Routes Healthcare - News

Donations to Rochdale Foodbank | Routing For Our Community

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:25:10 +0000

Care isn't something we switch off at the end of a visit. It's part of who we are as a team — and that extends into the communities we work in every day.

Recently, we were pleased to support Rochdale Foodbank with a donation of food and toiletries, collected by our team here at the Rochdale office. Debbie from the foodbank came to collect the donation directly — a boot-full of essentials that will go straight to local people who need it most.

Rochdale Foodbank was founded in 2012 by local churches and community groups, with a simple mission: to stop hunger in the local area. The need right now is real.

We make donations periodically throughout the year — sometimes via a collection point in our office, sometimes by purchasing specific items the foodbank has flagged as most needed. If you'd like to get involved yourself, you can find out how to donate or volunteer on their website: rochdale.foodbank.org.uk.

When Everyone Shows Up: A Family's Experience of End of Life Care

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:34:37 +0000

Some messages stay with you. A family wrote to us recently after their mother passed, having received end of life care at home. They wanted to say thank you to everyone who had been there.

"The support was overwhelming and made my mother's and our lives a lot easier during our most challenging time."

What followed was a list of every person who had shown up for their family: the palliative care team, District Nurses, the hospice. Their GP, who rang on a Saturday evening to make sure all the paperwork was in place ahead of the funeral. A dietician. An occupational therapist. Equipment services. An out-of-hours GP. And the team at Routes Healthcare.

"For this, we will ever be so grateful."

Good Care Doesn't Work Alone

For this client's care, Routes was one part of a much bigger picture. This is what good end of life care at home actually looks like.

It's not one provider, one team, or one service doing it all. It's a network of professionals, each doing their part, each showing up when it matters, and each trusting the others to do the same.

Our team works alongside NHS partners, flags changes in a client's condition, and coordinates with the other services involved so that families aren't left trying to manage everything themselves. That might mean working alongside district nurses, feeding information back to a GP, or making sure a hospice team has what they need to keep someone comfortable at home.

That collaboration doesn't always get talked about, but for families going through the hardest moments of their lives, it's everything.

If your family is navigating end of life care at home

We know that finding the right support can feel complicated. We work alongside NHS teams, GPs, hospices, and local authorities across the North of England, and we're here to help you understand what's available and how we can fit within the wider care your loved one is receiving.

If you want to talk to somebody about how end of life care is possible at home, please reach out to our team for advice and guidance. You're welcome to give us a call on 0333 800 1379 or pop us an email to enquiries@routeshealthcare.com. We're always here to help.

"It Couldn't Be More Different": How Routes Turned Around a CHC Complex Care Package in Three Weeks

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:34:20 +0000

A family in the North East had were struggling. Their loved one needed complex care at home, but things weren't working with their current provider. Then Routes Healthcare stepped in to support.

Three weeks later, they wrote to their NHS Continuing Healthcare nurse assessor: "Three weeks in with Routes and it couldn't be more different. It's a pity it didn't happen sooner."

Reading those words from a family who'd been carrying so much uncertainty - it reminds us why we do this work.

A Clinical Team They Could Rely On

The family noticed the difference immediately: "Routes have been very involved from both a managerial and clinical perspective; Lee and Sue are familiar and welcome faces."

Case Manager, Lee, and Registered Nurse, Sue, didn't just set the support up and disappear. They stayed involved, building real confidence through their consistent presence.

Then something happened that really showed the strength of Routes' approach.

On one occassion, Sue was off sick for a week. The family shared: "When Sue was off due to sickness, we had her colleague Amy coming from Yorkshire, delivering on-site training and assessing competencies that week... This gave us real confidence in Routes' clinical network and depth of specialist support across the region."

Routes' Clinical Lead Amy travelled from Yorkshire without hesitation. No gap in support, no drop in standards. Just someone else from the team who knew exactly what needed to happen. That's what having a clinical network across Northern England means - there's always someone with the right expertise available when circumstances change.

Dedicated, Professional Support Teams

The family could see we were doing things differently: "The staff all have 3 full days off-site training, plus more online training, and Routes are prepared to give staff time to settle in and become familiar and confident in [our loved one's] clinical care."

