Month: March 2017

Top marks for Home Instead Senior Care

An Edinburgh based homecare provider which specialises in care for older people in their own homes has received the highest grade possible, a 6 or ‘Excellent’, for the quality of care and support it provides to their elderly clients. The company also received a grade 5 (Very Good) for quality of management and leadership.

The grades were awarded to Home Instead Senior Care following an unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate who regulate and inspect care services in Scotland to make sure that they meet the right standards.

The company was set up in Edinburgh in 2011 by local couple Andrew and Joanna Senew and today they provide their special blend of homecare to over 100 people. Home Instead works with clients and their families to deliver care which is highly personalised. The companionship-based care focuses on putting clients’ social and physical wellbeing at front of mind at all times.

The couple were inspired to become involved in homecare by Andrew’s mother who lived independently into her old age. Andrew and Joanna knew how important it was for her to be able to remain in familiar surroundings and, when the opportunity arose for them to offer a solution to others through their own locally run business, they took it.

Commenting on the Care Inspectorate’s report, Andrew said, “Joanna and I are absolutely thrilled to have received such a fantastic report. We are always keen for our care to pass the ‘mum test’ – the standard of care that would be good enough for our own mums.

“The fact that we have received the top grade from our regulator for the quality of care and support we provide tells us that it is.”

The Care Inspectorate’s report, published this week, states that ‘The service excelled at making sure people’s care was personal to them, flexible and reliable. Clients and their families were very involved in developing their care plan and in reviewing their support.’

The report continues, ‘People experienced warm and compassionate care from caregivers they had confidence in’, and that ‘The service was making a positive difference to clients’ quality of life.’

Home Instead’s pioneering approach was also highlighted with inspectors stating that ‘People benefitted from an innovative service provider and passionate and experienced managers.’

Speaking about the many lovely comments in the report, Joanna added, “We ensure that our service looks after our clients’ social and emotional as well as their physical needs.

“The report makes lovely reading for the team and our focus on clients and delivering a truly personalised service shines through.

“We take great care to match clients and caregivers based on shared interests and care visits are never rushed. By doing all of this we make a huge difference to people’s lives.”

During an inspection the inspectors speak to clients and their families who were enthusiastic about the service they receive. One client told the inspectors, “This is a very client focused service. The management team is outstanding and caregivers are trained and clearly have a strong sense of high esteem and loyalty for Home Instead. Caregivers are very professional in all matters concerning care and are very kind and caring in their work.”

Another said, “Nothing is ever too much trouble.”

Clients’ relatives were equally pleased. One said “The best thing for me is the peace of mind the service provides.” Another commented, “I can’t praise them enough. They listen to what you are saying. They go out of their way for you.”

For more information, call 0131 300 0599 or visit http://www.homeinstead.co.uk/edinburgh.

Read the full report here: http://www.careinspectorate.com/

Photo caption: (Left to right): Andrew and Joanna Senew (Owners of Home Instead) with Care Manager Jacqui Donachie

 

Josh is a Young Scot Unsung Hero

The question was asked: “Do you know a young Scot who goes the extra mile every day but never asks for any recognition or reward?  Someone who has overcome difficult circumstances or risen to a challenge?  Someone who may have achieved something in the face of adversity?  We are calling you to nominate an unsung young Scot who deserves this award.”

We found out that our own Josh Hardwick, who is 17 years old andfrom Muirhouse, was nominated for this award because he qualified on every level – and we have now been told that he is now a FINALIST.

Josh is the leader of a group of volunteers who set up the TRIM & Friends of West Pilton Community Shop in Pennywell Road and has grown into the job to progress to Manager.

In our area where there are families who need help, Josh provides a multitude of help from our shop.  This includes food parcels from our Foodbank, cheaper food to buy, and cookery classes; he runs  the award winning Dr Bike Club on Saturday mornings, that offers repairs and advice to cyclists; assistance through the Community Hub, for those with drug and alcohol issues; and to those needing advice regarding Benefits, Housing and community issues.

A major part of his skills are around Health issues.  Josh is a trained First Aider and has been trained to use the community defibulator which is also available, in an emergency, from the shop.  He also facilitated a mass CPR week across the community.

Josh is charming, has a mannerly personality, and a caring nature so he is great at dealing with people from all walks of life.  He has attended meetings with Muirhouse Link Up, Save a Life Scotland and TRIM to discuss and arrange.

“We are so proud of him and wish him every success in these awards.  Having said that we do stress that he doesn’t need to win – he is our Unsung Hero and we so appreciate him!”

