3 minute read
Recent news from Bluebird Care Rochdale
MOMENTS THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE
Brian has been making the most of the lovely weather with social outings. Care Assistant, Maria took Brian from Heywood Court Care Home to Wallis' Hollingworth Lake - one of his favourite spots for an ice cream.
Care Assistant, Charlotte also took Brian out for a hearty breakfast at Morrisons Café!
Care Assistant, Shabana took Joan out for a social visit to Catherine's Cafe after she had been unwell.
Amie taught James how to play UNO and bought him a lava lamp! He says he feels much brighter after his Bluebird Care visits.
MARATHON ACHIEVEMENT FOR A NOBLE CAUSE
A massive congratulations to Arran Keogh, son of Bluebird Care Directors, John and Beryl, who successfully completed the London Marathon on April 27th, 2025. Through his dedication and effort, he raised over £2,000 for the Alzheimer's Society, contributing to vital research and support services for those affected by dementia.
DYSPHAGIA TRAINING
Recently, the office team - John, Beryl, Amie, Georgia, and Dawn - participated in a dysphagia training session led by Gaynor, a skilled speech and language therapist from Rochdale. To further raise awareness, they created two informative TikTok videos demonstrating how to prepare drinks suitable for various levels of dysphagia. These videos have garnered significant attention, helping to educate a broader audience on this important topic.
WHY IN-HOME CARE OFFERS A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE - AND WHAT LIVE-IN CARE REALLY MEANS
When it comes to choosing care - whether for ourselves or someone we love - the decision often comes down to two main options: moving into a residential care home, or receiving support at home. While both provide essential services, in-home (domiciliary) care is increasingly recognised as the gold standard for maintaining quality of life, health, and independence.
Residential care may be appropriate for some - especially those with intensive or end-of-life needs. However, it also involves a major life change: moving out of the home, letting go of routines, community ties, and familiarity.
In-home care, by contrast, allows people to remain in control of their lives. Carers come into the individual’s own home, helping with daily tasks like washing, dressing, medication, meals and companionship. But it's not just practical - it’s deeply personal. Familiar surroundings reduce stress, especially in older adults, and there's growing evidence that staying at home with regular support can actually extend life expectancy and delay the onset of conditions like dementia. Why? Because home isn’t just where the heart is - it’s where the memories, stories, routines and daily mental stimulation live too.
And for those who need more than just a few visits a day, there’s a wonderfully enhanced option: live-in care. With live-in care, a dedicated carer moves into the home, offering one-to-one, around-the-clock support tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences. It’s especially suited to those with complex conditions or mobility issues, and it brings the safety net of 24-hour care without the upheaval of leaving home. Most importantly, it ensures continuity - of care, of relationships, and of life as they know it.
In truth, most people don’t want to move into a care homethey want to stay where they belong. In-home care, and live-in care, makes that not just possible, but joyful. It’s care with dignity, familiarity, and heart and for many, it’s the difference between simply existing and truly living.
