In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Kate Thubron, a trained occupational therapist and dementia care expert. Kate shares her journey from working in multiple care settings across the UK and abroad, to her passion for improving dementia care through the Montessori approach and cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). Kate discusses her experiences working with Teepa Snow’s Positive Approaches to Care model and how mindfulness and meditation practices enhance her training.

Key Messages:

1. Personalised Dementia Care with the Montessori Approach
   
   Kate explains how the Montessori approach tailors care to each individual's needs, promoting independence and maintaining cognitive abilities through meaningful activities
   
   
   
   


2. Empowering Independence While Managing Risk
   
   Kate emphasises the importance of balancing risk with freedom in dementia care, allowing residents to maintain skills and autonomy while staying safe
   
   
   
   3. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) as an Essential Tool
   
   Kate highlights CST’s proven benefits in improving cognitive function for people with dementia, advocating for its wider use to enhance mental stimulation and quality of life.

Key Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Sponsorship

00:01:00 - Kate's Career Background

00:06:30 - Working Overseas in Mombasa

00:12:00 - The Montessori Approach to Dementia Care

00:18:30 - Addressing Risk and Maintaining Independence

00:24:00 - Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Overview

00:30:00 - Family Involvement in Dementia Care

00:35:30 - Training and Support for Care Staff

00:43:00 - Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care

00:50:00 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok)  for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement.

Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website  https://www.able-training.co.uk/  for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey.

Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations