New research commissioned by Bluebird Care reveals that while demand for care is set to rise sharply, the majority of people in the UK have made no plans for how they will fund or access future care, which will cost on average £200,000 per person.

• 65% of UK residents have no plan in place for their future care
• Nearly a quarter of UK residents (23%) expect to sell their home to afford care costs
• Almost half of UK residents (48%) don’t know where to start when it comes to planning for care
• Care at home is the clear preference, with almost three-quarters (73%) wanting to remain at home or with family rather than move into a care home

In partnership with broadcaster Si King, private home care provider Bluebird Care has launched a new awareness campaign highlighting how unprepared millions of UK residents are for the cost and demand for care following findings from new research.

Commissioned by Bluebird Care, new research revealed a major gap between expectations and preparation for future care. The findings show that two-thirds of adults (65%) have no plan in place for their future care, while nearly half (48%) admit they don’t know where to start when it comes to planning. Financial concerns are also a major barrier, with almost a quarter of people (23%) expecting they will need to sell their home to cover care costs.

With the demand for care set to rise sharply, planning ahead is becoming increasingly important. By 2072, UK residents aged 65 and over is expected to rise to 22.1 million people, more than a quarter of the nation’s population, according to the Office for National Statistics. Yet many families still only discover their options or the true cost of care when faced with urgent decisions, highlighting the value of early awareness and informed planning.

Si is lending his voice to the campaign after witnessing the realities of care first-hand. His mother lived with Alzheimer’s disease, and he also supported his close friend and fellow Hairy Biker Dave Myers through serious health battles – experiences that shaped his determination to encourage more open and informed conversations about care.

Si King said:

“Care is something most of us avoid thinking about until life forces the conversation. I’ve seen first-hand through friends and family how quickly everything can change.

What really struck me was how little we understand about care until we’re right in the middle of it. I’m proud to be working with Bluebird Care to help change that, giving people the confidence to start those conversations earlier, understand their options, and keep living on their own terms for as long as possible.”

Despite these gaps in planning, nearly three-quarters of adults (73%) would rather remain in their own home or with family than move into a care home. However, many people still underestimate the true cost of care. The average cost of a care home is around £70,000 per year, compared with approximately £50,000 per year for live-in care at home.

Joe Whibley, UK Chief Operating Officer of Bluebird Care, said:

“These findings highlight a disconnect between the reality of future care needs and how prepared people feel to meet them. Earlier planning not only benefits individuals and families, but also supports a more sustainable care system by enabling better choice, better outcomes and more appropriate use of services.”

Vicki Gidalla, Director of Quality & Care of Bluebird Care, said:

“Care at home continues to be the preferred option for many people, yet too often families only explore this when they are already under pressure. Improving awareness of care options, costs and quality is essential if we want to help people to live well and independently for longer.”

To help people plan for future care needs, Bluebird Care published practical resources, including its Good Care Checklist, which is designed to help families understand what good care should look like and how to navigate the system with confidence.

For more information, visit www.bluebirdcare.co.uk.

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Vicki Gidalla has been appointed Director of Quality and Care at Bluebird Care, bringing with her more than two decades of experience as a Registered Adult Nurse at the heart of community care transformation.

Vicki will oversee quality assurance and care enhancement across the Bluebird Care UK and Ireland network of over 220 franchised businesses. Her role will include implementing exciting new advancements and technologies to go above and beyond in best practice care.

Prior to joining Bluebird Care, Vicki was Director of Operations at Acacium Group, and formerly Quality Assurance and Homecare Director at Nurseplus UK. Her experience in clinical leadership, quality assurance, and operations management brings a wide knowledge base to the role, which she sees as more than just a ‘tick box’ exercise in compliance.

Throughout her career, Vicki has maintained a focus on combining creativity with critical thinking and building trust-based relationships. She has already been out across the Bluebird Care network, visiting as many franchise partners and frontline care teams as possible to embed the sense of community and personal relationships into the programme of quality oversight she will lead.