We recruited enough people to build reliable scheduling from the start. But nobody worked independently until they were genuinely ready. Shadow shifts - what the family called "extended meet and greets" - gave everyone breathing room. Staff built confidence with the care. The family got to know who'd be looking after their loved one.

The family also noticed our approach to scheduling: "Routes seem to have no problem recruiting and bringing possible carers through the system, making it clear that all staff will be expected to cover both days and nights."

All our staff on this package cover both day and night shifts. It means the same faces whether it's Tuesday morning or Saturday midnight. Staff get to really know the person they're caring for - not just their care plan, but who they are.

Peace of Mind for Their Loved Ones Care

"They have electronic recording for the care... [next of kin] have access to the live schedules online and the notes that are made by the carers." Our online system gives families access to schedules and care notes whenever they want to check. No more wondering or chasing for updates - they have peace of mind and confidence that their loved one is in safe hands.

The family ended their message with: "Many thanks for your role in making the change happen - it is very much appreciated by us all."

When a family takes the time to write to their ICB, sharing specific details about what's made a difference - that stays with us. These words capture everything we hope to achieve for every family we work with.

This NHS Continuing Healthcare package is one of many we deliver across Northern England, working alongside ICBs and Continuing Healthcare teams. If you'd like to talk about how we can support your complex care needs, our team is here to help..

Call 0333 800 1379 or email enquiries@routeshealthcare.com

*Names and specific locations have been redacted to protect client confidentiality

Complex Care at Home: Protecting Dignity After Brain Injury

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:27:18 +0000

When someone has a brain injury, families often think the clinical needs are too complex for home. The equipment feels overwhelming, the support too intensive. Hospital or residential care seems like the only option.

Yet home is often where dignity is best preserved. We've provided brain injury support across Northern England for 15 years, and we've seen how familiar surroundings can make a real difference to someone's sense of control and independence.

Dignity after brain injury often comes down to small, daily choices. Getting up when you're ready rather than when the shift pattern dictates. Eating what you want when you want it. Deciding whether today's a day for going out or staying in. Family visiting without signing in at reception.

These aren't grand gestures - they're the small moments of control that help someone feel like themselves when everything else has changed

How Complex Clinical Care Works at Home

One of the biggest concerns families have is whether complex clinical needs can really be managed safely outside a hospital setting.

The answer is yes, with the right setup. Tracheostomy care, oxygen monitoring, enteral feeding, managing autonomic dysreflexia - these can all be delivered safely at home with proper training, equipment and clinical oversight.

Routes holds TDDI registration for complex care in home settings. Our registered nurses assess staff competency and provide regular clinical reviews to ensure safety and consistency. Because when clinical care is delivered confidently, it reduces anxiety for everyone involved. Someone can relax knowing their support worker understands their needs. Families can rest. That confidence is part of dignity too.

How Consistency Protects Dignity

Having to explain yourself over and over again - to different staff, on different shifts - is exhausting. Over time it chips away at the dignified support you'd want to expect from a professional care provider. That's why consistency matters so much.

The same support team learns how you communicate, whether that's eye gaze, hand signals, or verbal responses. They understand your routines and preferences. They know when you need space and when you need support. Training is specific to individual needs rather than generic courses. Support plans adapt when circumstances change. The focus is on enabling the life someone wants - continuing education, maintaining friendships, staying involved in their community - not just managing clinical needs.

Brain Injury Support Across Northern England

Home isn't always the right choice, but when it works, it often protects dignity better - your surroundings, your routines, people who adapt to you. Every individual's circumstances are different, and so will their support needs.

If you're a family member or case manager considering whether home-based support could work, our clinical teams can assess needs and talk through what your best options are and how we can help you thrive after injury. Contact our team on 0333 800 1379 or email enquiries@routeshealthcare.com.

Take Care This Winter - Tips for Staying Well at Home

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:41:00 +0000

Winter is tough. The cold seeps into your bones, mornings are darker, and even popping to the shops means navigating icy pavements and carrying heavy bags back. When you're managing at home, these challenges aren't just inconvenient - they can affect your health, safety, and wellbeing.

Falls are more common in winter. Cold homes lead to illness. Isolation creeps in when it's easier to stay indoors than face the weather. But there are practical steps you can take to stay safe, warm, and well at home during the coldest months.

