Marcia's Story

Bluebird Care Bristol, supporting customers who feel lonely and isolated in society

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Marcia, one of our lovely customers.  Marcia welcomed me into her home and we talked about her life over a cup of coffee. 

Marcia’s home is a charming little flat in Bristol.  Her living room is triple aspect, where she enjoys countryside views and regular visits from deer, badgers, foxes and wild birds, whom she feeds each day.  Whilst I was there we spotted a fox through her binoculars.

Marcia is a delightful and endearing lady.  We talked about her fascinating life, and I could have happily spent all day listening to her stories. She shared her photos with me, one which shows her on a scaffold repointing her entire house!

Marcia is an only child and was brought up in a coal mining village in Durham.  She owned and ran a hairdressing salon for over 12 years, before becoming a carer.  After her divorce, she became a live in carer for a gentleman in Majorca where she lived for 10 of her best years, before returning to Bristol.

Marcia has 2 daughters whom she rarely sees.  One lives in Germany and the other in LA.  And whilst she has lead a fulfilling and interesting life, with her ailments, she now sometimes feels lonely and isolated.  This is sadly the reality for many of the older generation.

Bluebird Care Bristol assists Marcia with her daily living requirements and provides her with companionship.

We are always looking for ways in which we can go above and beyond for our customers and to help enrich their lives, so they don’t feel isolated in society.  When Marcia asked if we could support her on a trip to London to visit relatives, we were more than happy to oblige.  We found an affordable way (by subsidizing the costs) to make the trip happen and Marcia was accompanied by one of her regular Care Assistants, whom gave up their day off to go with her.  Without this support she wouldn’t have been able to go, and we are so pleased we were able to support her to fulfil her wish.  Marcia spoke highly of her carer; whom she said was kind and caring and great fun to be with.

This year one of our key objectives is to identify and source ways in which we can support our customers to enhance and enrich their lives. This could simply be a day trip to the seaside, or it might involve us supporting customers to reconnect with friends and relatives.

Jenny Aldridge