Vicki Gidalla, Director of Quality and Care at Bluebird Care, said:

“I’m pleased to be joining Bluebird Care at such an exciting time, when they have seen such growth and committed to some really interesting initiatives like their specialist dementia training and free in-home health checks for customers.

Bluebird Care has a really solid base for quality, so my priorities now are taking things to the next level – pushing ahead and making sure every aspect of care delivery in all our Bluebird Care offices feels truly premium. For me, that means making sure each of our customers has freedom of choice – not looking at what care ‘should’ be, but what care could be for each individual person and their needs, circumstances, and preferences.”

Jonathan Gardner, Chief Executive Officer of Bluebird Care, said:

“Vicki’s impressive track record of clinical leadership coupled with her creative, driven approach to enhancing quality are great assets to Bluebird Care. We are all really delighted to have her on board.

We are looking forward to the next chapter in our delivery of truly premium care for people right across the UK and Ireland.

Vicki will be invaluable in leading us forward as we develop some exciting new service lines and make quality easier than ever for our franchise partners.”

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Our amazing franchise network has raised a staggering £92,500 for Alzheimer’s Society in our ongoing fundraising partnership with the charity.

The donation will go towards supporting vital advocacy, support, and information services to help those living with dementia and their families.

The fundraising total was unveiled at Bluebird Care’s recent annual conference at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel, Manchester. Franchise partners and the National Support Team came together with representatives from Alzheimer’s Society to celebrate another year of care excellence, community impact, and shared purpose.

The announcement marks another landmark in Bluebird Care’s ongoing fundraising partnership with Alzheimer’s Society.

During this partnership, a UK-wide fundraising challenge has seen franchise partners and Care Professionals take part in skydives, marathons, trekking events, and Forget Me Not Tea Parties to raise awareness and vital funds.

Earlier this year, we launched a new national fundraising mission with the goal of raising at least £50,000 for Alzheimer’s Society in 2025, as we are set on closing out the year at over £110,000 raised.

Siobhan Nugent, Head of Regional Fundraising at Alzheimer’s Society, celebrated the presentation of the cheque, saying:

Bluebird Care’s continued support for Alzheimer’s Society is hugely appreciated. There are nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK. The money raised will help us continue to provide vital support to people living with dementia, fund groundbreaking research and campaign to make dementia a priority.”

“It will take a society to beat dementia – a condition that devastates the lives of so many families across the UK. Bluebird Care network is showing the difference it can make when we work together towards a shared fundraising goal.”

Jonathan Gardner, Chief Executive Officer at Bluebird Care, added:

“At Bluebird Care, we see the reality of dementia in people’s lives every day, and we know the vital importance of support, research, and awareness.

Our franchise network has gone above and beyond to raise this incredible total for Alzheimer’s Society, and we couldn’t be prouder. From skydives to tea parties, our teams are united across the UK in their commitment to help build a future where dementia no longer devastates lives.”

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Our 2025 Bluebird Care Conference on the 30th of September, brought franchise partners together for an inspiring day of learning, sharing and celebrating everything that makes our network exceptional. A real highlight of the event was the annual awards ceremony, recognising those individuals and teams who go above and beyond every day to deliver outstanding care, build brilliant teams, and live our Bluebird Care values.

Below, we are delighted to share the winners and celebrate their fantastic achievements.

Franchise Partner of the Year – Mark Wright & Mark Lund

Mark Wright and Mark Lund were recognised for exceptional leadership, consistent performance, and their commitment to high-quality care. Their focus on developing strong teams, sustainable growth, and great outcomes for customers truly reflects the very best of franchising within Bluebird Care.

Spirit of Bluebird Care Award – Mel Cohen

This award celebrates someone who truly embodies our values in everything they do, and this year that person is Mel Cohen. Mel’s positivity, compassion and “go the extra mile” approach have had a real impact on both colleagues and customers, making them a true ambassador for the Bluebird Care spirit.

