Bluebird Care Medway

Hamilton House, 84-86 High Street, Gillingham ME8 7JH
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9.8 40 Reviews
  • Bluebird Care Medway, Gillingham
Bluebird Care (Medway) tailor care services to the preferences of each client, helping them to make the most of life in the comforts of their own homes.

Versatile home care and support services include live-in care, with each professional looking to build strong relationships with clients and their loved ones, enabling them to progress with compassion and understanding.

The provider demonstrates a commitment to independent living and undertakes robust recruitment practices.

Care Provided by Bluebird Care Medway

  • Type of Service
  • Home Care Provider
  • Privately Owned
  • Specialist Care Categories
  • Call in Service
  • Cancer Care
  • Cleaning Service
  • Companionship
  • Dementia
  • Domestic Services / Home Help
  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • High Dependency Care, two carers attending
  • Laundry Service
  • Learning Disability
  • Medication Assistance
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Palliative Care
  • Personal Hygiene Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite cover
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Shopping Service / Errands
  • Sit in Service
  • Transportation Service
  • Other Care Provided
  • 24 Hour Care
  • Adult Home Care (18+)
  • Home Care for Children
  • Hospital Discharge
  • Live in Carer
  • Personal Care (on a contracted hours basis)
  • Personal Care Assessments
  • Risk Assessments in the Home

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Charmaine Grech (Director)
Total of 40, showing 21-40
9.8

Bluebird Care Medway has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.778) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Bluebird Care Medway has 40 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 31
  • 7
  • 1
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  • 0

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19
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall, very happy with overall care. Timings at weekend are sometimes an issue. The staff are very caring and supportive one, in particular, is extremely caring and is very good at seeing to all aspects of care.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review. We will always strive to provide a first-class service to you and value your feedback. We are very pleased you are overall happy with our service and particularly that our staff are caring and treat you with dignity and respect.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff from my first telephone enquiry to my actual care were so professional, reassuring, caring ad friendly.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

We thank you on behalf of our team for your complimentary review, we aim to provide a first-class experience of care and are happy to have been of service to you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carers are excellent, good quality of responsive care and good attention to detail from all carers. Reliable with timely notification on the few occasions when the carer was going to be delayed by the company.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Bluebird Care has offered a professional first-class service to my mother for the past 20 months. When she needed additional help within her home the agency was always happy to support her needs.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review, we will always strive to give the best care to our clients and are very proud of our care staff. We are happy to have been of service to Mum and wish her well.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been with Bluebird Care for around a year, at the start she was not happy with any care.
As time went on she enjoyed the carers coming in and talking to them about her days living in London. All the carers treated mum with dignity, they did their best to be on time and they were all in
their uniform. Helpful and supportive.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review, we pride ourselves on working with our clients to engage and support with them to achieve the best possible care. We are happy to be of service.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My carer has always been very professional, in a very pleasant and caring way. Having the same carer more or less all the time is also very good. Long may it continue.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you for taking the time to write your review; we appreciate your feedback and are happy to be of service.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

A useful service and happy with the carers.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you for taking the time to assist one of our customers. We are always seeking to provide a valuable service to our customers and are pleased you are happy with our care staff.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent service provided by all carers who treated my mother with kindness and dignity during the years of care. She looked forward to their visits and became friends with them.
We could not fault the service and it gave the family peace of mind that Bluebird carers were taking care of her needs.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are happy the service provided by our staff gave confidence to yourselves as a family, that Mum would be well cared for. We will pass on your compliments to all the staff, it is very much appreciated. Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been using Bluebird Care for a number of weeks now and I would like to pass on my thanks to our carer who we have been very impressed with. He is a very warm and likeable person and very good with our dad. I have been present when he has cared for dad, he is very patient, warms his socks and
clothes for him on the radiator and chats with him our dad feels very comfortable with him.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. We will pass your commendation on to the carer in question, we very much appreciate it. We do our very best for all our customers so thank you again and happy to be of service.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care I receive is good and the carers are polite and very professional. Everything I ask is always done for me, nothing is too much trouble. Very happy with Bluebird.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are happy you are receiving a good service and satisfied with the care you receive.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad has Parkinson's but was against having a carer that comes every day of the week and attends to my dad. She is polite, friendly and thorough. Dad is happy and his carer even makes him giggle which lately is very rare. We are very happy with the service Bluebird are providing.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you for taking the time to complete your review. We are very happy you are satisfied with our services and we have managed to change Dad's mind about having care. It is fantastic to hear we have made him giggle and is enjoying the company of his carer.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff at the end of the telephone are always helpful, patient, and demonstrate empathy, they and the management team alike. I am aware of the pressure the team is under and yet management has done everything they can to provide regular call times and the same carers (to support me in planning medication
and appointments etc and prevent the need to keep repeating the support I need). The carers are amazing, extremely helpful, caring and take notice of what I need, and go above and beyond. I feel relaxed in their company (needed for personal care, I feel) and always at ease and never rushed or awkward. They are a credit to Bluebird. Thank you.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We do try to give the best possible service to our clients and are so happy your experience is a positive one.
Your compliments will be passed onto all the team, it is very much appreciated. Thanks again.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care is provided by the carer but feel management could be better as communications are not always relayed to the carer. Also, I think 28 days cancellation charges are a bit extreme.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you for taking the time to write a review, and complimenting our care staff for their excellent care and support given to you. We will graciously pass this on to them.
We do strive to provide all our staff and customers with up to minute information as much as possible, however, at times messages may not get through on time for various reasons, which can be frustrating for all concerned. We can only apologise if this does happen.
As in all the contractual obligations agreed at the start of our service, our T&C's do require a 28 day notice period of cancellation.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law was in need of a haircut. On the week commencing 6/7/2021, I spoke to mum's companion about getting mums hair cut and she agreed that it was a good idea. I aks her if she would take a photo of mum showing mums hairstyle with her which she did and mum had an excellent haircut.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

