Director’s Update June 2023
Welcome to the latest edition of our monthly newsletter. I hope this edition finds you in good health and high spirits as we continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those we care for.
A few weeks back I attended one of our late customers funerals, and what I witnessed first-hand is the professional bond we as a company deliver, and how the work that each of you do is so important and greatly appreciated by our customers loved ones. At the end of the service the family members where walking back up the centre of the church, they were all very emotional and supporting each other. As they walked up the aisle, they gently acknowledged those that had attended, that was until they got to one of our Bluebird’s. The family member stopped and gave them a massive hug. I could not help but get emotional, as for all the people there, the family member felt the need and impulse to do this, it was not forced it was so natural.
As I look back on that moment, it captures everything that we stand for and the reason we are all working tirelessly hard to support our customers and their loved ones in some of the most challenging times, making their life easier and giving them peace of mind.
It was a very proud moment, not only for me, but the company. I know that these connections are happening all over the business, spreading like tree roots through the communities we serve, and this is all down to each of you and your actions every day.
Premium Home Care
This leads very nicely on to the section below in the newsletter about who we are and what we stand for. We are a premium home care company, that goes above and beyond and puts the customers at the centre of everything we do. We will not get this right all the time, and I am aware that we have fallen below our commitment with some of our customers recently. However, this is something I am reviewing, and I am very keen to hear from you all as to how we can return to our best and make sure that we consistently improve the service.
With that in mind we will be organising Care Staff forums where there will be a section for you to feedback on how we improve, as improvement is a continuous movement and we will always strive to do better, leading the way in the industry.
Shift Payments and Loyalty programme
One of the commitments I have is that we are always reviewing the way we can support each of you, and to make sure you feel valued. I have just signed off with the team our loyalty programme, which sets out rewards for length of service from cash bonuses to additional holidays. Please keep an eye out for the separate communication around this.
The next big change is the introduction of shift payments. These are something I have wanted to introduce for a while. We have listened to your feedback and I am pleased to announce that we will be offering them. This means that you will be getting paid for all your travel time and wait time between calls, which continues our status as an industry leading employer. For reference that means that that you will be earning more than Band 5 Nurse in the NHS, which is testament to all your hard work and backs up my commitment to reward all your hard work.
Welcome
I would also like to welcome Victoria to the team as trainer, she takes over from David Preece who has moved into the Care Team Lead role in South Tyneside and Newcastle. Victoria comes with great pedigree and is very keen to get started in her role to support the whole business in our training needs.
Operational Changes
Registered Managers
Laura Ogley and Annette Akrill
I am thrilled and pleased to announce that Laura Ogley and Annette Akrill have been promoted to Registered Managers of York and Darlington respectively. They will each bring a vast amount of passion and skills to support me and the rest of the senior leadership team in ensuring we continued to deliver our premium home care to our customers.
Tracey Tute – Care Team Lead
Congratulations to Tracey on her promotion to Care Team lead in South Tyneside and Newcastle. This is a role that I know Tracey will excel at and I have already seen first-hand the difference she is making, well done Tracey.
Sally Young – Care Coordinator
It is now official, Sally has moved full time into the Care Coordinator role in York after acting up over the past few months. Sally has worked tirelessly to bring herself up to speed with the new system and know how committed she is to her new role.
Rebecca Hull – Care Coordinator
Rebecca has had change in role and I am delighted to announce she is moving across from FCS to a care coordinator. Her attention to detail and her understanding of the importance of great customer service will be a massive addition to the coordination team and will have massive benefit for all stakeholders.
Welcome to the team
Victoria Gardner – Bluebird Care Newcastle, South Tyneside, Darlington and York
I have joined Bluebird Care as a Trainer supporting new staff with their induction, current staff with their mandatory training and on going mentoring out in the community. I have 12 years experience in Social Care, having been a Domiciliary Carer before moving onto a Duty Manager Role within an Assisted Living Development. I have been a Trainer delivering First Aid and Mental Health Courses for the last 4 years and look forward to supporting all staff to update, or gain qualifications that will ensure we deliver excellent levels of care to our customers.