Keep Yourself Warm Indoors

It sounds obvious, but many people try to save on heating costs by keeping their homes too cold. Your main living areas should be at least 18°C - any colder and you're at higher risk of chest infections, flu, and falls.

Layer up with cardigans, warm socks, and keep a blanket by your chair. Have the heating on when you need it. If you're worried about energy costs, check what support is available - the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, or local council schemes might help.

Being cold isn't just uncomfortable. It makes your joints stiffer, your immune system weaker, and increases the risk of serious health problems. Staying warm is essential, not a luxury.

Take Your Time in the Mornings

Cold weather affects your body. Joints are stiffer, muscles take longer to warm up, and getting out of bed on a freezing morning is genuinely harder. Give yourself extra time. Have your cup of tea before you do anything else. Get dressed slowly. Don't rush yourself if you don't have to. Your body needs longer to get going in winter, and pushing through too quickly increases your risk of falls or strains.

If mornings feel overwhelming, that's worth paying attention to. It might be a sign you need some support to start the day safely.

Get Help with Shopping and Outdoor Tasks

Black ice is invisible. Wet leaves on pavements are slippery. Heavy shopping bags throw off your balance. A fall on frozen ground can mean hospital, broken bones, and a long recovery.

If pavements look risky, don't chance it. Ask a family member, neighbour, or friend to do your shopping. Get someone to come with you if you need to go out. Online delivery services are worth considering too.

This isn't about being overly cautious. Falls in winter are common, and the consequences can be serious. Accepting help with outdoor tasks when conditions are dangerous is sensible, not weak.

Keep Your Phone Charged and Close By

If you're on your own and something happens - a fall, feeling unwell, chest pains - you need to be able to call for help quickly.

Keep your phone charged and within easy reach, especially overnight. If you struggle with a mobile, consider a personal alarm system that connects you to emergency services at the press of a button.

Nobody wants to think about worst-case scenarios, but being prepared means you can get help fast if you need it. That peace of mind matters.

Talk to Someone Regularly

Winter days are long and dark. It's easier to stay indoors, but then you realise you haven't spoken to anyone properly in days. Isolation affects your mood, your motivation, and your overall wellbeing.

A phone call to family. A chat with a neighbour. Even a quick text exchange. Regular contact with people helps you feel connected and means someone will notice if you're struggling.

If you're finding winter lonely, that's not something to push through alone. Reach out. Let people know you'd appreciate more regular contact. Loneliness isn't trivial - it affects your mental and physical health.

Have Regular Hot Meals and Drinks

Your body burns more energy keeping warm in winter. Skipping meals or not drinking enough leaves you weaker, colder, and more vulnerable to illness.

Soup, porridge, stews, hot tea - regular hot food and drinks throughout the day help maintain your body temperature and energy levels. If cooking feels like too much effort on some days, that's worth noting. Struggling with basic tasks like preparing meals might mean you need some support.

Eating well isn't just about nutrition. It's about giving your body the fuel it needs to cope with winter.

When to Ask for Help

If any of these things feel difficult - staying warm, managing mornings, getting shopping done, preparing meals - that's not failure. It's winter making life harder, and there's support available.

Home care can help with the specific tasks that are wearing you out, so you've got energy left for what matters to you. Getting ready in the morning, help with shopping, preparing meals, companionship - whatever would make winter more manageable.

Independence isn't about doing everything yourself. It's about staying in control of your life at home, with support where you need it.

Final Thoughts

Winter is hard, but these practical steps can help you stay safe and well at home. Keep warm, take your time, accept help where you need it, and stay connected with people.

If you're finding it tough, or you're worried about managing safely this winter, we're here to talk. Call us on 0333 800 1379 or contact us online to find out how home care could help you stay independent and comfortable at home this winter.

Understanding Types of Care in Knutsford: Finding the Right Support

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:37:02 +0000

Once you've had the conversation about needing care, the next question is: what kind of care?

Home care isn't one-size-fits-all. The support someone needs can range from a short daily visit to help with getting dressed, through to a 24-hour live-in carer.

Understanding what's available helps you match the right level of support to your loved one's actual needs - not too little that they're struggling, and not more than they need or want.