It was lovely that we could make this happen for her and she is happy and feels great.


Thank you for taking the time to write your review we do really appreciate it.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

Bluebird don't care.
The final bill was received by the family after the loss of our father, who received Bluebird "care". We asked for time to pay as the house was being sold, this was granted.
The letter contained not one single expression of condolence, instead, the bill was inaccurate and overcharged.
Our reply was returned to Bluebird asking them to check invoices and monies received again.
Bluebird replied with a new (correct) invoice, but with no acknowledgement or apology of their original mistake and still, no condolences to a bereaved family, and no information was given on ways to pay the bill. Instead, it demanded payment within 7 days or would be referred to Company Solicitor and admin and interest charges were to be added.
All we wanted was a correct bill, some compassion, and an apology for the original incorrect bill. We have always been prepared to pay what was due.
An unprofessional, uncaring way to conduct business.
Beware - Bluebird don't care.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

We are extremely sorry your experience with our company's financial department was found to be uncaring and unsatisfactory. On looking into this review further, I can only say the company have followed the procedure in such matters.
The passing of your father and a valued client was very sadly received and condolences given on receiving this information at the time. However, the service of our care given by our staff was always very caring and professional at all times.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my husband and myself are overwhelmed with the Bluebird team where nothing is too much trouble. It is also refreshing to see the younger generation both male/female taking and participating in this type of work. I, the patient's wife, was thinking 'Oh I can manage to look after my husband, he was
sleeping most of the day' but after only two weeks of trying and finding enough was enough we welcomed the company and relief that Bluebird has given us. So lucky.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review, we are happy to be able to support you both.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A good service and very good support for my mum. Whenever I have a query or question the staff always respond promptly. Because of Mum's memory, they are fully aware that Mum and I prefer known carers and they always support this whenever possible. The only negative is the openPASS app doesn't always
work in a poor signal area and not available for me outside my Mum's home unless I pay monthly.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

We are happy to be of support to Mum and thank you for taking the time to write your review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very pleased with the ease of working with the carer provided. She was able to do some of the jobs around the house which I am unable to do. It would be good if I could have the same carer whenever possible, due to the time taken to acquaint carer with the layout of my home in only a 2-hour slot.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete this survey, we appreciate your positive feedback. We do try to give our customers the very best service we can.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We approached Bluebird Care as a family in crisis. Dad had been awake most of the night for weeks. On contacting your service, we received compassion and respect from the very first phone call. Night care was in place from 48 hours after that call. The care dad received was professional and preserved
with dignity. He was given the respect to make what limited choices he could. I can't thank you enough. You enabled us to keep him at home until his death.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Hi Christine
Thank you so much for the lovely review and this is very much appreciated, we try our best to give our customers a very caring and supportive experience. So happy to have been of assistance and thank you for your time.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely impressed with the service provided. One carer was excellent as our waking night carer, and Mum felt confident and able to sleep safely.

Reply from Lorraine Crawley, Marketing at Bluebird Care Medway

Thank you kindly for taking the time to send in your review, we are happy to have been able to help you. Kind regards Bluebird Care Medway.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.778)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.778) out of 10 for Bluebird Care Medway is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Home Care Provider is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.778 for Bluebird Care Medway is calculated as follows: ( (101 Excellents x 5) + (22 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 126 Ratings = 4.778

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows: 3 points for the first Positive Review, 2 points in total for each of the next 9 Positive Reviews (1st = 3, 2nd = 0.5, 3rd = 0.5, 4th = 0.25, 5th = 0.25, 6th = 0.1, 7th = 0.1, 8th = 0.1, 9th = 0.1, 10th = 0.1)

    The 5 points relating to the number of Positive Reviews for Bluebird Care Medway is based on 21 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as follows: 3 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 5

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Home Care Provider does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 23 Mar 2019

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Awards / Recognitions (2)

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Meet the Team (8)

Lorraine

Lorraine Crawley

Job Title: Registered Manager Head of Care and Support

Joined: 2012

Lorraine joined Bluebird Care Medway, in June 2012 as a Community Care Worker, and worked for almost 4 years in the community.


Through the company’s career pathway, she became a Care Mentor in December 2014.


