 22:00 – Can you still enjoy life after a dementia diagnosis? 26:00 – What really helps on a good day 30:00 – Writing Dementia: You Are Not Alone 36:00 – How services need to change 50:00 – If you’ve just had a diagnosis: Michael’s message to you 🎧 Why Listen to This Episode? Gain insight into young onset dementia from both carer and lived experience Understand how language, environment, and expectations shape support Learn how to build emotional safety when words are lost but feelings remain Be inspired by Michael’s resilience, clarity, and practical wisdom This is a must-listen for anyone navigating dementia – professionally or personally. 🔗 Connect with Michael Booth 📘 Dementia: You Are Not Alone – Buy on Amazon 💼 Michael Booth on LinkedIn 🔗 Connect with Able Training & Podcast 🌐 Website & Podcast Hub 📸 @AbleTraining 💼 Able Training

    1 hr

  5. JAN 30

    When Dementia Looks Like Aggression: What Behaviour Is Really Saying & How to Respond

    If you’ve ever supported someone living with dementia and been faced with shouting, swearing, hitting, or refusal of care, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Andy Baker unpacks one of the most misunderstood areas of dementia care: behaviour that looks aggressive but is almost always communication driven by distress. Drawing on years of experience in behaviour support, Andy helps caregivers, teachers, and parents move away from labels like “challenging” or “difficult” and instead understand what the behaviour is trying to say. You’ll learn why dementia affects far more than memory, how fear, pain, confusion, trauma, overstimulation, and even poor care practice can drive behaviour — and most importantly, what to do in the moment. Andy shares a simple, practical three‑step response framework and language you can use immediately to de‑escalate situations while protecting your own wellbeing. This episode is especially valuable for anyone feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure whether they’re “handling things right”. ⏱️ Episode Chapters (Timestamps) 00:00 – Aggression or communication? Reframing behaviour in dementia 00:49 – Why dementia affects personality, perception, and processing 01:10 – Why behaviour becomes the fastest communication channel 02:22 – Fight, flight, and the safety of saying “no” 03:30 – From “challenging behaviour” to “distress behaviour” 04:19 – Hidden drivers: pain, fear, trauma, overstimulation, under‑stimulation 05:12 – When behaviour isn’t dementia — it’s poor care 06:07 – A simple 3‑step response framework 06:29 – Step 1: Pause, protect, and regulate yourself 06:58 – Step 2: Scan for unmet needs (HELP model) 07:31 – Step 3: Adjust, connect, and reduce distress 08:13 – What to say when someone is frightened or overwhelmed 09:05 – The HEART approach: Hear, Empathise, Align, Reassure, Transition 10:26 – Why “calm down” doesn’t work 10:51 – Caregiver regulation and burnout 11:52 – The core message: behaviour is communication 12:22 – Resource: Targeting the Positive 🧩 Three Key Takeaways Aggression in dementia is rarely intentional What looks like defiance or hostility is often a terrified brain trying to cope with confusion, pain, or fear. Behaviour makes sense when you understand the context Distress behaviours are often driven by unmet physical, emotional, cognitive, or environmental needs — not the diagnosis itself. You can’t calm someone else if you’re dysregulated Supporting distress starts with your own regulation. Compassionate care requires supported carers. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge by Andy Baker A practical, person‑centred guide to understanding and responding to distressed and dysregulated behaviour across dementia, trauma, neurodiversity, and mental health. Click here to find out more 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode? You’re supporting someone with dementia and struggling with aggression, refusal, or distress You want practical language and tools, not theory You’re tired of feeling blamed, judged, or unsure You want to support others without losing yourself You believe behaviour has meaning — and want to understand it better This episode offers reassurance, clarity, and immediately usable strategies grounded in empathy and realism. 🔗 Connect with Able 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: Able Training

