Dementia Action Week: A Personal Reflection from Our Director, Melvyn Plum
As we mark Dementia Action Week, we want to take a moment to share a powerful and deeply personal story from our Director, Melvyn Plum, whose own experience with dementia within his family became the foundation for Bluebird Care Colchester, Tendring, Braintree & Uttlesford.
Melvyn's journey began when his father was diagnosed with dementia after a period of noticeable forgetfulness and behavioural changes. What followed was a challenging time, especially for his mother, who struggled to cope without adequate support. Despite working in social services himself, Melvyn found it difficult to source the right kind of care—and it was this experience that sparked a desire to do things differently.
“I thought, maybe I could do better,” Melvyn recalls. “And that’s what led me to start Bluebird Care nearly 15 years ago.”
Since then, our commitment to dementia care has only grown. What started as practical support has evolved into a holistic approach that centres around helping people with dementia live well at home and stay connected to the things and people they love. Whether it’s a favourite hobby, a familiar place, or the comfort of a trusted routine—our goal is to make life as full and normal as possible.
From one-to-one support with Zoe, our Activities Lead—who visits customers at home to build models, paint, reminisce and more—to trips out to football matches, tea rooms, the cinema and even cruises, we tailor care to what brings joy and meaning to each person.
We also offer innovative tools like our interactive projector for in-home sensory stimulation, and the Genie robot companion, which provides daily reminders, connection to family via video calls, and gentle wellbeing prompts—helping those with memory challenges maintain their independence and giving families peace of mind.
Dementia is not an easy journey. But through our own experiences, our training, and the relationships we build with every customer and their family, we’re here to help. As Melvyn says, “We use our experiences to help others—because we understand just how important it is.”
If you or someone you love could benefit from our specialist dementia support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to talk.
👉 Learn more about our dementia care in Colchester & Tendring
https://www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/braintree-uttlesford/dementia-alzheimer-s-disease-care
👉 Learn more about our dementia care in Braintree & Uttlesford
https://www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/braintree-uttlesford/dementia-alzheimer-s-disease-care
📞 Call us on 01206 827605
📍 Based in Colchester, Tendring, Braintree & Uttlesford — supporting our community with care that goes beyond.
Dementia UK Dementia Friends Alzheimer's Society
#DementiaActionWeek #DementiaCare #ColchesterCare #TendringCare #BraintreeCare #UttlesfordCare #BluebirdCare #SupportAndDignity #CareThatCountsd