Here's what home care actually means and what options are available in Knutsford and the surrounding villages including Mobberley, High Legh, and Over Peover.

What Is Home Care?

Home care means professional support delivered in your loved one's own home. It's designed to help people maintain their independence, stay in familiar surroundings, and continue living life on their terms.

The key word is support, not takeover. Good home care fills the gaps - helping with tasks that have become difficult or unsafe, while encouraging your loved one to do what they can for themselves. Care can be as little as one short visit a day, or as much as round-the-clock support. It's tailored to what each person needs.

Personal Care

Getting support at home with washing, dressing, and daily personal tasks helps people in Knutsford maintain their dignity and independence.

Personal Care includes:

Help with washing, bathing, or showering
Getting dressed and undressed
Using the toilet
Taking medication on time
Moving around safely (transfers from bed to chair, help with walking)
Eating and drinking if needed

Who it's for: People who are physically struggling with these tasks but don't need medical or specialist care. Maybe arthritis makes getting dressed painful, or balance issues make showering risky, or weakness means they need support getting in and out of bed.

How it works: Typically short visits (30 minutes to an hour) at specific times of day - often mornings and evenings when help is most needed. In Knutsford, personal care visits can be arranged to fit around your loved one's routine and preferences.

Companionship and Home Help

Getting support in Knutsford for companionship, errands, and housework can make a real difference to daily living and help reduce isolation.

Companionship and home help includes:

Company and conversation
Help with shopping and errands
Meal preparation
Light housework
Reminders to take medication
Support with hobbies and interests
Getting to appointments or social activities

Who it's for: People who are physically managing but need company, help with household tasks, or support staying connected to their community. Loneliness is a genuine health risk, and regular companionship can make a real difference to wellbeing.

How it works: Visits can be anything from an hour to several hours, as often as needed. Some people have daily visits, others a few times a week. Carers can help with trips into Knutsford town centre, visits to local groups, or simply provide regular company at home.

Live-In Care

Having a dedicated carer stay in your loved one's Knutsford home provides 24-hour support and peace of mind.

Live-In Care includes:

A dedicated carer living in the home
Support throughout the day and night
Help with all personal care, meals, medication
Companionship and engagement
Peace of mind that someone is always there

Who it's for: People who need frequent support throughout the day, or whose family are worried about them being alone, particularly overnight. This might be someone at high risk of falls, with advanced dementia, or recovering from hospital who need intensive support.

How it works: One carer stays in the home, typically working a week or two-week rotation before being replaced by another carer. They have their own bedroom and downtime, but are there when needed.

It's more expensive than visiting care, but often more cost-effective than a care home and allows your loved one to stay at home in Knutsford rather than moving to a residential facility.

Dementia Care at Home

Specialist dementia care in Knutsford provides trained support for people living with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other forms of memory loss at home.

Dementia Care includes:

Carers trained in dementia care techniques
Support with daily routines and maintaining familiarity
Help with communication as language abilities change
Managing confusion, anxiety, or distressing behaviour
Keeping your loved one safe at home
Supporting meaningful activities and engagement
Working with family to understand changing needs

Who it's for: People diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, or other memory conditions who want to stay at home. Dementia care can start early when support needs are minimal, and increase as the condition progresses.

How it works: Care is personalised to where your loved one is in their dementia journey. Early stages might mean companionship visits to reduce anxiety and maintain routines. Later stages might need more frequent or longer visits for personal care, safety supervision, and reassurance.

Carers receive specific dementia training and understand how to communicate effectively, reduce distress, and work with families through the challenges dementia brings.

End of Life Care

End of life care in Knutsford allows people to spend their final weeks or months at home, surrounded by family, with dignity and comfort.

What it includes:

Palliative care focused on comfort and quality of life
Pain management and symptom control
Personal care delivered with gentleness and respect
Emotional support for the person and their family
Overnight care if needed
Coordination with hospice teams, GPs, and district nurses
Support for families through a difficult time

Who it's for: People with terminal illnesses who have chosen to be cared for at home rather than in hospital or a hospice. End of life care respects wishes about how someone wants to spend their remaining time.