Franchise Office of the Year – Bluebird Care Stratford & Warwick – Sophie Whitfield & Jack Whitfield

Sophie and Jack Whitfield and the whole Stratford & Warwick team were recognised for their outstanding performance across the board. From compliance and quality to people management and business growth. Their office sets an example of excellence in how to run a high-performing Bluebird Care service.

Newcomer of the Year Award – Melissa Moore & Liam Jones-Davies

Melissa Moore and Liam Jones-Davies have made an incredible impact in a short space of time. Their energy, drive and commitment to building a strong, values-led business has already delivered impressive results.

Living the Brand Award – Shabir Hussain

This award recognises someone who consistently lives and breathes the Bluebird Care brand, and this year’s winner, Shabir Hussain, does exactly that. Through everyday actions and dedication to delivering excellent care, Shabir brings our purpose and brand to life in a truly inspiring way.

Outstanding Dementia Care Award – Phil Miles & John Prendergast

Phil Miles and John Prendergast were recognised for delivering exceptional dementia care and truly person-centred support. Their expertise, compassion and commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia are making a meaningful difference to customers and their families.

Community Champion Award – David Benjamin

The Community Champion Award celebrates those who go above and beyond to make a real difference. This year’s winner, David Benjamin, has shown incredible passion for fundraising. Through a range of initiatives, he has brought people together, raised vital funds for important causes, and made a genuine impact on those in need. His dedication truly embodies the spirit of giving back and supporting others.

People & Culture Award – Rebecca Zartarian & Simon Robinson

Rebecca Zartarian and Simon Robinson were recognised for creating an outstanding workplace culture where people feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. Their focus on wellbeing, development and engagement has built strong teams that deliver brilliant care every day.

Marketing Award – Paula O’Keeffe

This award celebrates creativity, impact and innovation in marketing, and Paula O’Keeffe stood out this year for outstanding campaigns that truly showcase what makes Bluebird Care unique. Paula’s work has strengthened brand presence locally and supported business growth.

Quality Award – Claire Murphy & Norman Murphy

Claire and Norman Murphy were recognised for exceptional standards of quality across their service. Their commitment to continuous improvement, strong governance and excellent customer outcomes demonstrates what “outstanding quality” really looks like in practice.

A huge well done to all our finalists and winners! Your dedication, leadership and passion for high-quality care continue to inspire the entire Bluebird Care network.

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Bluebird Care Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey has won the prestigious ‘Homecare Provider of the Year’ award at the 2025 Hampshire Care Awards, which was held at a glittering ceremony hosted by the Hampshire Care Association at the Hilton Hotel at the Utilita Bowl on Thursday, 18th September.

The esteemed accolade recognises Bluebird Care’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality home care. On receiving the award, the local care provider was praised for “consistently delivering exceptional, person-centred care, demonstrating excellence in service delivery, innovation, and community impact.”

The Hampshire Care Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the care sector across the county, with over 600 nominations submitted across all categories this year. Bluebird Care stood out for its dedication to providing exceptional, compassionate care that supports individuals to live independently in their own homes.

Bluebird Care Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey has become renowned for high-quality home care standards, as evidenced by their third consecutive ‘5-star Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), achieved in May this year. This latest award highlights their commitment to delivering innovative, person-centred services that enhance the lives of their customers.  

Norman Murphy, Managing Director of Bluebird Care Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey, said:

“Winning Homecare Provider of the Year is a tremendous honour, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team. Their commitment to delivering exceptional homecare and making a meaningful impact in our community is truly inspiring, and we are proud to provide people with care of the highest quality.”

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Bluebird Care Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey has made UK home care history by earning an ‘Outstanding’ rating in all five Care Quality Commission (CQC) areas – three times in a row.

This remarkable achievement marks the first time any UK home care provider has sustained ‘Outstanding’ ratings across every category—safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led—over three consecutive inspections.