From her role as a Care Worker and Mentor including her previous experience in child protection and safeguarding, continuing on the career pathway Lorraine then gained promotion in 2015, to Support Supervisor for our customers and was responsible for all aspects of customer care and support.
 
Her previous career had always been in company business and management, giving her a wealth of knowledge, intuition, and relative skills to carry out her scope of duties and responsibilities professionally within her roles at Bluebird Care.


Promotion again followed to Deputy Head of Care in February 2017, further congratulations to Lorraine from May 2019 when she was promoted again to Head of Care.


Lorraine celebrated 10 years with the company in 2022, with the management and her colleagues for her long service.


Becoming our Registered Manager in 2023 is a recognition for her loyalty and hard work, Lorraine is always supportive of the care staff and office teams, leading and guiding them to promote the best customer experiences.


Her spare time is taken up with her family and several grandchildren, she also enjoys walking, cooking and travelling.


Ozgur

Ozgur Iplikci

Job Title: Finance Manager

Joined: 2014

Ozgur graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2012 having gained a Bachelor of Science degree and combined honours in Business Studies and Human Resources Management


She joined Bluebird Care (Medway) in August 2014 after gaining experience in private property management with a finance company.


Ozgur quickly progressed within Bluebird Care and was soon promoted to Financial Controller. She also gained the prestigious award of Employee of the Year in 2015.  She is very passionate about her role and having directed her own business previously she understands the complexities and problems involved. She prides herself in having the ability to perceive situations from both employee and employer perspectives.


Ozgur accepted the role of Operations Manager in early 2022, for both the Medway and Swale offices, she will share her time between the two to ensure the smooth running of the business and everyone is happy.
Congratulations and we all wish you the very best in your new role.


Catherine

Catherine Randall

Job Title: Care Co-ordinator

Joined: 2014

Catherine actually started working for Bluebird Care (Medway) as a Care Assistant in 2014.  In February 2018, she was promoted to Care Coordinator. 


She has organised Dementia Friendly Musical Evenings for Bluebird Care (Medway and Swale) and raised over £900 for the Alzheimer's Association.  


Catherine is the very proud mother of ten-year-old Daisy and together they are part of the West End Wednesdays Singers.  


In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, visiting the theatre and shopping!


Amy

Amy Edwards

Job Title: Training Manager

Joined: 2015

Amy joined Bluebird Care (Medway) in March 2015 as a Care Assistant. Her constant good conduct, devotion to customers and commitment to her caring role secured her promotion in February 2017 to Care Mentor and at the end of March 2018, Amy gained a further promotion to Support Supervisor and works in the office for three days per week.


Amy was shortlisted for a Bluebird Care national award in 2017.  She even went through to the finals having won Carer of the Year for the South East region. Well done Amy!


From November 2019, Amy's role as Support Supervisor changed to Training Supervisor with her having the sole responsibility for the training of new Care Workers in both the Medway area and the Swale area.


Lynsey

Lynsey Burton

Job Title: Compliance Support Supervisor

Joined: 2004

Lynsey has worked within the care sector since 2004 in various settings including care homes, a school, a private care job and community care. She changed from her previous career so that she could do a job that helps people and would be rewarding.


She stated that:


'I love my job and enjoy the variety, as of course, everyone is unique!'


Lynsey gained her NVQ level 2 in Health and Social Care in 2007 and Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care in 2015. She is also a qualified teaching assistant and school support worker, fully trained in child protection.


In October 2016 she was promoted to the role of Care Mentor which she really enjoys, supporting new employees and her Bluebird Care colleagues.


Lynsey gained another promotion in March 2017 to Support Supervisor and assists in the office one day per week where the main responsibility in her role is quality compliance.


Lynsey is an animal lover and has a menage of pets at home, cats, dogs, and a tortoise, she likes to keep busy!


Charmaine

Charmaine Whitbread

Job Title: Lead Customer Supervisor

Joined: 2021

Charmaine joined Bluebird Care as a community carer, in July 2021, bringing with her the experience of working in care homes for some time and recently completing her NVQ L4 in Health & Social Care.


She has progressed through our career pathway and took the role of Support Supervisor joining the office team in May 2022.


Charmaine has said that caring is her passion and the most rewarding job. but outside of work Charmaine enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves to shop.


Jade

Jade Colmer

Job Title: Support Supervisor

Joined: 2018

Jade started working for Bluebird Care in 2018 as a community carer. She has progressed through our career pathway to joining the office team as the Support Supervisor for Recruitment in 2022.


After a short while moved over to existing customers, and her responsibilities were updating and reviewing our existing clients' care packages, and making sure everything was up-to-date and specific to their needs.


In 2023 Jade moved over to Carer Support Supervisor looking after all our care staff.


When Jade is not working for Bluebird Care she works part-time in a nursery as a support worker with young children.


In her spare time, she loves being with her Dad who is a great support to her and her two young children, who keep her busy.


Carla

Carla Whitbread

Job Title: Care Champion

Joined: 2017

I have worked for Bluebird Care since 2017.


I love my job, caring for those who need extra assistance or for those who just like a friendly chat.


It's the most rewarding job, just to see people's smiles and gratitude for the smallest of things we do.