Living with Care: Pat’s Journey Outside Institutions (3:57)

Living with Care: Pat's Journey Outside Institutions

Living with Care: Pat’s Journey Outside Institutions

David talks about why live‑in care has been so good for Pat. Having the same carers for a long time means they feel like part of the family, which is very different from the more impersonal feel of a care home. At home, Pat’s life still feels normal, and she can stay connected to the people who visit her — something that often gets lost in care homes.

David also describes visiting care homes and noticing how little staff often know about the amazing lives residents have lived.

He ends by celebrating Pat’s life: her success as a children’s author, the honorary degree she received from Bath University, and the sadness that her illness now prevents her from knowing how much her work still matters.

Wearing a Groove in Norwich – The Importance of Care Closer to Home (3:02)

Wearing a Groove in Norwich - The Importance of Care Closer to Home

Wearing a Groove in Norwich – The Importance of Care Closer to Home

David talks about what life has been like caring for Pat since she was diagnosed with a rare condition called PCA back in 2007. At the time, hardly anyone – including their GP – had heard of it, though it’s now recognised as a form of Alzheimer’s.

He explains how they moved to Norwich to make everyday life easier, with shops and services close enough for him to manage things more smoothly.

Over the years, people in the area got to know them as they worked through the ups and downs of Pat’s illness.

Continuing Health Care (CHC) Annual Assessment (10:16)

Continuing Health Care (CHC) Annual Assessment

Continuing Health Care (CHC) Annual Assessment

David describes the process of the Continuing Health Care reassessment to evidence that Pats progressive condition had changed so she was no longer eligible for Continuing Health Care funding.

In the first example the assessor introduced herself and announced she was there to save the NHS money! In the second example David likens the experience of proving Pat no longer had any ‘medical needs’ to the Monty Python sketch –

What Have The Romans Done For Us. Neither of the reassessments were upheld, and Pat continued to receive the quality care that she needed.

How care should be…Genuinely person centred (3:12)

How care should be...Genuinely person centred

How care should be…Genuinely person centred “Surely the thing people go into care for is the interaction”

The carer talks about what needs to happen to ensure care is genuinely person centred. We should be asking people to sign up to something, and genuinely deliver care that meets the standards people should expect.

Empowering Care Plans (1:59)

Empowering Care Plans

Empowering Care Plans

Christopher highlights the potential of the Real Care Deal emphasing its broader application which could be wider than Norfolk amplifying examples of good practice and care countrywide. Chris continues to talk about the importance of the individuals true ownership of their care plan with examples of what this mean so that they can lead their care process.

This includes having the freedom to request reviews and making personal decisions, even if there’s a potential for risk, by mitigating dangers rather than completely eliminating them. Equally Chris highlights the importance sometimes difficult, but honest conversations with people about their care and support, ensuring that people still have agency to decide for themselves.

Interview with Norfolk County Council’s principle in charge Ian Wake (13:31)

Interview with Norfolk County Council's principle in charge Ian Wake

Interview with Norfolk County Council’s principle in charge Ian Wake

Here is a recent conversation with Norfolk County Council’s Director in charge of adult social care. We find out his vision and determination to centre in the human experience and how we work together as humans. 

The Real Care Deal is about what good care looks like (4:12)

The Real Care Deal is about what good care looks like

The Real Care Deal is about what good care looks like.

Christopher Collins, a Care Quality Commission registered manager with QCM Healthcare, explains his role and the range of care his teams provide across Norfolk. He talks about “The Real Care Deal” as a way to focus on what good care looks like, giving people in care settings a real voice rather than centring on complaints. For him, it’s about recognising each person as an individual, making sure they can speak for themselves, shape their own care plans, and feel in control of their future.

What led to Jac’s situation and first experiences of care (4:45)

What led to Jac's situation and first experiences of care

What led to Jac’s situation and first experiences of care

Baz and Jac recount their experience of what lead to their current situation. Following a severe bleed on the brain, which was not picked adequately up by the hospital when it first presented, sent home with paracetamol to return 3 weeks later into intensive care Jac is now disabled, with limited mobility, vision and cognitive ability. 14 months later after various hospitals and care homes Jac came home.

Experience in care homes have been mixed, with some ignoring that Jac’s mobility is limited, leaving drinks, tv remote controls etc out of reach or not providing drinks at all Other care homes they describe as very thoughtful in their interactions doing things like Halloween parties, miniature donkeys visits, checking in when passing her room to simple touches thing like a serviette with a cup of tea etc.

Sleeping without fear (5:09)

Sleeping without fear

Sleeping without fear

Empathy enables trust to grow. Seeing peoples experience of homelessnes through a perspective of truama Zena and Angela talk about working without judgment., They recognise how overwhelming it is for people living homeless to suddenly have the things we take for granted such as food, a room, running water, warmth or something as basic as an ensuite.

Alcohol dependency prevents many residents getting into other places creating a cycle of isolation and a world where you can’t enter anywhere. Highwater House allows alcohol use and in doing so provides sanctuary and the safety to sleep without fear.