Two care assistants working across Richmond and Twickenham have been nominated as finalists for a national award in social care, to be presented next month.
Jean and Fe, who are both care assistants at Bluebird Care Richmond and Twickenham, have been shortlisted from hundreds across the country to receive one of the annual Stars of Social Care Awards 2024 for continuously showcasing excellence through delivery of outstanding, home person-centred care.
The judging panels, which include the CEO of Care England Martin Green OBE, limit the shortlist to nine or ten finalists, according to group marketing manager of Bluebird Care Richmond and Twickenham Jennika Irvine.
Irvine said: “I couldn’t believe it when the shortlist was announced; to have both of these ladies come out at the top is just spectacular.
“I know Jean and Fe consider their nominations the honour of a lifetime.”
Fe is a live-in carer, a carer who lives with a customer, who has worked as a Bluebird carer for 11 years.
Irvine described how Fe has superseded other nominees by building a rehabilitation programme with her current customer Mr I for the last couple of years.
Fe has cared for Mr I, a former barrister who came from a residential home, with the support of a medical team, including a GP.
Mr I’s nephew and power of attorney told Bluebird Care that Mr I loves to tell stories to Fe repeatedly due to dementia, and yet Fe would show compassion and patience each time, without telling him she had heard the story already.
Mr I’s nephew said: “Fe has changed his life.
“My uncle couldn’t be happier, and he is as fit as he possibly can be, that’s all thanks to her.”
Fellow finalist Jean visits a variety of customers throughout the week.
One of Jean’s customers, Wendy, requested additional visits for Jean to garden with her, which according to Irvine isn’t something Jean likes nor does, yet she was delighted to support Wendy regardless.
On describing how Jean became a final nominee, Irvine said: “It’s that little extra mile, Jean has this ability to make people feel happy and to smile.”
Bluebird Care Richmond and Twickenham training manager Natasha said: “Jean is a one-in-a-million carer who has the X-factor; she walks into the room and makes you feel good about yourself.
“If every carer was like Jean, the world would be a better place.”
One of Jean’s recent customers, Mr T, called Jean ‘mother’ according to his partner Frank because her care for him was exactly that.
Jean ensured Mr T was always beautifully presented, ate nutritious home-cooked meals, and took all his medication, all with genuine affection and love.
Frank said: “Jean was so empathetic and genuinely enjoyed her job.
“It was a relief to know he was in good hands, if I could thank her a million times I would.”
Irvine emphasised that Bluebird Care Richmond and Twickenham is about assisting independence at home.
Irvine said: “For the majority of customers, our carers help to retain the customers’ empowering independence and dignity, whilst monitoring their mental wellness.
“It’s about safeguarding, friendship, and developing levels of comfort with the service.”
The Stars of Social Care Awards 2024 will be hosted by ITV’s This Morning’s Josie Gibson, taking place 14 and 15 June at the London Marriott Hotel in Regents Park.
Featured image credit: Dominik Lange on Unsplash
Credit for all other images: Bluebird Care Richmond and Twickenham.
