Hi Doodles, We have a family friend who was on the programme and she said it was one of the best things she has ever done, I really enjoyed watching it but couldn't help feel sad for all involved once it was over.
In regards to lifting self esteem, my Dad is too far past it now but I used to give him tasks to do like the shopping list, involve him in my work, make lists for me, make him suggest days out and the routes to plan, talk about his past work achievements, always try and tell him he's doing a great job even for something simple. I also used to empty the cupboards or purposely get him to put things back in for me when had been shopping.
I cant say I used to use the lists, or the plans/routes he wrote down, but I think it made him feel a little better about himself. I used to make up stories that I know would invoke responses about his old work place (he adored his job) so he had some stories to tell.
Just perhaps food for thought, a little starting place.