We’re excited to share something new we’ve been working on at Unique Senior Care – our very own podcast.
The Care Podcast launches on 8 September, and it’s all about making sense of later-life care. Whether you’re trying to support a parent, helping a loved one stay independent, or just planning ahead, this series is designed to help you feel more informed, more confident and a little less alone.
Each episode features down-to-earth conversations with people who understand care inside out, from dementia specialists and legal experts to families who’ve been through it themselves.
Why we’ve created this
We know how overwhelming it can feel when someone you love needs care. You’re faced with decisions you didn’t expect, paperwork you don’t understand, and emotions that can be hard to name. For many, it can feel like there’s no clear place to turn.
At Unique Senior Care, we speak to families every day who are navigating these challenges. They tell us they want to do the right thing but feel unsure where to begin, or worry about making the wrong decision. And often, they just want someone to talk to who truly understands what they’re going through.
And the truth is, care isn’t something many of us talk about until we’re right in the middle of it. That can make it feel even more daunting. We want to help families start these conversations earlier — to feel more prepared, more informed, and more supported before things reach a crisis point.
In fact, a recent Age UK report found that nearly half of adults aged 40 to 60 who are thinking about supporting an older parent say they wouldn’t know how to help them access care or support. That’s exactly the gap we want to help bridge.
The Care Podcast is a way for us to bring these everyday conversations into the open. We’ve spent years supporting families one-to-one, and we know just how valuable it can be to hear from others who understand what you’re facing. Through this series, we’ll share honest stories and expert insight to help families feel more prepared for whatever comes next.
Meet the host
The podcast is hosted by Jo Cleary, our Learning and Development Manager here at Unique Senior Care. Jo first joined us back in 2011, after a career in nursing and more than 25 years in health and social care, including supporting people with mental health needs and children with disabilities.
She’s been leading our training ever since, helping make sure every member of our team feels confident, capable and properly supported in the work they do. Jo’s led this part of our journey for over 14 years, and thanks to her and her team, we’ve been proud to receive the Princess Royal Training Award three times!
Jo’s professional credentials include a Level 5 Diploma in Learning and Development, and advanced courses in dementia care, safeguarding, people handling and more. But what really stands out is the way she connects with people. She listens, she understands, and she brings that same thoughtful, grounded approach to every conversation in the podcast.
“This podcast is about creating space for real people to ask real questions,” Jo says. “So often families are just trying to do the right thing, but they don’t know where to begin. They might be feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or unsure who to trust. That’s who we’re here for, to give people a bit of clarity, a bit of reassurance, and hopefully the confidence to take the next step.”
What you’ll hear
This podcast is for anyone trying to make sense of care, whether you’re supporting someone now or planning ahead for yourself. Maybe you’ve had a difficult conversation with a family member, or you’re feeling uncertain about how the system works. You’re not alone.
Each episode is designed to guide you through some of the most common (and often most emotional) questions about care, with thoughtful conversation, real-life experiences, and trusted advice that helps you feel more steady on your feet.
The first episode features Gary Strong, a paramedic trainer and one of our clients at Unique Senior Care. Gary talks openly about arranging care for his own family – the challenges, the learning curve, and how it’s shaped the way he trains others.
Our following episodes in this first series will explore:
- What to look for when choosing a care provider
- Dementia support and advice for families
- Humanising the legal side of care and planning
- Why preventative healthcare matters as we age
We know many families feel overwhelmed or unsure where to turn when care becomes part of the conversation. These episodes offer some gentle guidance and honest, human insight from people who understand, whether that’s professionals, family members, or people who’ve lived it themselves.
When and where to listen
The Care Podcast launches on 8 September and will be available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
We’ll be sharing new conversations regularly. Each episode is designed to help you feel a little more certain about your care journey.
We speak to families every day who feel overwhelmed or stuck. Often, they’re looking for some clarity, a bit of reassurance, or just a chance to hear how others have handled similar challenges. That’s exactly what this podcast is here to offer – honest, helpful conversations you can listen to in your own time.
So if there’s someone in your life who might find it helpful, please do share the series with them. It might be just what they need to feel a little more informed and a little less alone.
For any questions or if you’d like to get in touch about the podcast, just drop a line to [email protected].
Jo joined Unique Senior Care as a Carer in 2011, transitioning from a nursing background. With 25 years of experience in health and social care, including mental health and children with disabilities, Jo has embraced numerous growth opportunities within the company.
Passionate about learning and development, Jo earned a Level 5 Diploma in this field and is committed to equipping teams with the skills needed for outstanding care.
Jo’s qualifications include advanced training in people handling, risk assessment, safeguarding, basic life support, first aid, health and safety, and dementia care. Jo has also completed numerous workshops and CPD courses, such as the SCIE’s Co-Production webinar.
These accomplishments reflect Jo’s dedication to fostering a culture of safety and excellence in care.