This episode tackles one of the most emotional and misunderstood parts of the dementia journey: moving a loved one into a care home.
Through an honest conversation with care home manager Jen, host Graeme Sutherland explores the guilt, fear, stigma, and reality of residential care, while sharing his own family's experience of finding the right home for his mum.
Moving a loved one into a care home is often accompanied by guilt, uncertainty, and difficult decisions. But what if care homes aren't the places many people imagine them to be?
In this heartfelt episode of The Long Goodbye, Graeme sits down with care home manager Jen to discuss what good dementia care really looks like. Together, they explore how families can navigate the transition into residential care, why so many people wait until crisis point before seeking support, and how person-centred care can help residents continue living meaningful, fulfilling lives.
From tackling the stigma surrounding care homes to discussing family involvement, life-enriching activities, end-of-life planning, and the importance of maintaining dignity and connection, this episode offers reassurance, practical advice, and hope for anyone facing one of dementia's toughest decisions.
Key Highlights
- Why families often delay looking at care homes and the impact this can have.
- How to choose the right care home and the questions you should ask.
- Understanding and overcoming the guilt that many carers experience.
- What "good care" really looks like beyond the stereotypes.
- The importance of activities, community involvement, and maintaining quality of life.
- Innovative programs including intergenerational "Grand Buddies" projects.
- Honest discussions around death, palliative care, and the "Death Café" initiative.
- How care homes can help families become sons, daughters, spouses, and partners again, rather than full-time carers.
If this episode raises any difficult emotions or concerns for you, please remember that support is available. Whether you're living with dementia, caring for a loved one, or coping with the impact of a diagnosis, you don't have to face it alone. For information, advice, and practical support, contact Alzheimer Scotland's Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit alzscot.org.
If you're struggling with your mental wellbeing, support is also available through Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 and Samaritans on 116 123, available 24 hours a day.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and there are people ready to listen and support you
What is The Long Goodbye with Graeme Sutherland?
The Long Goodbye is a podcast for anyone whose life has been touched by Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Hosted by Graeme Sutherland, the series brings together personal stories, expert insight and honest conversations with families, carers, advocates and healthcare professionals who understand the realities of living with dementia.
Inspired by Graeme's own family's journey following his mum's Alzheimer's diagnosis at just 59 years old, the podcast explores the challenges, emotions and questions that so many families face every day.
Through powerful interviews and shared experiences, listeners can expect practical advice, emotional support and reassurance that they are not alone. From navigating a new diagnosis and caring for a loved one, to celebrating moments of connection and resilience, The Long Goodbye shines a light on the people behind the diagnosis and the communities supporting them.
Whether you're living with dementia, caring for someone who is, working in healthcare, or simply looking to better understand the condition, this podcast offers compassion, guidance and hope through every stage of the journey.
Because while dementia can feel isolating, no family should have to face it alone.