In this episode S2 E9 Cecily ends 2025 and looks forward to 2026. She gives a brief recap of the episodes over the past 18 months, invites you to catch up on any you've missed, and offers you a copy of her book, Employing Care Staff in Your Home.

Cecily wishes you the best health and wellbeing in 2026, joy and sunshine in your life - these things that money can't buy.

Keep in touch with Cecily at cecilylalloo.com.

In this episode, Cecily speaks with Debbie Holder, an occupational health expert with over 30 years of experience. They break down what occupational health is, how it differs from occupational therapy, and why it's essential for anyone employing care staff at home. Debbie explains how Occupational Health supports both employers and employees, especially when health issues, sickness absence, or performance changes arise.

In this episode of YOUR HOME. THEIR WORKPLACE learn about

• How occupational health supports situations like long-term sickness, repeated absence, stress, safety concerns, and changes in performance
• How Occupational Health assesses the progression of health conditions and recommends realistic adjustments to keep someone working
• How Occupational Health works alongside GPs and can highlight when treatment may need review
• How Occupational Health distinguishes between medical fitness issues and capability issues
• What information makes a strong referral — including employer observations, existing adjustments, sickness records, fit notes, and the physical/mental demands of the role

Occupational health offers reassurance, practical guidance, and fair assessment to ensure safe, appropriate support for both employer and employee.

Listen in for: practical guidance, real -life examples, and clear explanations that help employers confidently navigate occupational health decisions.

To Contact Debbie :

Visit her website www.ohsltd.co.uk or reach her at 07742 245450

Contact Cecily, buy her book, subscribe to her newsletter and listen to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com.

In this episode, host Cecily Lalloo sits down with Janet Shreeve, Director of Shreeve Care Services, to explore the realities, challenges, and rewards of live-in care — a personalised alternative to care homes that helps people remain in the comfort of their own homes.

In this episode of YOUR HOME. THEIR WORKPLACE learn about

• What live-in care means and how it differs from traditional care models.
• The benefits of staying at home for both clients and families.
• Overcoming common misconceptions and resistance around having a carer live in.
• How clients are matched with carers — and why compatibility and companionship matter.
• The process from initial consultation to setting up care with trusted partners.
• Managing breaks, shifts, and maintaining healthy work-life balance for carers.
• Why awareness and advocacy are key to making live-in care a recognised, accessible option.

Live-in care is not just about support — it's about choice, comfort, and connection. Janet emphasises that the heart of good care lies in trust, respect, and understanding each person's individuality.

Listen in for practical insights, warm storytelling, and a behind-the-scenes look at how live-in care truly transforms lives.

You can Contact Janet at :

Visit her website shreevecareservices.co.uk

Or reach her at janet.shreeve@shreevecareservices.co.uk / 07827 324 590

Contact Cecily, buy her book, subscribe to her newsletter and listen to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com.

I met Kim, through my gym. We were partnered to do what's called an Engine Race - I hadn't heard the term till then! What stayed with me after our first meeting was the fact that Kim Farmer was caring for her older brother, and had been since she was a child. I knew that Kim would have experiences that I couldn't imagine and also knew she would have stories to share with other siblings, with parents, and with care staff and other professionals.

So, here we are in YOUR HOME. THEIR WORKPLACE. delving into those experiences. A 'take home' tip from Kim for those working in this space is - listen to the siblings, they know more than you think they do and give siblings the time and space to be who they are - a child, a teenager. Kim also talks about the impact on the next generation - her children.

Kim, throughout, acknowledges that these are her experiences, her views, her family dynamics and that each person and family will be different. Environment and time impact everyone differently.

I thank Kim for her heartfelt and passionate talk with me and for sharing as she has.

I'd love you to leave a comment, ask a question or tell me your thoughts on this topic or any other.

CONTACT Cecily, buy her book, subscribe to her newsletter and listen to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com.

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In this episode, Cecily speaks with David Robson of Mark Bates Ltd, specialists in disability insurance. David shares his journey into the insurance industry and explains why home employment insurance is essential for families and individuals who employ carers or personal assistants in their homes.