A Benchmark for Excellence

According to the CQC, Bluebird Care Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey set a national benchmark by attaining three consecutive five-star ratings in every category. The inspection report highlights that not once during these three inspection cycles did the branch fall below ‘Outstanding’ in any area—a first for the country.

Unmatched Quality Recognised by Inspectors

• Clients and their families described the care as “safe,” “excellent,” and “professional.”

• Inspectors singled out the branch’s culture, praising its “exceptionally safe” environment and a unique, robust approach to safeguarding.

Neil Cox, CQC Deputy Director of Operations in the South, commented: 

“A third consecutive Outstanding rating is a sustained standard of excellence that other services should aim to match. Bluebird Care should be very proud of their continued commitment to Outstanding care. Other services should look to this report to learn from their positive findings and continued excellence.”

Leadership and Team Dedication

Led by Claire and Norman Murphy, the Winchester-based franchise has built a team of over 300 colleagues since starting in 2010. Managing Director Norman Murphy reflected on the recognition:

“We are humbled and proud to shine a positive light on the home care sector today, with our third consecutive five-star Outstanding CQC rating. 

These ratings are incredibly important as they enable the public to review our services and make informed decisions about care for their loved ones. Our achievement reflects our mission from day one, which has always been to provide the highest quality of care to all our customers. 

This gold-standard, five-star rating is the reflection of our incredible team, and we are honoured to have been recognised by the CQC.”

This milestone sets a new standard for excellence within the Bluebird Care network, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care and leadership in the home care sector.

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First, a huge congratulations to Kadijatu Karoma, our multi-award-winning dementia caregiver, who added another accolade to her collection! Following her well-deserved success in March, Kadijatu has now been crowned the Dementia Community Care Worker Award winner at the prestigious Dementia Care Awards on the 19th June.

The award is a testament to Kadijatu’s incredible compassion, unwavering commitment, and the exceptional care she provides to those living with dementia in Reading and Wokingham. She’s a true inspiration to her customers and exemplifies the heart of what it means to be a Bluebird Care caregiver.

The winning streak continued on 20th June at the Stars of Social Care Awards, where Lucy McCormack, Director of Bluebird Care Essex & Redbridge, took home The Outstanding Director Award! The judges were particularly impressed with Lucy’s innovative leadership and dedication to fostering a supportive and thriving team environment at such a young age.  And speaking of teams, congratulations to the entire Essex team, who were Highly Commended in the Above & Beyond Team Award (South & East of England)!  Further recognition of their collective efforts and commitment to going the extra mile for their customers.

Huge congratulations again to all our recent finalists and winners across the network in June: yet more proof of why it’s so good to be a Bluebird.

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The Home Care Awards win is a testament to the dedication and passion of the entire Bluebird Care family, from its 10,000 care professionals and 180 franchise partners to the hardworking National Support Team. All acknowledge Bluebird Care’s outstanding contribution to the home care sector and its positive impact on the lives of 20,000 customers daily.

March also saw several other significant victories for Bluebird Care team members:

• Leading Women in Care Awards: Jan Walsh, CEO of Bluebird Care St Helens, was honoured with the prestigious Empowerment Award, showcasing the remarkable female leadership within the Bluebird Care network.
• Great British Care Awards: Vicki Jones of Bluebird Care East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire achieved national recognition as the winner of The Home Care Registered Manager Award.  This award highlights her exceptional leadership and commitment to providing high-quality care. Further accolades at the Great British Care Awards included Highly Commended mentions for Bluebird Care Colchester and Tendring in the Home Care Employer Award category, recognising their dedication to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment. And Kadijatu Koroma from Bluebird Care Reading, Wokingham, Windsor & Maidenhead also received a Highly Commended mention in the Dementia Carer category, acknowledging her specialised skills and compassionate care for individuals living with dementia.

Congratulations again to all our recent finalists and winners across the network in March: yet another reminder of why it’s so good to be part of Bluebird Care.

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