In Season 1 of Home from Home: Journeys into Elderly Care, theatre company Ad Infinitum spent hours gathering stories from care providers and care users in Bristol and around the UK: in Season 2, they take a deep dive into some of the heart-breaking stories of prejudice and stigma. From tales of neglect such as being denied a trip to the toilet and the story of a carer who wanted to use a mop to wash a gay service user, to stories of progress and hope, the podcast gives voice to an elderly community that is often ignored or forgotten.
The first episode focuses on care for those of Caribbean heritage, with guests including Anndeloris Chacon, registered nurse and CEO of Bristol Black Carers. It draws on healthcare studies (incl. BMJ and UCL, research links here) that show that Black and Asian people with dementia are not receiving the same quality of care as their white peers, looks at how the tired ‘if you don’t like it, go home’ trope has additional implications for elderly citizens, and tells a first-hand story of neglect.
Episode two asks questions about the difficulties elderly LGBTQ+ people face in care. From trans people being treated as the wrong gender because of their families’ wishes, and one harrowing story of a carer who wanted to use a mop to wash a service user because of their sexuality, to presenting plans for the first LGBTQ+ retirement community in the country, the podcast looks at how far we’ve come and how far we’ve still to go.
The final episode explores different approaches to caring for people living with dementia including the butterfly approach, a model of care that is reimagining the way people living with dementia are cared for; ideas for better accommodating elders from South Asian communities; and a first-hand account of what life is like working in a care home.
With solid experience in audio production and content creation, Keziah Wenham-Kenyon has worked collaboratively with spoken word, visual and music artists to produce engaging content in podcast, video, and digital audio tour formats. Pairing multimedia production with strong social ethics he has worked with Ujima Radio, Crack Magazine, Bristol Open Doors and Rife Magazine to produce versatile work that engages with challenging or topical issues that reframe narratives and empower more pathways into the industry.
He said, “It’s been a privilege to hear such personal stories, especially as these experiences tend to happen behind closed doors. With more healthcare becoming privatised, stronger intergenerational ties are needed so we can support our elders with respect and dignity. I hope this series offers a moment for reflection and broadens the scope of what it means to provide care.”
Ad Infinitum are also developing a new project, A New Constellation, to empower isolated older people to create art. Teaming up with Bristol based charities Marmalade Trust and Bristol Older People’s Forum, and with participation from the Corn Exchange in Newbury, the company have recruited four artists to work with those who have been isolated by the pandemic, connecting with them to tell their stories. They are currently creating thirteen different pieces of art to be displayed online and in print.
Working with older adults, this project is part of Ad Infinitum’s activities during lockdown and a wider project exploring elderly care in the UK. R&D for this new production is due to start later this year, and will inform their next major production.