We discuss:

• Why employers' liability is a legal requirement and what it really covers
• How home employment insurance goes beyond the basics — including redundancy, personal possessions, legal support, PA or carer replacement, shopper cover and even holiday cancellation cover
• Common risks employers face when hiring carers at home
• The importance of choosing the right level of cover for peace of mind

David also highlights the additional specialist insurance products available for people with disabilities, from mobility equipment to travel cover, and why having the right support matters when making a claim.

📩 Contact David: david.robson@markbatesltd.com| markbatesltd.com

☎️ 07821 680361

Find Cecily on LinkedIn, buy her book, and subscribe to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com

In this episode, host Cecily Lalloo is joined by Kate Marston, former Detective

Sergeant in the Metropolitan Police and now Founder & CEO of MAST People

Support, an HR and investigations consultancy.

Kate shares her unique journey from policing to corporate HR and unpacks the

complex challenges faced by families who employ care staff in their homes.

Together, they explore:

●

What the legal duty to prevent harassment means for home employers

●

How to handle complaints sensitively while fulfilling legal obligations

●

The difference between bullying and harassment

●

Why intention doesn't outweigh impact

●

The importance of clear reporting pathways, boundaries, and

respectful communication

●

How to manage tricky situations involving family, friends, and carers

Whether you're a new or long-time employer of care staff, this conversation

offers practical tools, real-life insight, and thoughtful guidance to help you

navigate your responsibilities confidently and with compassion.

You can contact

Kate Marston, Founder & CEO of MAST People Support at:

https://www.mastpeoplesupport.co.uk/

http://linkedin.com/in/kate-marston-104104

Find Cecily on LinkedIn, buy her book, and subscribe to her podcast at

cecilylalloo.com

S2 Ep 3 with guest Elizabeth Nightingale on Music as Therapy

Elizabeth Nightingale is a Qualified Music Therapist & Registered Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow specialising in brain injury, working as a practitioner in Level 1 rehabilitation and in the community with case managed individuals.

For over ten years she has worked with children and adults in NHS, private and community settings, using carefully selected music-based techniques to leverage neuroplasticity and support goals ranging from improved speech to enhanced motor function.

In her sessions, Elizabeth provides most of the specialised instruments herself, then develops home programs using video and audio recordings or suggests affordable instruments and apps for families to use between her visits. She trains siblings and care staff in simple, motivating activities - such as taking turns with a switch or rhythmic movement exercise - building their confidence through joint practice and feedback from her, so the family and carers can continue the work independently.

Typically seeing her case managed clients once a week, Elizabeth tailors at-home practice to each family's schedule, the client's energy levels, and resources. She emphasises that beyond functional gains, music therapy brings emotional and social rewards - laughter, connection, and shared joy - reminding us that "if you want to give someone the best opportunity to respond and engage, try using music."

Listen to Elizabeth chat with me, discuss some case studies and how best she supports her clients.

Elizabeth will be pleased to hear from you if you contact her at her email address elizabeth@nightingalenmt.co.uk or through her website Nightingalenmt.co.uk .

Find Cecily on LinkedIn, buy her book, and subscribe to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com

In this episode, Cecily Lalloo speaks with Jess Camburn-Rahmani, the new CEO of Cerebra, a UK charity supporting children with neurological conditions.

Jess, who brings a background in international development, shares her passion for breaking down barriers to services for families of children with disabilities. She discusses Cerebra's inclusive approach — offering free access to resources such as books and sensory toys through their library — and the organisation's commitment to bringing both support and joy to families, carers, and children.

Jess also introduces important new research into how service interactions can unintentionally traumatise families. She explains how Cerebra's legal team steps in to provide expert advice, helping families challenge decisions around support and services. Listen to Jess talk about major research on continence support for children, sleep exhaustion, and her encouragement to take care of our own wellbeing especially when caring for others.

Finally, Jess invites everyone to "Relay Your Way," an inclusive fundraising initiative designed for people of all abilities or disabilities. The event reflects Cerebra's mission to provide everyone with the opportunity to take part in sport across Scotland, England and Wales. Cerebra is proud to include 30 SEND schools and over 9,000 children.

For more information, visit Cerebra's website: https://cerebra.org.uk and
https://www.relayyourway.org

Find Cecily on LinkedIn, buy her book, and subscribe to her podcast at cecilylalloo.com