How it works: Care is led by what your loved one needs and wants. Some people need round-the-clock care, others prefer shorter visits.

Carers work closely with medical teams to manage symptoms and ensure comfort. The focus is on dignity, peace, and allowing families to be together at home during this precious time. End of life care can be arranged quickly when needed, often within 24-48 hours.

How to Decide the Best Care Option for Your Loved One

Choosing the right level of care depends on:

Safety concerns: Are there risks if your loved one is alone? Falls, medication errors, getting lost?
Physical capability: What can they manage independently? What's become difficult or exhausting?
Health conditions: Do they have medical needs that need support?
Mental wellbeing: Are they isolated? Anxious? Would regular company help?
Family support: How much can family realistically provide? Is it sustainable long-term?

Be honest about what's manageable. Many families in Knutsford start with minimal care and increase it as needs change. That's normal and expected.

Care Can Change as Needs Change

You're not locked into one level of care forever. As your loved one's needs increase or decrease, care can adapt.

Someone might start with one morning visit for personal care, add companionship visits as isolation becomes a concern, then move to more frequent care as mobility declines. Or they might need intensive support after a hospital stay, then reduce as they recover. Good providers build flexibility into care plans and review regularly to make sure support still matches needs.

Next Steps

Hopefully this gave you some insight into the types of home-based care available in Knutsford and which might suit your loved one's needs. If you'd like to talk about your care options with a member of our care team, you can call our Knutsford-based care manager Harriet on 07455 837 112 or emailharrietwoodcock@routeshealthcare.com.

Part 1: How to Talk About Home Care with Your Loved One

COMING SOON Part 3: t

Starting the Care Conversation: A Guide for Knutsford Families

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:33:19 +0000

The conversation about needing care is often harder than arranging the care itself. You've noticed things are getting difficult - maybe your mum's struggling with everyday tasks, or your dad's had a fall and you're worried about safety. But how do you bring it up without making them feel like you're taking over?

This isn't easy. You're trying to balance genuine concern with respect for their independence. You want to help without making them feel diminished. And often, they're resisting because accepting help feels like admitting defeat.

Here's how to approach it with honesty and empathy.

Choose the Right Moment

Timing matters. Don't bring it up in the middle of a crisis or immediately after an incident when emotions are running high. Choose a calm, private moment when you can have a proper conversation without interruptions or time pressure.

Avoid raising it in front of other family members unless your loved one prefers that. Some people find group discussions overwhelming or embarrassing.

Focus on What They Want, Not What They Can't Do

Frame the conversation around maintaining independence, not highlighting decline. Instead of "You can't manage anymore," try "I want to make sure you can keep living at home safely and doing the things you enjoy."

The goal of home care is to support what matters to them - staying in their own home, maintaining their routines, keeping their dignity intact. Lead with that: Ask what they're finding difficult and listen to their concerns. They might surprise you with what they're actually worried about.

Be Honest About Your Concerns

You don't need to pretend everything's fine. It's okay to say "I'm worried about you" or "I've noticed you're struggling with the stairs and it's making me anxious." Honesty, delivered with care, is better than dancing around the issue. They likely know things are harder than they used to be. Acknowledging it openly can be a relief.

Be Prepared for Resistance - And Don't Take It Personally

Many people resist the idea of care initially. It can feel like losing control, admitting weakness, or letting strangers into their private space. Those feelings are valid and understandable. Resistance doesn't mean the conversation is over. It might just mean they need time to process the idea. Give them space, then come back to it gently.

Sometimes it helps to start small - suggesting help with one specific thing (like shopping or cleaning) rather than presenting it as full-scale care.

Involve Them in the Decisions

This is crucial. Don't arrange care and present it as a done deal. Involve your loved one in choosing what support they get, when it happens, and who provides it.

Let them meet potential carers before care starts. Ask what matters most to them - maybe it's having the same person each time, or someone who shares their interests, or flexibility around their routine. The more control they have over the process, the less it feels like something being done to them.

Address Practical Worries

Often, resistance isn't about the care itself but about practical concerns:

Cost: "I can't afford it" - be honest about what funding might be available (we cover this in Part 3)
Privacy: "I don't want strangers in my house" - explain that good providers match carers carefully and consistency means they won't be strangers for long
Independence: "I don't want to be a burden" - reframe it as the opposite - care helps them stay independent at home rather than becoming more reliant on family or facing a care home

Address these worries directly - don't brush them off.

