Bluebird Care Eastbourne & Wealden services for people with dementia

Our aims are

• To provide support that will enable people who have dementia remain in their own homes
• To continue to live their lives in the way they are familiar and comfortable with
• To give their families respite from their caring role
• To provide support in a way that encourages and retains independence of people with dementia
• To enable them to feel in control of their lives by providing support not taking over
• Helping them to reach and retain the best quality of life possible

Assessment of person with dementia

The person with Dementia is our 'customer' and like any customer he/she is invited to choose the type of service they feel will help them.  We take referrals from the customer themselves, their families, friends or Social Services.

The assessment is usually the first time we meet the customer and his/her family.  Our supervisor visits the customer’s home to discuss the care that is needed.  At every assessment, we get as much information as possible so we can tailor make the care needs.  This includes medical needs, psychological needs, life history, past employment, hobbies, concerns, what makes them happy and people who are important to them. 

We continue to assure the person with dementia that they are the customer and our role is to support them to maintain their independence and strive to improve their quality of life, never to take over.  Bearing in mind that having a 'stranger' going into their home may seem like an infringement on their privacy, the care package agreed at the assessment may be minimal to give the customer the chance to build up trust and confidence in the care giver.

The service we provide

We compile a care plan tailored to customer's individual needs and choices.  On the first visit the assessor goes with the care giver to introduce her and to go through the care plan with the customer and family member if appropriate to ensure it is agreed by all.  The service ranges from a 15 minute call to remind a customer to take his/her medication, to a few hours a day to assist with personal care, cook meal, domestic tasks, shopping or just social support.  We also provide live in care, where the care giver moves into the home with the customer and is there to support them 24 hours.

The staff

The staff we recruit are interviewed and vetted before they are employed. They go through five days training, even if they have previous experience, before they go out to work.  After that they shadow an experienced care giver, until we are happy that they competent to work independently and they feel confident to do so.  They are encouraged and supported to do ongoing training to increase their knowledge and motivation.  As they often work alone, they can have contact with the office or on call service throughout their working hours to deal with any queries or concerns they may have.

If you would like any more information about the services we provide please call us for a chat on 01323 727903.

Mary Kelly (Care Supervisor)