Our story

         David Howard shares his story...
"I opened Bluebird Care (Milton Keynes) in 2011 after my sister suffered a catastrophic accident which left her quadriplegic. Like many, I just didn’t  realise how important care is to the wellbeing of vulnerable people until I saw it happening in front of my own eyes. When she became unwell, the local council provided round the clock care for her. Some of this was absolutely excellent, we had 2 or 3 fantastically dedicated members of staff who supported her through the most difficult of times; however some of it was poor, particularly during holiday periods when the main carers were away.. 

"Something incredibly important to me is that we do things with customers, not to customers"

I was therefore determined to open a care company that put high quality care at the top of its aims. That is why I aligned myself with Bluebird Care. But high quality care is more than just a slogan – it requires us to recruit the best carers, have the best training and adopt an ethos that learns from its mistakes. We must strive to do better at all times. It does not matter to me whether a customer wants a shopping call, an occasional morning care call, or regular complex care. We simply have to offer the best possible service, we may not always succeed but it is never for want of trying. 
 

"We want carers whose hearts are in the job – because when it comes to giving care, that’s what matters"

Something incredibly important to me is that we do things with customers, not to customers. We ensure that our carers do all they can to maintain the independence of each customer we see. It’s not just about meeting physical needs, but emotional, mental and social. We want more than the bare minimum, we want carers whose hearts are in the job – because when it comes to giving care, that’s what matters. When you really care, you are prepared to go above and beyond. 

"It’s not just about meeting physical needs,
but emotional, mental and social"

The Care Manager is absolutely critical to the success of any care company. We are very fortunate to have an outstanding manager in Ninitha. A qualified nurse, Ninitha takes great pride in her job and works closely with customers and their families to make sure that their needs are being met. However providing care can be emotionally demanding, and supporting our care staff is another vital part of both my and our Care Manager’s role. We try to be approachable so that our carers feel that they can raise any concerns in a confidential and non-judgemental environment.

I have now been running Bluebird Care in Milton Keynes for 11 enjoyable years and in 2019, I was joined by my daughter, Catherine, who now works alonside me.  Care is never easy - every day brings a new challenge but it is also hugely rewarding and we would not change it for the world.