Care Assistants
Jade Venton – Bluebird Care South Tyneside
Anisa Bhatti – Bluebird Care Newcastle
Co-ordination emails for Newcastle & South Tyneside
We would like to remind all staff in Newcastle & South Tyneside of the co-ordination email addresses which have been created for our staff members to use when submitting queries in relation to rostering.
These addresses have been specifically set up to ensure that all enquiries are promptly and efficiently addressed, and we encourage our staff to use them for all work-related communications involving rotas and care coordination.
The emails which have been set up for Newcastle and South Tyneside are below:
COORDncl@bluebirdcare.co.uk to be used for queries regarding Newcastle
COORDst@bluebirdcare.co.uk to be used for queries regarding South Tyneside
If you have any queries regarding rostering please use the necessary email address above and it will be picked up by a co-ordinator.
Please note – do not submit and holiday requests to these email addresses. These must continue to be done through the One Touch app.
All staff should now have access to Bluebird Care’s Nest system. This is an intranet set up for employees to access all policies and procedures.
You should have received an email from Bluebird Care Intranet with your login details. The username is your email address and the password set is set as temporary password. The password will expire, if this has happened you can reset your password by clicking this link > https://nest.bluebirdcare.co.uk/ and following the instructions below.
If you are still experiencing problems, please contact your local office and they will point you in the right direction.
As most of you will be aware by now, we are to introducing shift payments across the business in Newcastle, South Tyneside and York.
This means that for those who take up this opportunity, you will be paid from the start of your first call until your last call finishes. There is an expectation that to qualify for this opportunity, you need to have availability that covers early and/or late shifts as well as weekends.
Shift times: 7:00am – 3:00pm and/or 3:00pm – 10:00pm*
*these shift times are illustrative, start and finish times may vary
If you are required to work a morning shift, the earliest starting time will be 7.00am and the latest finishing time will be 3.00pm. If you are required to work an afternoon shift, the earliest starting time will be 3.00pm and the latest finishing time will be 10.00pm.
There will be certain terms and conditions that will be attached to this, and I will try to explain them below:
No handing back calls.
There will be an expectation that you do not hand back calls during your shift, if for any reason you do hand back calls you will revert to contact time payment.
If I work 7am to 10pm shift.
As aforementioned, you will be paid from the start of your first call to the end of your last call, however, if you have this availability we will not be expecting you to work the full 15 hours and you will be allocated a minimum of a 2 hour break. Please note, breaks may vary from day to day. Where feasible we will endeavour to allocate a 2 hr bock, this however cannot be guaranteed.
If I work an early day shift I. e 7am – 3pm (please note these times are for illustration purpose only)
You will be paid from the start of your first call to the end of your last call, this will also include a mandatory 30-minute unpaid break.
If I work a late day shift I.e 3pm to 10pm (please note these times are for illustration purpose only)
You will be paid from the start of your first call to the end of your last call, this will also include a mandatory 30-minute unpaid break.
Weekends
To qualify for shift payment, you must be available to work alternative weekends.
Confirming terms and conditions
You will have an addendum to your current terms which will outline the shift payment conditions (a side letter that covers your new Terms and Conditions T&C’s).
Monitoring call times
As you would expect we will be monitoring all call times, to include start, finish and throughout the day for call time durations. If you fall below expected levels which will be outlined to you, then you might then fail to qualify for the shift payment moving forward.
Will I still be paid mileage?
If you drive yes, you still will be paid the company pence per mile for every business mile you do. This will be in line with the HMRC guidelines and does not include travel to your first call or from your last call.
What happens next?
If you like the sound of this and would like to have the opportunity to move on to a shift payment, then please email joemckenzie@bluebirdcare.co.uk with your interest.
