Home care provider, Bluebird Care, has recently launched its #SafeAtHome campaign to raise awareness of and celebrate its live-in care provision that has been a great option for so many customers and their families.

Across the network of nearly 200 franchise owners, Bluebird Care’s teams offer a wide range of services to include prescription and shopping collection to ensure more vulnerable people can stay inside. In addition, they offer a full live-in care service where a suitably matched Care Assistant lives in the customer’s home.  

The live-in care service is completely personalised to each individual customer and the service is tailored to their needs and preferences. Families can also get to know the Care Assistant very well, and the Care Assistant becomes extremely knowledgeable in the exact needs of the customer.

In recent months, Bluebird Care has seen a growth in the popularity of their live-in care services across the UK. Throughout the franchise network, Bluebird Care has seen the demand for this service increase, a 20% rise in the last 12 months, with over half of the growth occurring since the beginning of the year.

Bluebird Care has seen many customers’ quality of life improve with the use of their live-in care services. Jane’s mother, Marianne, is currently supported by a live-in Care Assistant from Bluebird Care Hambleton and Richmondshire. 

Marianne lives with dementia but has maintained her physical well-being and overall health. Jane said that after her mother tried living at a care home, she became overwhelmed by the noise and busyness of the atmosphere there. She had been much happier in the peace and quiet of her own home. Since switching to the live-in care service, Marianne has been able to form a daily routine, which alleviates much of her confusion. The personalised care she receives from Bluebird Care has also allowed her to take her time when she is having a slower day.

Jane said: “In the care home my mother was not really stimulated or active enough. She needed more personal attention which a live-in carer can give.

“My mother needs 24-hour supervision as she gets anxious if she is left alone, so it was clear she needed a carer 24 hours a day. 

“My mother also has communication issues but responds really well to one-to-one attention. Having only one carer who is familiar with her makes communication much easier.”

Since receiving live-in care, Marianne has become much calmer and happier. Prior to COVID-19, her Care Assistant was able to take her on trips to garden centres, stately homes, museums, concerts and the cinema, each tailored to her interests to make sure its enjoyable for her. Both are looking forward to being able to resume these activities when it is safe to do so.

Jane said that her mother is much more physically fit now. “Her Care Assistant Anita takes her out for a walk every day and helps her do stretching exercises while also making sure she drinks plenty of water and has a healthy diet.

“It is so lovely to see my mother laughing and smiling again. Dementia is a horrible disease, but I can honestly say she has an excellent quality of life at the moment and is definitely enjoying herself.”

Many franchises within the Bluebird Care network have offered a live-in care service for many years. Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford are celebrating the 9^th Anniversary of their live-in care provision.

Ann is a Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford customer; she lives in Gravesend. With regular monitoring and help from a Bluebird Care live-in Care Assistant, Tracey Danton, Ann no longer requires live-in care. 

Ann’s determination to regain her independence, combined with Tracy’s support has resulted in the gradual improvement of Ann’s condition. Before, she was unable to leave her bed, she has progressed and can now use the stairs. Ann’s Care Assistant, Tracey, was awarded with Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford’s Live-in Care Assistant of the Year Award in March 2020.

Many families also find the consistent contact with the live-in Care Assistant provides them with peace of mind. They can receive regular updates on their loved ones, and for customers with dementia, the Care Assistant can advise the family on the best time of day to visit or call in order to get the most interaction from their loved one. 

Hannah Banfield, Marketing and Communications Director at Bluebird Care said:

“Our #SafeAtHome campaign is all about raising awareness of live-in care – an option that many families may not have considered. We have seen so many success stories across the franchises, where customers and their families have felt more safe, happy and comfortable in their own homes.

“Our live-in Care Assistants provide the highest standard of personalised home care. They are specially trained to help with complex care needs, and often go above and beyond to help with other tasks such as grocery shopping.

“It’s so wonderful that customers are able to be surrounded by their treasured belongings and special memories.”