Welcome to Bluebird Care Careers in Bedford

Bluebird Care (Bedford) is a home care franchise owned and managed by husband and wife team, Doug and Karen Orbell.

Doug is an IT professional with many years’ experience of management and customer service and Karen is a qualified nurse and brings over 33 years’ experience of health and social care management. As Franchise Principle, Karen is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Bedford office.

Doug and Karen decided to become Bluebird Care home care franchise owners because they believe in ‘good old fashioned’ service and they want to be able to provide the same kind of excellent quality home care services they would want for their own family and friends.

They understand that in order to do this they need to be totally committed to selecting and appointing the very best kind, caring and motivated staff who are given extensive and continued training to provide high quality and safe care.

Doug and Karen  believe that by creating a care service whereby their customers can live as independently as possible it will become highly valued as a local business that contributes to the local and rural Bedford community.

I joined Bluebird Care as a care assistant in November 2013. I loved the role from day one; being invited into people’s homes, supporting them with their daily tasks, listening to their stories from back in the day and looking at their old photographs, I felt privileged that these people were sharing this with me. Being a care assistant is such a rewarding role.

I have worked my way up through the company, I became supervisor and then deputy care manager. Then in February 2016 was appointed Registered Manager. The training and development available at Bluebird Care are second to none.
Throughout my time at Bluebird Care Bedford I have been able to acheive my Level 5 in Health & Social Care, Level 3 in Dementia and more recently have become a mental health first aider. 

I really enjoy working for Bluebird Care Bedford and would recommend them to anyone looking for a new rewarding career.

In my spare time, I enjoy being a mum to my four teenagers. My hobbies include listening to music, going to gigs, and anything spooky!

I started working for Bluebird Care Bedford as a care assistant in 2014 after hearing that the training Bluebird Care provides is one of a kind. I had already gained experience within the Care sector and knew I wanted to broaden my experience further. After returning from Maternity Leave, I decided I wanted to move forward with my career and was given the chance to become a Supervisor.  

I was then promoted to Deputy Care Manager in June 2020. I enjoy my role as not every day is the same. I have been given the opportunity to learn different skills which enables me to support other members of my team and in turn help them to develop their skills. 

In my spare time I enjoy cooking and eating out with my family and friends. When I get time I like to do puzzles or colouring which helps me to relax. Although most of my time is spent running around after my son.

Carly joined Bluebird Care Bedford in September 2021 as a Care Supervisor & Live in Care coordinator.

Carly joined us with over 15 years’ experience in Health & Social care and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from working in acute medical care, emergency medicine and mental health services.

Carly is currently working towards her level 5 in Health & Social Care management and has taken the lead in our live in care service.

Carly started working in care because she grew up with nurses and health care assistants in her family. She always knew she would work in an environment where she help people live their life to fullest and be able to give back to our community.

When Carly isn’t working she spends time with her two daughters and husband. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family and diamond painting.

Heather joined Bluebird Care Bedford in November 2019 as a Care Assistant, with 7 years of experience in care. Since then she has worked as part of our care team, visiting our customers in their own homes, providing care and support.

Heather started working in care after helping to look after her Dad who was receiving care at home. She realised whilst helping with her Dad’s care that she had found her calling and changed careers overnight!

In September 2021 Heather was promoted to Care Supervisor and has joined our management team. Her role involves supporting our care team, completing customer reviews and customer care assessments.

Outside of work Heather enjoys spending time with her two boys and her husband.

Julie’s first experience with Bluebird Care Bedford was as a family member of someone receiving care.

Julie was her mother’s main carer and Bluebird Care provided care and support for her mother at the end of her life. After her Mother passed away she wanted to continue to help others. Julie went on to join Bluebird Care Bedford as a Care Assistant. 

Before coming to Bluebird Care Bedford, Julie worked in the NHS and the public sector for many years in admin, HR and project work roles.

Julie became our Office Administrator 2016, utilising some of skills from her previous roles. While her main duties were in the office, she continued to provide care and support for customers for a time.

Julie is an integral part of the office team, performing administrative duties as well as going above and beyond for her office based colleagues as well as the care assistant team.

Outside of work Julie enjoys going walking with her dog, spending time with family and friends and travelling.