Acer Mews resident launches podcast to challenge myths about living in a care home

Kevin, 69, created the podcast so other people living at the home can share their experiences and show how the support provided by the team at Acer Mews helps them pursue the goals that matter to them.

Kevin hopes the podcast will challenge the stereotype that people living in care homes simply "sit around all day" and instead give listeners an insight into the friendships, achievements, and everyday experiences of people drawing on local care services.

Acer Mews provides expert nursing care for adults living with complex needs arising from mental health conditions, neuro-disabilities, and physical disabilities.

To launch the series, Kevin features in the first two episodes, sharing his own story and explaining how care and rehabilitation have helped him regain his independence after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and his journey to try and change his misdiagnosis.

In the podcast, Kevin tells listeners about his career as a self-employed carpenter specialising in the restoration of listed buildings before later running his own delicatessen business in Wales.

An active person who enjoyed running, Kevin first noticed something was wrong when he began dragging one leg and experienced an involuntary tremor in his foot.

"At first, Dr Harold Shipman thought it was nerve damage," Kevin said. "He sent me for lots of tests but couldn’t find anything wrong with me, and they then come up with the idea of Parkinson's."

As his condition progressed, Kevin's care needs became more complex. After struggling in a previous care setting that was unable to meet those needs, he moved to Acer Mews, where he could access the support he required while remaining close to family and friends who lived nearby.

Since moving into the home, Kevin has worked closely with healthcare professionals and care colleagues to improve his mobility and independence. When he first arrived, Kevin needed support to get out of bed. Today, he is standing more easily and able to walk some steps with support.

Reflecting on the progress he has made, Kevin said, "I've got my life back."

Alongside his rehabilitation, Kevin plays an active role in the Acer Mews community as its Service User Ambassador, welcoming prospective new residents and their families, and helping them learn more about life at the home.

He also gathers feedback from people already living at the home and represents their views at Service User Council meetings. These meetings help Exemplar Health Care, the complex care provider that operates Acer Mews, better understand the needs of the people it supports, so services and policies can be co-produced to improve how people living in its homes are supported.

Kevin believes the podcast is a natural extension of that role, giving people living at the home an opportunity to share their own stories with listeners.

"The idea behind the podcast was to show people what life is really like in a care home," he said. "People often have misconceptions, but there are so many positive stories to tell. I also wanted to recognise the important work that care workers and nurses do, and the difference they make to people's lives."

Robert Holcroft, Home Manager at Acer Mews, said: "Kevin is a great character, and it’s been great getting to know him since he joined our home community. His personality really shines through in his podcast, and you can tell he has a real passion for sharing his story and breaking down misconceptions about people who use care services.

“The podcast provides a valuable opportunity for everyone living at the home to share their stories and shine a light on the dedication of the colleagues who support them every day – I can’t wait to hear future episodes, and I hope the local community joins me in watching.

"Supporting people to achieve their personal goals is what the whole team at Acer Mews is focused on each day. We look forward to seeing the positive impact Kevin’s podcast has on listeners and the wider community."

To watch Kevin’s podcast, visit the Acer Mews page on Facebook.