As part of Ad Infinitum’s activities during lockdown, we’ve been gathering personal stories from people across the country of their experiences of the elderly care system in the UK. Last year, we spent hours chatting with people whose relatives have received care at home or lived in a care home, hearing from those that struggled with the system or found it helpful, and people who work in the sector. With permission we recorded these conversations and worked with an artist to transform them into a podcast mini-series called Home from Home: Journeys into Elderly Care. Following the success of the podcast we have decided to create a second season to be released in early May 2021.

To create the next episodes, we are now looking for stories from people who work or have worked in care homes: nurses, carers, cooks and chefs, managers, housekeepers, activities coordinators or any other roles within the sector will all be very valuable. We are interested in positive and negative experiences, and everything in between.

We're also interested in stories about experiences of getting older yourself, or having a relative that is getting older, and/or about people who have passed away whilst in need of care; Difficulties in getting support, the nitty gritty of caring for a family member, experiences of living in a care home or visiting a relative in a care home, being cared for at home, making friends and/or finding a romantic partner in a care home, and more. Any story revolving around these themes would be very valuable and welcomed.

Of course, if you want, anything you share will be kept anonymous with all names changed and if needed your words could be voiced by an actor.

Due to social distancing we won’t be able to meet in person but instead use our password-protected Zoom room. If Zoom isn’t convenient we’d also be happy to use the phone, skype or any other way that would work for you. If you’d like to share your story please email careAdInf@gmail.com and we will schedule calls between 15th March and 19th April.

We're not able to pay, but your story will be fundamental to the development of the piece. We also promise a free ticket for the production when it takes shape and goes on stage and if you are interested, we will mention your contribution in the programme.

If you also know anyone that might be interested and could help us, please share with them.

Many thanks,
Ad Infinitum Team