Do you have a suggestion? Submit it by clicking here.
Take advantage of our £250 refer a friend fee!
Can you think of anyone who is kind, caring and compassionate? Can you think of anyone who would like a career in care? Can you think of anyone who would be an asset to our team?
Well, this could be your opportunity to take advantage of our refer a friend programme. If you refer someone into the business and they receive a job offer and successfully pass probation you will receive your £250 refer a friend payment!
Anyone who you think is up to the job can apply via our company website, when they complete the application form it asks if they know anyone who works at Bluebird, this is there time to state this!
https://www.bluebirdcarecareers.co.uk/locations/newcastle
https://www.bluebirdcarecareers.co.uk/locations/south-tyneside
https://www.bluebirdcarecareers.co.uk/locations/darlington-south-durham-and-yarm
Presentation:
How were they? Were they different to normal? Any changes in mood? Where were they?
Consent:
Was consent gained? Did they refuse any aspects of care?
Personal Care:
What elements of personal care was completed? Were there any pressure ulcers/ sores? Any noticeable change to skin integrity? Did you apply any barrier creams/ cream? Did the service user perform any personal care independently?
Food/ Drink:
If Enteral feed, who completed this? Any concerns? Has the service user drunk since last visit? Have they eaten? Any concerns regarding their weight? Any concerns regarding their eating and drinking?
Moving & Handling:
Has there been any M&H? (Hoist, stand aid, slide sheet) If so, any concerns? Did it go to planned? Any comments?
Medication:
Did the service user accept all medication? Time of medication given. Has there been any changes which aren’t outlined in eMAR? Is there a theme on any medications being refused? Was there any waste medication? Have you used PRN medications? What is the justification for this?
Other:
There any concerns? Anything else to add.
Use a systematic approach:
Documentation is a vital part of your job as a carer. You will need to ensure that everything you document is accurate and up-to-date, which means you should document whilst it is fresh in your mind. Your notes should describe in detail what happened in the call, so to achieve this you should have a systematic approach to how you do your notes, starting from entering to leaving the customer.
Include the important information and nothing else:
When it comes to care notes, the goal is to strike a balance between being detailed and concise. However, it’s important to include only necessary information that will make the notes easier to review.
Record your assessment:
You should be documenting entry and exit to the premises, for example, “house securely locked and key returned to the key safe”. Record notes about the customer’s condition trying to notice changes in the their appearance, recording them as accurately as possible. Medication administered should be noted on the MAR sheet, but any issues with the medication should be listed in the notes. Note any personal care given, for example “washed hair in the shower”. Discuss any food and drinks prepared, noting what has been prepared, and whether it has been consumed.
Use professional and matter-of-fact language:
It is important to use professional, matter-of-fact language in notes as they are available to be read by other professionals or the customer’s family. In some cases, the care notes might be read by a coroner or read out in court, in the event of an unexpected death or an error. Try to avoid acronyms, abbreviations, or technical terminology. Ensure that your notes are factual and not based in opinion.
Follow up any areas for concern:
If you have noted anything of concern in the notes, tick the “highlight notes as important” box at the bottom of the notes. It is also worth following this up with a call to the office notifying them of the concern.
Example of good Care Notes:
“Took key from key safe and entered. Joe was in good spirits on arrival, and appeared well. Assisted Joe to the toilet where he urinated. Urine was clear. Made Joe two slices of toast with margarine and cup of tea, which he finished. Administered the medication at 7:00 hours (Lipitor 40mg), but had to persuade Joe to take it as he “didn’t want to take tablets”. Explained to Joe why this medication was important and what could happen if he didn’t take it. Joe then took the tablets. Assisted Joe into the shower, and helped him to wash his lower half after he washed his own upper half. Helped Joe to get dry and ready, before assisting to the living room. Left Joe in the living room watching TV. Left small jug of water (approximately 500ml) and a glass within reach on his side table. Joe was happy and appeared well on leaving. Locked door and secured key in the key safe.
