Join host Andy Baker on the Able to Care podcast as he sits down with Dean from Grey Matters Consultancy to explore how families can plan for the future, access vital care and financial support, and navigate sensitive conversations about care needs. Dean shares his wealth of experience, from starting as a frontline care worker to managing a franchise dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, vulnerabilities, or aging needs.

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone seeking to secure support for themselves or their loved ones. Discover how proactive planning, understanding eligibility, and accessing resources like attendance allowance can transform lives and maintain independence. 🎧

• Carer’s Card UK (Sponsor): Gain access to discounts, a wellbeing hub, and community support with Carer’s Card UK. Recognising and rewarding carers across the UK for less than the price of a box of chocolates a year. Visit Carer’s Card UK to learn more.
• Grey Matters Consultancy: Helping families access support for care, financial planning, and more. Learn how their services make a difference in maintaining independence and quality of life.
• Andy’s Book, "Targeting the Positive with Behaviours that Challenge": A guide for caregivers and educators to build empathy, confidence, and effective de-escalation techniques.

Key Messages:

Understanding Attendance Allowance Dean explains the often-overlooked financial support for individuals over state pension age. Attendance allowance provides vital funds to support daily living needs and maintain independence.

Overcoming Barriers to Access Discover how complex forms and a lack of awareness can hinder access to support, and learn how Grey Matters Consultancy simplifies the process with their expertise.

Sensitive Conversations Around Care Andy and Dean discuss strategies for initiating compassionate and constructive conversations about future care needs with loved ones, focusing on empathy and mutual understanding.

TikTok for Awareness Dean shares how his TikTok channel delivers bite-sized advice, raising awareness and helping families navigate the care system.

Key Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Welcome and Carer’s Card UK introduction

00:01:24 - Dean's inspiring career journey

00:03:47 - Demystifying attendance allowance

00:12:25 - How to start sensitive conversations

00:24:14 - Overcoming barriers to financial and care support

00:32:00 - The role of TikTok in raising awareness

00:38:18 - Planning for the future

00:44:37 - Addressing common misconceptions

00:50:00 - Encouraging proactive planning

00:54:15 - Closing thoughts and resources

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