Take It Step by Step

You don't have to arrange everything immediately. The process can be:

Have the initial conversation
Research options together (Part 2 of this guide helps)
Contact a provider for an assessment
Meet potential carers
Start with a trial period

Breaking it into steps makes it feel less overwhelming and gives your loved one time to adjust to the idea.

Know When to Get Help

If the conversation isn't going well, or you're stuck, care providers can help. Many, including Routes Healthcare, will talk directly to your loved one, explain what care involves, and answer their questions without any pressure. Sometimes hearing it from a professional rather than family helps them feel more in control of the decision.

Once you've had the conversation and your loved one is open to exploring care, the next step is understanding what options are actually available in Knutsford. Or if you'd like support with having this conversation, or want to arrange an assessment where we can talk to your loved one directly about their options call Routes Healthcare on 0333 800 1379orcontact us online.

Continue to Part 2: Understanding Home Care Options in Knutsford to learn about the different types of care and what each involves.

Home Is Where The Heart Is | Christmas 2025 Video

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:21:11 +0000

You can spend a lifetime building a home - not the walls or the roof, but the memories it holds.

This time of year reminds us what home truly means: comfort, connection, and the people who make our hearts feel full. Because home isn't just walls, rooms or a roof. It's the moments - big and small - that shape who we are.

When life changes and care is needed, those moments shouldn't be left behind. The chair where you've read a thousand books. The kitchen where family gathers. The garden you've tended for years.

These aren't just places - they're part of your story. That's why our teams bring support to the place that means the most.

This Christmas and Beyond

The festive season has a way of highlighting how much home means. Family gatherings happen in familiar spaces. Favourite traditions unfold in rooms full of memories. There's comfort in being surrounded by your own things, your own routines.

Our care teams work around the clock so people can stay in those spaces when they need support. Not in a hospital bed somewhere unfamiliar, but at home.

What That Home Care with Routes Looks Like:

Providing care at home means protecting what matters:

The morning routine that's been the same for twenty years
Staying connected to neighbours, friends, the local community
Having space that's yours, arranged how you like it
Making new memories in the place where so many already exist

Whether it's complex clinical care, live-in support, or help with daily tasks, it's about working around what makes home feel like home.

If You're Thinking About Care

We've been supporting people at home for over 15 years. If you're thinking about care for yourself or someone you love, we're here to talk through what options there are for support that helps you to remain in your own home. Please give us a call on 0333 800 1379 or pop an email to us at privatecare@routeshealthcare.com

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all of us from Routes Healthcare 🫶

Routes Healthcare Expands into Derbyshire with Acquisition of Just A Little Company

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:21:11 +0000

We're pleased to share some exciting news: Routes Healthcare has acquired Just A Little Company (Care and Support at Home) Ltd, a trusted care provider based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

This marks our first step into the East Midlands, and we couldn't be more excited to bring our expertise and support to communities across Derbyshire.

A Perfect Partnership

Just A Little Company has been providing quality home care and complex care in Chesterfield for 10 years, building strong relationships with clients, families, and the local community. Their commitment to person-centred care and their deep understanding of the area made them a natural fit for Routes.

We're not here to change what works. Their existing care teams will continue supporting their local community, doing what they do best. What we bring is additional backing - clinical expertise from our team of 13+ registered nurses, award-winning training through Routes Academy, and comprehensive HR and operational support that allows carers to focus on delivering high-quality care.

What This Means for Home Care in Derbyshire

Our expansion into Derbyshire brings:

Increased capacity for home care and complex care across the region
Clinical oversight from our specialist nursing team for complex care needs
Professional development opportunities through Routes Academy, our accredited training provider
Stable employment with access to career progression and comprehensive support
Rapid response capabilities for families who need care quickly

Kirsha Leonard continues as Registered Manager, ensuring continuity for clients and families. Every member of staff has been retained, and we're committed to supporting the team's growth and development.

Our Commitment to Derbyshire

Since 2009, we've been providing care across Northern England. Our model is simple: localised care teams who know their communities, backed by centralised clinical, training, and operational support.