    15 sec

  6. JAN 27

    Live-In Care Explained – Why Families Are Choosing Home Over Care Homes

    In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, Andy is joined by Gary Derbyshire, live‑in care business owner and care advocate, for an honest and practical conversation about what live‑in care really looks like in everyday life. Together, they unpack how live‑in care differs from domiciliary care and residential care homes, why it can be a powerful option for people living with dementia, learning difficulties, anxiety, or complex needs, and how it can dramatically reduce stress and burnout for unpaid family carers. This episode is especially relevant for parents, teachers, and caregivers who are supporting someone vulnerable, feeling overwhelmed, or unsure what “the next step” should be. Gary shares real examples, clears up common fears, and explains how joined‑up, preventative support can protect dignity, independence, and wellbeing — for everyone involved. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode What live‑in care actually is — explained in clear, human terms How live‑in care compares to domiciliary care and residential care homes Why familiarity, routine, and one‑to‑one support matter so much for people with dementia How live‑in care can reduce guilt, burnout, and anxiety for unpaid carers What families should ask before choosing any care provider How joined‑up working with charities, NHS teams, and local services improves outcomes ⏱️ Episode Chapters (Timestamps) 00:01 – What is live‑in care? A simple explanation 03:07 – Live‑in care vs domiciliary care vs care homes 08:00 – Who live‑in care is (and isn’t) suitable for 11:24 – Cost, value, and funding options explained 17:21 – Common fears families have about live‑in care 27:14 – Practical first steps for families feeling overwhelmed 29:16 – What a live‑in carer actually does day‑to‑day 36:50 – Joined‑up care: working with NHS, charities, and community services 45:31 – Guilt, burnout, and becoming a daughter again (not just a carer) 48:26 – Questions families should ask any care provider 57:39 – Final takeaway: when to seriously consider live‑in care 🔑 Three Key Messages Live‑in care is about dignity, not dependency Staying at home, keeping routines, pets, relationships, and identity intact can dramatically improve emotional and psychological wellbeing. Prevention matters more than crisis response Early support can prevent falls, hospital admissions, UTIs, medication errors, and carer burnout — protecting everyone long‑term. Good care supports the whole family, not just the individual Live‑in care can help unpaid carers step out of constant responsibility and back into meaningful relationships. 📌 Resources & Organisations Mentioned Promedica24 Live‑in Care 👉 https://www.promedica24careathome.co.uk Dementia Forward 👉 https://www.dementiaforward.org.uk Lancashire Mind 👉 https://www.lancashiremind.org.uk Care Quality Commission (CQC) 👉 https://www.cqc.org.uk Homecare.co.uk (provider reviews) 👉 https://www.homecare.co.uk 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode? If you’re: Supporting a loved one with dementia, learning difficulties, or increasing vulnerability Feeling exhausted, guilty, or unsure how long you can keep going A professional wanting a clearer understanding of care pathways Trying to make sense of confusing care options …this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and realistic alternatives, without pressure or sales talk. 🤝 About the Guest Gary Derbyshire runs Promedica24, delivering live‑in care across Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cumbria. With a background in NHS work, care advocacy, and community collaboration, Gary supports families navigating dementia, learning difficulties, and complex needs. He is known for his calm, empathetic approach and for building joined‑up support networks with organisations such as Dementia Forward, Lancashire Mind, and local services. 🔗 Connect With Gary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-derbyshire-5b484240/ Instagram: @derbyshire.gary Website: https://www.promedica24careathome.co.uk 🔗 Connect With Able 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: Ablle-training.co.uk

