Published on
6 March 2026
Finding home at Bluebell House: Josie's story
Bluebell House shows what happens when residential care feels like home
Social Care Future is a movement for change in Wokingham Borough - a shared vision that brings together organisations, community groups and individuals working toward communities where everyone can live in a place they call home with support to live a fulfilling life.
Wokingham Borough Council's Bluebell House, run in partnership with Optalis, demonstrates this vision in practice. This story from Optalis shows how person-centred care creates spaces where people truly feel at home, not just safe.
Josie’s story
When Josie moved into Bluebell House, her family worried about how she would cope after years of living in her own place, and they shared a common perception of care homes as quiet, stuffy and clinical places.
What they found at Bluebell House was very different. Josie (Mrs Hart) found the change difficult at first and told her family she could not imagine feeling settled. The team understood what she was experiencing and offered patience and kindness. Her granddaughter Carol said, "Nadi was wonderful in reassuring me to give it time. And how right she was."
A warm welcome
From the moment they walked in, the warmth was clear. Whatever fears they had about care homes being impersonal or dull quickly melted away. Carol said, "Every time we visit, we feel like we are visiting Nan at home, not somewhere she simply needs to be to stay safe. The team create so much more for her."
She spoke with appreciation for every part of the Bluebell House team - from the receptionist's calm and welcoming presence at the door, the kindness of the care workers and activity team who bring fun and energy, to the cooks, cleaners and gardeners who create a place that is comfortable, clean and welcoming. Carol said "the thread that runs through is the consistent safe, emotionally warm, supportive, caring, fun and stimulating environment which she is living in, which all of the team at Bluebell play a role in."
Over time, Josie began to settle in. At first, she pushed herself to go to the dining room even when it felt strange and new. But little by little, she started to relax and join in. Carol reflects "We rarely see her in her room. She is busy elsewhere, watching what is happening, chatting or laughing with the staff."
Carol said, "There are still times when I see Nan and she looks a little flat; this is to be expected after living independently all her life until she was 100. What shines through is the dedication of the whole Bluebell team to make her feel happy and reassured. Staff always greet her, personalise her care and use her name, even if she cannot recall theirs, and they tell me what she has done or said since our last visit. It makes our family feel they really know my grandmother." Josie agreed "The people here are friendly. We can have a laugh together and that's important." They described Bluebell House as a place filled with warmth, laughter and energy. Moments like four generations sitting together in a cosy lounge, looking through old photographs, have become treasured memories made possible by a space that feels calm, welcoming and truly lived in.
Growing the movement together
Social Care Future works when we all embrace it. We're sharing stories like Josie's to show what this vision looks like in practice and to inspire others to adopt these principles in their work.
If you're involved in supporting people in Wokingham Borough and want to be part of this movement, get in touch.
This story was first shared by Optalis.
