Maidstone MP praises home care provider's 'much-needed' live-in care service

An MP has praised a home care company for launching a new premium live-in care service, which provides vulnerable older people with round-the-clock care in their own homes.

Maidstone and The Weald MP, Helen Grant, visited Bluebird Care Maidstone Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells to learn more about the company's service.

She said: "Live-in care is a wonderful option for the many people with additional care needs who would prefer to continue to live at home rather than move into a residential care home.

"It's really made me think about how I would like to be cared for in the event that I need additional support when I get older, as I would certainly want to remain in my own home for as long as possible.

"Companies like Bluebird Care deliver a much-needed service and their care assistants do an excellent job in what are often very challenging circumstances."

Bluebird Care's live-in care service provides vulnerable and elderly adults with round-the-clock care seven days a week. Care assistants live with customers in their own homes, providing anything from two weeks short-term care to long-term ongoing care.

Ms Grant visited Bluebird Care's customer Geoffrey Kellam with live-in care assistant, Shawlene Chance.

An 88-year-old Royal Air Force veteran, Mr Kellam took part in the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949. Following a number of falls, he has had live-in care since July. His family considered moving him into a care home, but Mr Kellam was keen to stay in his home of more than 50 years.

Commenting on the care he receives, Mr Kellam said: "Shawlene is excellent, she keeps the house clean, looks after me and we have become good friends. It is reassuring for me and my family to know that someone is always here in case I fall. I enjoy the company too and I love having her around."

Ms Chance has been a care assistant with Bluebird Care since 2013. Previously a traffic officer in the Metropolitan Police for 20 years, she took voluntary redundancy to become a care assistant four years ago.

She added: "My role as a live-in carer is incredibly rewarding and I love what I do. Like Geoffrey, so many of the customers I work with have wonderful life stories and it is a privilege to hear the interesting things they have got up to over the years.

"Many customers find our live-in care services invaluable, as they provide the reassurance of 24-hour care and support in the comfort of their own home. By providing the right support with daily tasks, from assistance with cooking and cleaning, to ensuring customers take their medication and by providing companionship, we can ensure that our customers' needs are always taken care of, day or night."

Bluebird Care provides over 20,000 home visits to more than 9,000 older people each day.

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