Example of poor Care Notes:
Daisy is in a bad mood. She refused her medication. Can someone please approve my holidays as well.
It is very important where we position ourself in the market. Bluebird Care Newcastle, South Tyneside Darlington and York are a premium home care provider. We are a well-known home care company that has earned our reputation as a premium provider in the industry. Several factors contribute to our position and status.
High-Quality Care:
We delivering high-quality and personalised care services to our customers. We prioritise the well-being of each customers and ensure that the care we provide meets the individual needs and preferences of each person.
Professional Staff:
We hire high quality and highly skilled and care assistants who are experienced in providing home care services. You have specialised training in areas such as dementia care, palliative care, or other medical conditions, ensuring a higher level of expertise.
Comprehensive Services:
We offer a wide range of services beyond basic personal care. We are able to provide companionship, medication management, housekeeping, and even live-in care options. Our comprehensive services cater to various needs and situations, making us stand out as a premium provider.
Flexible Care Plans:
We offer flexible care plans that can be tailored to suit the specific requirements of our customers. This personalisation allows customers to receive the right level of care and assistance while maintaining independence in their own home.
Transparent Pricing:
Though our premium home care services can be more expensive than others, we provide transparent pricing structures. This means customers are fully aware of the costs involved, and there are no hidden charges, creating a sense of trust and reliability. This allows us to pay our care staff above the industry average!
Customer Centered Approach:
We focus on the needs and preferences of our customers. We involve our customers and their families in the care planning process, ensuring a person-centered approach to care.
Positive Reviews and Testimonials:
We receive positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers and their families. Positive feedback from previous customers can act as a strong indicator of the quality of services we provide.
Regulated and Accredited:
We comply with all relevant regulations and hold accreditations or memberships with industry associations. These certifications demonstrate our commitment to meeting high standards of care
Working for Bluebird Care in the home care industry is a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. It give great sense of achievement knowing you are making a difference to our customers lives.
Here are ten reasons why:
**Making a Difference:** Working in home care allows you to directly impact the lives of individuals in need. You provide essential support and care that can significantly improve their quality of life.
**Personal Connection:** In home care, you build strong relationships with your clients. You get to know them personally, and this sense of connection can be deeply meaningful and satisfying.
**Flexibility:** Home care jobs often offer flexible work schedules, making it easier to balance work with personal commitments and other responsibilities.
**Diverse Clientele:** You’ll work with a diverse range of clients, each with unique needs and backgrounds. This diversity can make the job interesting and dynamic.
**Job Security:** As the population ages, the demand for home care services is steadily increasing, providing more job security and stability in the industry.
**Skill Development:** Working in home care allows you to develop a wide range of skills, from medical knowledge to communication and problem-solving abilities. These skills are valuable and transferable to other healthcare settings.
**Positive Work Environment:** The home care industry often fosters a positive and supportive work environment. You’ll be part of a team that shares a common goal of improving the lives of clients.
**Independence:** Home care professionals often work independently, giving them the autonomy to manage their daily tasks and make decisions that directly impact their clients’ well-being.
**Continuous Learning:** Healthcare is an ever-evolving field. Working in home care means you’ll have opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
**Job Satisfaction:** Being able to witness the progress and improvements in your clients’ health and well-being can lead to a high level of job satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
Overall, a career in the home care industry offers not only a stable job but also a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while fostering personal and professional growth
It only takes a few minutes and we’d be extremely grateful for your help! It helps increase brand awareness and strengthen our online presence so we are able to attract more customers and great like minded staff into the business.
Just click the buttons below to go to our Google Business pages or Facebook pages and leave us some great feedback.
Find out who the winners of this months bonus ball is in the video below.
Don’t forget the prizes up for grabs are…
1st place – £250
2nd place – £200
3rd place – £150
4th place – £100
5th place – £50
Good luck everyone!!
