Do I Sound Like I Care? with Louise Lynch

Libra Studios

Welcome to "Do I Sound Like I Care?" the unfiltered podcast dedicated to unpaid family carers. Join your host, Emmy Award-Winning former documentary filmmaker turned family carer, Louise Lynch, as she imperfectly navigates the tumultuous journey of caring for her mother, Teena, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2021. In a society that often overlooks the challenges faced by unpaid family carers, Louise brings an irreverent and authentic perspective to the forefront. With her career in tatters and lacking a creative outlet, she dives headfirst into the universal struggles of unpaid family carers, exploring how they cope in a world that falls short on the necessary resources. In each episode, Louise sits down for a candid half-hour chat with fellow unpaid family carers. Together, they share stories, swap tips, and recount the highs and lows of their caregiving experiences. The magic lies in these peer-to-peer interactions, offering listeners a genuine authenticity and the comforting realisation that they’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned carer or just stepping into this demanding role, "Do I Sound Like I Care?" provides a sanctuary of shared experiences, laughter, and heartfelt discussions. Explore Topics Such As: Navigating the healthcare system Balancing self-care and caregiving responsibilities Finding humour in the midst of challenges 👂 Why Tune In? Discover the unifying power of shared experiences, gain practical tips, and find solace in the humour that arises from life’s caregiving journey. 🌐 Connect With Us: @CarerPodcast www.doisoundlikeicare.com Viewer discretion: Some of the language may cause offence unless you are a carer. Be prepared to have a laugh and a cry! Subscribe now to "Do I Sound Like I Care?" on YouTube or your favourite podcast platform, and join Louise and her guests in embracing the messy, emotional, and sometimes absurd ride of unpaid family caregiving. Because sometimes, the best way to cope and share a laugh in the face of adversity is to ask, "Do I sound like I care?" .

Episodes

  1. How to Stay in Work While Caring for a Parent with Dementia

    JAN 15

    How to Stay in Work While Caring for a Parent with Dementia

    Synopsis What does it really take to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s while holding down a full-time job? In this episode of Do I Sound Like I Care?, Louise speaks with Sam, an unpaid family carer whose mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s over a decade ago. Sam shares her experience of navigating diagnosis, inadequate follow-up care, managing finances, surveillance for safety, and the harsh realities of council-provided care. She also explains how she has managed to stay in work through routine, honesty, and a supportive employer, and why work can sometimes feel like respite rather than pressure. This is a candid conversation about exhaustion, isolation, dignity, humour, and survival, and why carers need better systems, understanding, and support. This episode was filmed while being followed by BBC Morning Live, highlighting the growing national conversation around unpaid carers. If you are caring for someone with dementia, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you. 00:00 Introduction and BBC filming context 01:00 How Louise and Sam met through their mums 02:20 The importance of day centres and carer support groups 03:15 Recognising early signs of Alzheimer’s 04:40 Diagnosis and being discharged with no follow-up 06:00 Losing independence with money and food 07:10 Using home cameras to keep mum safe 08:00 COVID and moving mum in full-time 09:20 Council care experiences and systemic failures 11:20 Being charged for care that didn’t happen 13:00 The breaking point and ending council care 14:00 Switching to private care and why it changed everything 16:00 Role reversal and increasing dementia progression 18:40 Staying in work while caring full-time 21:00 Why work can feel like respite 22:20 Supportive managers and carer passports 24:00 The stigma of being a carer at work 26:00 Why caring is not the same as parenting 28:00 Wandering, safety, and public misunderstanding 31:00 Finding other carers and shared understanding 33:00 Isolation, loss of identity, and loneliness 35:00 Small moments of joy and reclaiming self 36:00 Facing the future one day at a time 37:00 Closing reflections and thanks

    38 min
  2. Smug Roberts: The Funny Thing About Caring For A Parent With Dementia

    10/07/2024

    Smug Roberts: The Funny Thing About Caring For A Parent With Dementia

    Humour and Heart: Smug Roberts on Caring for Dementia In this episode of 'Do I Sound Like I Care?', host Louise Lynch welcomes actor and comedian Smug Roberts to discuss his experiences as an unpaid carer. They talk about his journey from stand-up comedy to acting, his new play 'Dementia Street', and the importance of maintaining humour while caring for a loved one with dementia. Sharing personal stories, Roberts reflects on family dynamics, his upbringing, and the challenges of caring for his mother, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia. The episode explores themes of acceptance, resilience, and the necessity of preparing for cognitive decline, while offering insights into Roberts’ creative process and his way of coping with loss through theatre. Follow Smug Roberts https://www.instagram.com/smugrobertscomedian/ Tickets on Sale to Dementia Street at https://homemcr.org/ from October 2024. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:32 Getting to Know Smug Roberts 01:33 Smug’s Journey into Comedy 04:48 Family Background and Early Life 06:28 Caring for a Parent with Dementia 06:40 Writing and Performing Dementia Street 08:39 Challenges and Humour in Caregiving 10:46 End of Life Planning and Family Dynamics 12:12 Visiting and Maintaining Connection 17:03 Personal Experiences and Reflections 18:44 Power of Attorney and Dementia 19:27 Caring for a Parent with Dementia 21:15 Challenges of Daily Care 21:56 Emotional Struggles and Coping Mechanisms 22:27 Innovative Care Solutions 23:31 Balancing Personal Life and Caregiving 26:52 The Reality of End-of-Life Care 28:38 Processing Grief Through Creativity 32:03 The Impact of Dementia Awareness 33:14 Personal Reflections and Family Support 37:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Studio space provided by Generator Startup WorkSpace+Support Royal MillsAncoatsManchesterM4 5BA https://generatormcr.org/contact/