    59 min

  7. JAN 23

    Why 'Do As You’re Told' Doesn’t Work: Rethinking Challenging Behaviour

    Why “just do as you’re told” doesn’t work — and what to do instead. If you're a caregiver, teacher or parent exhausted by difficult behaviour, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Andy Baker (behaviour specialist, author, and trainer) challenges the outdated scripts we've inherited around control, punishment, and compliance — and shares a powerful mindset shift that actually works. From his own story of being mugged at knifepoint to practical insights for managing aggression, defiance, or withdrawal, Andy explores how a person-centred, trauma-informed approach to behaviour support can improve outcomes for everyone — including you. Whether you work in a care home, a classroom or your own home, this episode helps you move from reactivity to reflection, from “what’s wrong with you?” to “what’s going on for you?” 📚 Resources Mentioned: Book: Targeting the Positive: With Behaviours That Challenge by Andy Baker Able Training: www.able-training.co.uk/podcast 💡 Three Key Messages: Challenging behaviour is subjective – what we find difficult often says more about us than the person we’re supporting. Old logic harms connection – the “do as you’re told” mindset leads to fear, shutdown or escalation. New logic builds trust – curiosity, empathy, and focusing on needs (not punishment) create better outcomes for everyone. ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00 – The problem with “just being difficult” 01:20 – Andy’s story: being mugged, fear, and the start of a career in behaviour 02:00 – What does “challenging behaviour” actually mean? 04:00 – Subjectivity, values, and why we label behaviour 06:00 – Task-focused vs. person-centred: why we get stuck 07:30 – The pause: learning to respond, not react 09:00 – From punishment to curiosity: the ‘new logic’ in behaviour 11:00 – The danger of “should” and “must” scripts 12:00 – Maladaptive vs. disliked behaviour 13:00 – The cultural lens: are our expectations even right? 14:00 – 3 mindset shifts to start using tomorrow 15:10 – How “Targeting the Positive” can help you become the weatherman of behaviour 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode? If you’ve ever thought “why won’t they just behave?” — you’re not alone. This episode gives you a practical, mindset-shifting framework that moves beyond punishment and helps you better support children, adults, or anyone with distressed or confusing behaviour. It’s compassionate, empowering, and refreshingly honest. 🔗 Stay Connected: 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: AbleTraining

    15 min

  8. JAN 20

    No Home, No Care: The UK Housing Crisis Blocking Care Packages

    What happens when a care package is approved... but there's no home for it to go into? In this vital conversation, I’m joined by Ben Gyles, co-founder of Urban Nest Property Solutions and The Housing Partnership Forum, to tackle the growing gap between housing and care. Ben shares his personal connection to council housing, his work supporting care providers and councils, and how housing shortages and visa changes are creating a chokehold on care delivery across the UK. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or caregiver, this episode sheds light on how stable, trauma-informed housing isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about creating safety, healing and dignity for those we support. 🔑 Three Key Messages: Care Needs a Roof: Housing is not just a backdrop to care delivery – it’s a fundamental part of it. Without suitable homes, care packages are delayed, disjointed or completely unworkable. The System is Reacting, Not Planning: Providers, councils, and landlords are trapped in reactive firefighting. We need better communication, forward planning and strategic housing pipelines to meet future care needs. Homes Can Heal: Trauma-informed environments matter. With insight from his partner, therapist Silvia Costa, Ben shares how thoughtful design can support mental wellbeing and long-term recovery. ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00 – What happens when care is approved, but there's nowhere to go? 02:00 – Delayed discharge and the £2bn cost of nowhere-to-go patients 05:00 – The impact of housing shortages on small care providers 10:00 – The missing link: communication breakdown between councils, landlords and providers 20:00 – How Urban Nest is bridging the gap with property pipelines 25:00 – Visa changes, staff shortages and housing as recruitment infrastructure 30:00 – How trauma-informed design transforms housing into healing 35:00 – Advice for caregivers and advocates struggling with housing support 40:00 – Behaviour, stability and the ripple effect of insecure housing on families and schools 45:00 – What councils and government could change today 50:00 – The Housing Partnership Forum – a new space for collaboration 📚 Resources Mentioned: The Housing Partnership Forum: Join on LinkedIn Ben & Silvia on LinkedIn: Ben and Silvia Your Local Guardian Article: Urban Nest launched to save Croydon's forgotten homes Targeting the Positive (Book) by Andy Baker: Find it on Amazon 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode? If you work in care, education or support families in any way, this episode will challenge how you think about housing. Ben Gyles offers a fresh, solutions-focused perspective on how to overcome housing barriers in care – from planning better homes to understanding trauma-informed design. It’s a conversation packed with heart, real-world examples, and practical hope. 🔗 Connect with Us: 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website:AbleTraining

    55 min
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About

Join host Andy Baker (author, speaker and educator) for Able Training’s care-focused podcast Able to Care. For paid and unpaid caregivers, teachers and parents to better understand themselves and those they support. With twice-weekly episodes covering understanding people, promoting self-care and resilience, signposting support and services, strategies to reduce stress and distress, promoting good practice and ensuring positive outcomes for all. Includes special guest experts, caregivers and those with lived experience.

Information

  • Creator
    Able Training Support Ltd
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 Able Training Support Limited.
  • Show Website
    Able to Care