About

A true passion for caring

Meet Michelle

My name is Michelle Bird. I am a UK trained and accredited Carer, with 12 years experience in taking care of clients in their homes.

I was born and educated in Cape Town. During my spare time I approached St Luke’s Hospice and completed the Volunteer Caregiving Training course, and became a St Luke’s volunteer.

I assisted terminally ill patients with day to day tasks in their home, as well as coordinated and assisted St Luke’s with fundraising events.

Testimonials

My Experience

Certification & Accreditation

Security Clearance

My Experience

My experience in Caring for clients includes:

Alzheimer’s and dementia clients.
Stroke patients.
Post-operative and respite care.
Rehabilitation care.
Palliative care.
Companionship care.
Driving and accompanying client’s on social occasions, including international travel.

Certification & Accreditation

I am a certified carer having obtained the following certificates and diplomas:

Care Certificate based on standards set by Health Education England, Skills for Care and Skills for Health.
Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care – QCF.
Induction Courses:
- Manual Handling.
- Safe Guarding of Vulnerable Adults.
- Basic Food Hygiene Awareness.
- Basic First Aid Awareness.
- Infection Control.
- Health and Safety / Fire Safety.
- Medication Systems.
- Introduction to Fundamental Standards.
- Dementia Awareness.

Safe Handling of Medicine.
- Part 1 of Safe handling of medicines covering the information required for: Skills for Care knowledge set on Medication Care Standards.
Refresher Certification.
St Luke’s Hospice Volunteer Caregiving Training.
Long standing Carer award acknowledging loyalty and dedication shown to the clients.

Security Clearance

South African police criminal clearance.
Enhanced Interpol clearance.
Clean South African and UK driving license.

Michelle has been an incredible help for our family. My father was coming out of hospital, and we didn’t know where to turn to for help to make arrangements for his return home. We needed to ensure that he had the correct care to recover, and that his home and routines were set up so that he could settle in quickly. Enter Michelle. After meeting dad and his doctors, she quickly and professionally provided a Risk Assessment and then followed up with a Personalized Care Plan. This provided us with a roadmap for care, for dad's support structures and for renovations to his home. Dad settled in quickly and happily, and our whole family is able to relax knowing he’s recovering and well taken care of. I thoroughly recommend Michelle’s services, she is excellent in every respect.

- Daniel Beatty.

Michelle has been caring for my parents and has been the spice that has brought them both back to life. Taking them out on adventures, popping down to the pharmacy, grocery shopping, walks along the beach, finding those hidden gem coffee shops, her list of fun activities and keeping them occupied and mentally stimulated is endless. She is kind, sincere, patient, pays attention to detail, willing to go the extra mile and helps us find the right resources to make their lives better. Thank you so much Michelle for making my life that little less chaotic and my parents’ hearts so happy.

- Penny Gracie.

Michelle has cared for my wife Angela, and myself in our home most cheerfully and efficiently. I have no hesitation at all in recommending her professional skills and friendly disposition to anyone who may wish to employ her.

- Ian Short.

Michelle assisted Mr and Mrs Mark Burrell. During this time she proved herself to be a conscientious and methodical Carer and dealt with Mr and Mrs Burrell with a great deal of kindness. She managed well with Mr Burrell’s short hospital admission and nursed him assiduously both during and after his stay. Michelle travelled to Marrakech with Mr and Mrs Burrell and helped them to make the most of their short visit abroad and ensured their safety at all times.

- Kristina Shanahan - PA to Mr Mark Burrell.

Michelle Cared for Mr Trevor Poyser from October to December 2014, and again from July to November 2016. We found Michelle to be organised, reliable and conscientious. She ensured that Trevor had the food he enjoyed, which she prepared and cooked to his liking. He enjoyed her company, and had complete trust in all she did, as did we.

- Richard Porter - Power of Attorney for Trevor Poyser.

I have known Michelle for almost 4 years during which she has spent many occasions caring for my elderly mother. I have always found her to be completely trustworthy, allowing her the use of a debit card on my mother’s behalf. Most importantly she has always displayed unfailing care for my mother in every way.

- Michael Beggs

Michelle has a genuine interest in and respect for people. In my dealings with her over the years I have found her to be trustworthy, reliable, adaptable, capable in a crisis, even tempered and in good health.

- Anne Wright - Project Team Manager St Luke’s Hospice.

Dear Michelle, thank you so much for helping me care for my husband. His regular 4 hour outings with you are the highlight of his week, and give me a much needed break. Your scenic drives and visits to art galleries, craft centres and museums stimulate his mind. Although he can't recall much detail afterwards he is certainly much happier for the experience. He is also most impressed with your driving! I have no hesitation in recommending your companionship & thoughtful care for anyone with Alzheimer's.

- Kind regards, A very grateful wife.

Thank you for your all your hard work, love and kindness, and everything you have done for the folks. We appreciate you so much Michelle. Blown away by your commitment. Can't thank you enough!

- Penny (Cape Town), James (UK) and Alix (Australia)