Codladh Sámh

How has changing to Nursebuddy helped your home care business?

"Before Nursebuddy, we managed our rosters using Excel with colour coding. While it worked at the time, it was very manual, and as the company grew, mistakes did happen.

"Moving to Nursebuddy has made a significant difference. The system supports every aspect of our operations, making everything clearer, more organised, and much easier to manage.

"Communication with staff has improved greatly, and it has helped us maintain a more consistent and reliable service."

"To be honest, we do not know how we managed without it now."

- Catherine Fennell, Company Director at Codladh Sámh

What is the one Nursebuddy feature that you really can’t live without?

"The live roster is the one feature we could not live without.

"Having real-time visibility of all visits, staff, and any changes in one place has made a huge difference. It allows us to manage the service efficiently, respond quickly when changes arise, and ensure both staff and clients are consistently supported."

What are the biggest factors that have helped your business grow to be such a success?

"Our growth has been driven by a strong focus on quality, reliability, and building meaningful relationships, always centred around person-centred care.

"We take great pride in matching the right Healthcare Assistant to each client, ensuring that both care needs and personality are aligned. Clear and consistent communication with families and healthcare professionals has been key in building trust and maintaining strong partnerships.

"We also place a strong emphasis on having a comprehensive suite of policies and procedures in place to guide our service and ensure we are prepared for all situations.

"Supporting our staff is equally important. Training and guidance are paramount, and once we commit to a service, we ensure it is delivered consistently and to a high standard. This approach has helped us build a strong and trusted reputation within the community."

"Codladh Sámh was an easy choice for Customer of the Month. As long-time partners, they have always been incredibly engaged with Nursebuddy. Their unwavering dedication to their clients and team shines through everything they do, and we are so proud to support their continued growth."

- Ilaria Bommarito, Customer Success Manager at Nursebuddy

What strategies do you use to retain care workers?

“Staffing is one of the biggest challenges in the sector, so retaining our Healthcare Assistants is a key priority for us.

"Communication is one of the most important factors. We keep it open, clear, and consistent, ensuring our team feel supported and informed at all times. Every staff member knows they can contact the office and will receive a prompt response.

"We also support our team with the day-to-day challenges of the role. This includes practical supports such as access to a Free Now taxi service at all times and participation in the Bike to Work scheme.

"We recognise and appreciate their hard work, including offering an end-of-year bonus as a token of appreciation.

"Importantly, we listen to our staff, involve them where possible, and address concerns early. This helps build trust and creates a positive working environment where Healthcare Assistants feel valued, respected, and understood."

What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting a homecare business?

"Take the time to fully understand the needs and demands of the sector and carry out thorough market research before starting.

"It is important to carefully consider your business model, whether that is a franchise, private limited company, or self-employed structure.

"From the outset, focus on quality rather than rapid growth. Build a strong and reliable team, invest in training, and employ skilled and diverse staff.

"Put clear systems and processes in place early, and prioritise strong communication with both Healthcare Assistants and families.

"If the foundations are right, growth will follow naturally."

Catherine
Company Director, Codladh Sámh