Episode 3

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Published on:

7th Oct 2024

Smug Roberts: The Funny Thing About Caring For A Parent With Dementia

Humour and Heart: Smug Roberts on Caring for Dementia

In this episode of 'Do I Sound Like I Care?', host Louise Lynch welcomes actor and comedian Smug Roberts to discuss his experiences as an unpaid carer. They talk about his journey from stand-up comedy to acting, his new play 'Dementia Street', and the importance of maintaining humour while caring for a loved one with dementia.

Sharing personal stories, Roberts reflects on family dynamics, his upbringing, and the challenges of caring for his mother, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia. The episode explores themes of acceptance, resilience, and the necessity of preparing for cognitive decline, while offering insights into Roberts’ creative process and his way of coping with loss through theatre.

Follow Smug Roberts https://www.instagram.com/smugrobertscomedian/

Tickets on Sale to Dementia Street at https://homemcr.org/ from October 2024.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:32 Getting to Know Smug Roberts

01:33 Smug’s Journey into Comedy

04:48 Family Background and Early Life

06:28 Caring for a Parent with Dementia

06:40 Writing and Performing Dementia Street

08:39 Challenges and Humour in Caregiving

10:46 End of Life Planning and Family Dynamics

12:12 Visiting and Maintaining Connection

17:03 Personal Experiences and Reflections

18:44 Power of Attorney and Dementia

19:27 Caring for a Parent with Dementia

21:15 Challenges of Daily Care

21:56 Emotional Struggles and Coping Mechanisms

22:27 Innovative Care Solutions

23:31 Balancing Personal Life and Caregiving

26:52 The Reality of End-of-Life Care

28:38 Processing Grief Through Creativity

32:03 The Impact of Dementia Awareness

33:14 Personal Reflections and Family Support

37:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Studio space provided by Generator Startup WorkSpace+Support

  • Royal Mills
  • Ancoats
  • Manchester
  • M4 5BA

https://generatormcr.org/contact/

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About the Podcast

Do I Sound Like I Care? with Louise Lynch
@CarerPodcast
Welcome to "Do I Sound Like I Care?" the unfiltered podcast dedicated to unpaid family carers. Join your host, Emmy Award-Winning former documentary filmmaker turned family carer, Louise Lynch, as she imperfectly navigates the tumultuous journey of caring for her mother, Teena, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2021.

In a society that often overlooks the challenges faced by unpaid family carers, Louise brings an irreverent and authentic perspective to the forefront. With her career in tatters and lacking a creative outlet, she dives headfirst into the universal struggles of unpaid family carers, exploring how they cope in a world that falls short on the necessary resources.

In each episode, Louise sits down for a candid half-hour chat with fellow unpaid family carers. Together, they share stories, swap tips, and recount the highs and lows of their caregiving experiences. The magic lies in these peer-to-peer interactions, offering listeners a genuine authenticity and the comforting realisation that they’re not alone.

Whether you’re a seasoned carer or just stepping into this demanding role, "Do I Sound Like I Care?" provides a sanctuary of shared experiences, laughter, and heartfelt discussions.

Explore Topics Such As:

Navigating the healthcare system
Balancing self-care and caregiving responsibilities
Finding humour in the midst of challenges
👂 Why Tune In?
Discover the unifying power of shared experiences, gain practical tips, and find solace in the humour that arises from life’s caregiving journey.

🌐 Connect With Us:

@CarerPodcast
www.doisoundlikeicare.com

Viewer discretion: Some of the language may cause offence unless you are a carer. Be prepared to have a laugh and a cry!

Subscribe now to "Do I Sound Like I Care?" on YouTube or your favourite podcast platform, and join Louise and her guests in embracing the messy, emotional, and sometimes absurd ride of unpaid family caregiving. Because sometimes, the best way to cope and share a laugh in the face of adversity is to ask, "Do I sound like I care?" .