For Onker Bhart and his family, running a home care franchise with Bluebird Care isn’t just about business – it’s personal. Their journey began when Onker’s father tragically passed away from sepsis – something that could have been caught early if the care provider had attended as expected. “That experience made it clear just how vital dependable, high-quality care is,” Onker says. It became the driving force behind launching Bluebird Care Inverclyde & Renfrewshire, soon followed by Bluebird Care Glasgow South.
Why home care? For the family, the answer is simple: home is where people feel safest and most themselves. “Bluebird Care shared that belief, with a reputation for excellence, compassion and professionalism,” Onker explains. “Franchising with Bluebird Care, gave us the tools and structure to deliver the standard of care I wished my father had received.”
From the beginning, family has been at the heart of the business. Onker leads as Managing Director, wife Jas supports as a director across the board, and their son Saran heads up operations, overseeing finance, HR and marketing. Even their niece Soniya and another son Karan are now part of the team. “This isn’t just a job for us; it’s a shared mission,” Onker says. Together, their diverse strengths ensure the business always upholds their values and standards.
The benefits of working as a family include trust, shared accountability, and swift, united decision-making. “We’re genuinely in it together. We know why we’re doing this, and we support each other in doing it well,” says Onker.
What was initial training and support like? “From day one, we had access to robust training across operations, compliance, marketing and care quality,” they recall. Standout moments are plentiful as well, like the time a customer’s daughter said, “Mum is herself again.” That, for the family, is what this business is all about – restoring joy and dignity.
Running a care business comes with challenges, but for Onker, “every issue is an opportunity to learn and improve. The Bluebird Care network and head office team have always been there to help us navigate those moments.” Their advice for others? “Lead with heart. Bluebird Care gives you the support – you bring the passion.”
Looking ahead, the family are keen to expand their impact, helping even more families enjoy quality care and independence at home. “We’ll keep evolving but never lose sight of what matters most: people,” Onker concludes.