    38 min
  3. Andy Burnham: From Mayor to Carer – A Personal and Political Journey

    07/01/2024

    Andy Burnham: From Mayor to Carer – A Personal and Political Journey

    In this episode of 'Do I Sound Like I Care?' podcast, host Louise welcomes Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to discuss the multifaceted challenges of being a carer. The conversation explores Burnham’s personal experiences with caring for his father, who has Alzheimer’s, and the impacts of the 15-minute domiciliary care visit culture. Burnham reflects on his professional insights gained as the former Health Secretary and his advocacy for a national care service. The discussion delves into the emotional and logistical complexities of caring for a family member, the importance of respite for carers, and the inadequacies of the current social care system. Burnham calls for political courage and systemic reform to better support carers in the UK. 531d6e56cad061de1c5e063662c5e3b7f1ed1f19

    40 min
  4. Carer Burnout, Sundowning, and Music Therapy for Dementia - Do I Sound Like I Care?

    06/11/2024

    Carer Burnout, Sundowning, and Music Therapy for Dementia - Do I Sound Like I Care?

    In this episode of 'Do I Sound Like I Care?' host Louise Lynch a former Emmy award-winning TV producer turned full-time carer, speaks with musician, singer, and educator Claire Pilling about her personal experience caring for her mother during lockdown. They delve into the transformative role music played in managing dementia, the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and the importance of respite for caregivers. Claire shares touching anecdotes about her mother’s journey, revealing the challenges and unexpected joys of unpaid family care, and highlighting the therapeutic power of companionship and pets. The episode also addresses the importance of counselling and social services, underscoring the resilience required in caregiving. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:48 Meet Claire Pilling: Musician and Carer 01:14 Claire’s Musical Background and Family Life 03:00 Recognising the Signs of Dementia 04:15 Lockdown Challenges and Seeking Help 07:54 Balancing Work and Caregiving 11:39 Navigating Social Services and Support 14:15 Dealing with Sundowning and Wandering 15:28 Agreeing to Avoid Confrontation 15:57 Coping with Rapid Progression 18:14 The Role of Music in Dementia Care 21:12 The Importance of Respite and Counselling 21:38 The Challenges of Respite Care 23:23 Transitioning to Permanent Care 27:09 Music Therapy and Glo Sing 29:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    32 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

Welcome to "Do I Sound Like I Care?" the unfiltered podcast dedicated to unpaid family carers. Join your host, Emmy Award-Winning former documentary filmmaker turned family carer, Louise Lynch, as she imperfectly navigates the tumultuous journey of caring for her mother, Teena, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2021. In a society that often overlooks the challenges faced by unpaid family carers, Louise brings an irreverent and authentic perspective to the forefront. With her career in tatters and lacking a creative outlet, she dives headfirst into the universal struggles of unpaid family carers, exploring how they cope in a world that falls short on the necessary resources. In each episode, Louise sits down for a candid half-hour chat with fellow unpaid family carers. Together, they share stories, swap tips, and recount the highs and lows of their caregiving experiences. The magic lies in these peer-to-peer interactions, offering listeners a genuine authenticity and the comforting realisation that they’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned carer or just stepping into this demanding role, "Do I Sound Like I Care?" provides a sanctuary of shared experiences, laughter, and heartfelt discussions. Explore Topics Such As: Navigating the healthcare system Balancing self-care and caregiving responsibilities Finding humour in the midst of challenges 👂 Why Tune In? Discover the unifying power of shared experiences, gain practical tips, and find solace in the humour that arises from life’s caregiving journey. 🌐 Connect With Us: @CarerPodcast www.doisoundlikeicare.com Viewer discretion: Some of the language may cause offence unless you are a carer. Be prepared to have a laugh and a cry! Subscribe now to "Do I Sound Like I Care?" on YouTube or your favourite podcast platform, and join Louise and her guests in embracing the messy, emotional, and sometimes absurd ride of unpaid family caregiving. Because sometimes, the best way to cope and share a laugh in the face of adversity is to ask, "Do I sound like I care?" .

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