This approach means people receive personalised care from teams who understand their local area, with the confidence that comes from registered nurse oversight, quality assurance systems, and proper support infrastructure.

"Just A Little Company has built an excellent reputation in Chesterfield over the past 10 years.

By combining their local insight with our clinical and operational support, we can deliver even greater impact for clients and their families."

- Narinder Singh, Routes CEO

Looking Ahead

We're excited about what this partnership means for care provision in Derbyshire. Our focus remains the same as it's always been: supporting people to live well at home, with dignity, choice, and the care they need.

Welcome to the Routes family, Just A Little Company. Here's to the next chapter together.

Meet Chantay Bell: Our Wirral Homecare Manager

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:42:40 +0000

Chantay Bell joined our Wirral team in September as Registered Manager. She's been working in care for 20 years, but that's not where her story starts. Before adult social care, Chantay worked in childcare for 8 years while training as a hairdresser in the US. When she did move into care, she started as a carer working teas and beds before working her way up to a leadership role.

Chantay's Route in Care:

Chantay has worked in a variety of different roles in social care, but she started where many of our leaders start: as a carer. Specifically, a carer on teas and beds, doing the hands-on work that's at the heart of our business.

From there, she moved into Field Care Supervisor, supporting other carers and maintaining quality on the ground. Then Care Coordinator, where she learned how to match the right carers with the right clients and keep complex schedules running smoothly.

She spent time in Payroll too, understanding the operational backbone that keeps care services functioning. Then in 2018, she stepped into a Deputy Manager role, taking on more leadership and strategic responsibility. And this September, she joined Routes as Registered Manager for our Wirral hub.

Chantay's seen care from every angle. She knows what carers need because she's been one. She understands the operational side because she's worked in it. And she gets what matters to clients because she's spent two decades listening to them. It makes her a valuable leader for our Wirral homecare office, and we're proud to have her as part of our team.

Why Chantay works in care

Ask Chantay what she loves about care work, and she'll tell you it's rewarding and fulfilling. But she'll also tell you about specific moments.

One moment Chantay was proud of happened recently, when she visited a client who barely speaks to anyone outside of her usual care team. This person had been quiet with new faces for years. But after just one meeting with Chantay, they opened up. "I felt very privileged," Chantay shared. That's the stuff that sticks with you after 20 years in care - the moments when someone trusts you enough to let you in.

"I have always had a passion for caring for others. It is a very rewarding and fulfilling role."

Day-to-Day as a Registered Manager

As Registered Manager, Chantay's days are never the same. She might start her morning talking with carers, then move into conversations with clients or Local Authority teams. There's branch capacity to review for new packages, medication audits to complete, training compliance to check. Files need managing, documentation needs updating, and her team needs support.

It's busy and complex work. But after 20 years in nearly every role that exists in home care, she knows how it all fits together. And honestly, she loves that no two days are the same.

When She's at Home

We always ask our team what they love doing at home, because we spend our days helping people stay in theirs. So of course home is important to us. (So much so, we made it our brand values!)

For Chantay, home is certainly full. She lives with 1 cat, 4 Serbian rescue dogs, and 4 rats (and yes, she insists they're adorable). She bakes bread and makes casseroles that remind her of home. She settles in for a good Netflix marathon. Her house is warm and busy and exactly how she likes it.

When you work in care, you understand what makes a house feel like home. It's not about perfection. It's about being comfortable, being yourself, and being surrounded by whoever (or whatever) makes you happy. Chantay is certainly surrounded!

We're really glad Chantay's here with us. She brings 20 years of experience, yes, but more than that, she genuinely cares. You can hear it when she talks about clients opening up. You can see it in how she supports her team. We know that with Chantay, our Wirral hub is in good hands.

Need Home Care in the Wirral?

Our Wirral team, led by Chantay, is here to help. We provide home care that's built around what matters to you - your routine, your preferences, your home. If you'd like to talk about care options for yourself or someone you love, get in touch.

Discover Home Care in the Wirral >

Interested in Care Work?

If Chantay's story resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, our Wirral team is growing. We value people who genuinely care, who want to make a real difference, and who understand that home matters.

Explore Careers at Routes >