The Head of Care and Quality at Middleton Hall Retirement Village has appeared on a special episode of Woman’s Hour sharing expert advice on caring for ageing parents.
Debby McGinnes, who is the Registered Manager of the care services at the integrated retirement village in Middleton St George near Darlington, joined presenter Nuala McGovern on the Woman’s Hour’s Guide to Life episode, ‘Caring for ageing parents – and you’, to explore the emotional and practical challenges families face as parents grow older.
The programme examined how people can prepare for caring responsibilities, from starting difficult conversations to understanding the support available. Debby joined elder mediator Tracey Adamson and parent carer Cat Sims to share practical advice drawn from decades of experience of supporting older people and their families.
With more than 40 years’ nursing experience and over 26 years working in residential care for older adults, Debby discussed how families can begin sensitive conversations before a crisis occurs and ensure older relatives remain involved in decisions about their future care.
She also highlighted the importance of knowing where to find reliable information, understanding the different types of care and support available and planning ahead for issues such as affordability, Power of Attorney, continuing healthcare funding and advance care plans.
Debby said: “Many families find themselves stepping into caring roles very suddenly and it can feel overwhelming. Starting conversations early can make a huge difference and helps ensure parents are part of decisions about their future.”
As part of the programme’s advice toolkit, Debby encouraged families to engage with social services early, approach conversations sensitively and tackle challenges gradually rather than trying to solve everything at once.
She also stressed the importance of carers protecting their own wellbeing.
“Caring for someone you love can bring feelings of worry, guilt and exhaustion. It’s important to remember that looking after yourself is just as important.”
Debby qualified as a nurse in 1984 and began her career in the NHS before moving into the private healthcare sector. Alongside her clinical work, she has remained passionate about training and education, gaining a first-class honours degree in dementia studies while working at Middleton Hall and becoming a Positive Approach to Care trainer with dementia care specialist Teepa Snow.
Middleton Hall Retirement Village is an integrated retirement community offering independently owned retirement properties alongside supported apartments and residential care designed to help older people maintain independence while receiving tailored support.
Debby says the most rewarding part of her role is seeing meaningful connections between care teams and residents.
“When you see those moments where a member of the team and a resident truly connect, you know you’re making a difference.”
Colin Inglis, Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s Care Director, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Debby’s extensive expertise recognised on a national platform like BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.
“The advice she shares in the programme reflects not only her depth of knowledge, but also her compassionate and practical approach developed through many years of supporting residents and their families. It’s exactly the kind of guidance that can make a real difference to people navigating what can often be a very challenging time.”
The ‘Woman’s Hour Guide to Life: Caring for ageing parents – and you’ episode is available to listen to on BBC Sounds HERE