The Mary Poppins of Social Care: Paula Cashmore on Quality, Compassion, and Leadership in Care

In this episode of Able to Care, host Andy Baker is joined by Paula Cashmore, an independent Care Quality Consultant with over 40 years of experience in healthcare and social care. From nursing on a tropical disease ward to becoming a trusted expert in care quality improvement, Paula shares her insights into best practices in social care, supporting care managers, and promoting collaboration in the sector.

Why is she called the Mary Poppins of Social Care? Tune in to find out how Paula helps care homes and providers fix cracks before they become gaps, ensuring the highest quality of care for residents and staff alike.

🔹 Whether you’re a care manager, a frontline carer, or someone navigating social care for a loved one, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights into improving care standards, leadership, and staff support.

🌟 Sponsor: Carers Card UK

The Able to Care Podcast is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK, helping unpaid carers access discounts, resources, and support. Get yours today using our exclusive Able to Care promo code at CarersCardUK.com.

📌 Key Topics Covered in This Episode

🩺 Paula’s journey in healthcare and social care – from nursing in infectious disease wards to leading quality improvements in care homes.
🏡 Breaking the isolation in social care – why collaboration between care homes and providers is key to raising standards.
📊 The biggest challenges for care managers – and how to overcome recruitment struggles, high staff turnover, and quality inspections.
🎭 Creating a positive care culture – why staff training, engagement, and leadership are essential for delivering high-quality care.
🔍 What carers and families should look for in a care home – key red flags and green flags when choosing a service.
📈 Supporting managers and ‘accidental leaders’ – how mentorship and training can prevent burnout and improve team performance.

📍 Key Timestamps

⏱ [00:00] – Introduction to Paula Cashmore and her 40-year career in social care
⏱ [03:45] – Why care managers often feel isolated & the importance of collaboration
⏱ [08:10] – Infection control, CQC compliance, and best practices in care
⏱ [12:20] – How to choose the right care home – what families and staff should look for
⏱ [18:55] – Supporting care managers and preventing burnout in leadership roles
⏱ [27:40] – How to improve care quality without increasing costs
⏱ [34:15] – Why care homes need to move beyond ‘tick-box training’
⏱ [41:30] – The future of social care and why recognition for carers is long overdue
⏱ [50:20] – Final takeaways from Paula and where to find more of her work

🔗 Resources & Mentions

📖 Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge – Andy Baker’s book on understanding behaviour and de-escalation
🌍 Paula Cashmore’s Website & Consultancy – Find out more about Paula’s work
📚 Care Professional Register – Promoting the recognition and regulation of care workers
🎧 Able Hub – Exclusive courses & resources for carers, managers, and educators: Join today

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