Barbara Beaufoy

Secretary, TRIM and Friends of West Pilton

Participants needed for home energy research project

University of Edinburgh research participants needed

Changeworks has partnered with the University of Edinburgh to deliver IDEAL, a cutting edge research project exploring how smart technology can help save energy in the home. They are looking for households in or near Edinburgh (EH1-35) with gas combi boiler heating to participate.
Continue reading Participants needed for home energy research project

City Council Elections: candidates announced

Details have been announced of the 120 candidates standing across Edinburgh’s 17 wards in the Local Government Elections on 4 May. Nominations for candidates closed yesterday.

The nominated candidates for each ward are listed in full below and on the Council website:

1: Almond (4 councillors to be elected)

FRASER, Daniel – Scottish Libertarian Party
HUTCHISON, Graham – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
INGLIS, Otto – UKIP
LANG, Kevin – Scottish Liberal Democrats
LONGSTAFF, John – Independent
MCKINNON-WADDELL, Iain – Scottish Green Party
MITCHELL, Pamela – Scottish National Party (SNP)
WHITEHEAD, Bruce – Scottish Labour Party
WORK, Norman – Scottish National Party (SNP)
YOUNG, Louise – Scottish Liberal Democrats

2: Pentland Hills (4 councillors to be elected)

BRUCE, Graeme – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
FARTHING, Emma – Scottisih Liberal Democrats
GARDINER, Neil – Scottish National Party (SNP)
HENDERSON, Ricky – Scottish Labour Party
NOREIKIENEk, Ernesta – Scottish National Party (SNP)
WEBBER, Susan – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
WESTON, Evelyn – Scottish Green Party

3: Drum Brae/Gyle (3 councillors to be elected)

ALDRIDGE, Robert Christopher – Scottish Liberal Democrats
BRIDGMAN, Claire – Scottish National Party (SNP)
BROWN, Mark – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
KEIL, Karen Ann – Scottish Labour Party
MEYER, Phyl – Scottish Green Party

4: Forth (4 councillors to be elected)

BIRD, Eleanor – Scottish National Party (SNP)
CAMPBELL, Jim – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
DAY, Cammy – Scottish Labour Party
GORDON, George – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MACKAY, Gillian – Scottish Green Party
PUGH, Heather – Scottish Labour Party
ROSS, Nicola – Independent
WIGHT, Tim – Scottish Liberal Democrats

5: Inverleith   (4 councillors to be elected)

BAGSHAW, Nigel – Scottish Green Party
BARRIE, Gavin – Scottish National Party (SNP)
DALGLEISH, James – Scottish Labour Party
LAIRD, Tom – Scottish Libertarian Party
MITCHELL, Max – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
OSLER, Hal – Scottish Liberal Democrats
WHYTE, Iain – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
WOOLNOUGH, Tina – Independent

6: Corstorphine/Murrayfield (3 councillors to be elected)

DOUGLAS, Scott – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
GLOYER, Gillian – Scottish Liberal Democrats
NEVENS, Kate – Scottish Green Party
NISBET, James – UKIP
ROSS, Frank – Scottish National Party (SNP)
SCOTT, John Ferguson – Independent
WHITELAW, June – Scottish Labour Party

7: Sighthill/Gorgie (4 councillors to be elected)

DIXON, Denis – Scottish National Party (SNP)
FULLERTON, Catherine – Scottish National Party (SNP)
GRACZYK, Ashley – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
HAYTER, Simon – Scottish National Party (SNP)
HEAP, Dan – Scottish Green Party
SCOBIE, Devin Scott – Scottish Liberal Democrats
SMITH, Carmel – Scottish Labour Party
STRANGE, Calum – Scottish Libertarian Party
WILSON, Donald – Scottish Labour Party

8: Colinton/Fairmilehead (3 councillors to be elected)

ARTHUR, Scott – Scottish Labour Party
DOGGART, Phil – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
LEWIS, Richard John – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MARSDEN, Sara – Scottish Green Party
RUST, Jason – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
WALKER, David Richard – Scottish Liberal Democrats

9: Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart (3 councillors to be elected)

CORBETT, Gavin – Scottish Green Party
JOHNSTON, Andrew – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
KEY, David – Scottish National Party (SNP)
LANG, Jenni – Scottish Liberal Democrats
SUBRAMANI, Rojan – Independent
WIMBERLEY, Anne – Scottish Labour Party

10: Morningside (4 councillors to be elected)

COOK, Nick – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
HOWAT, Sandy – Scottish National Party (SNP)
LAND, Chris – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
MAIN, Melanie – Scottish Green Party
ROSS, Neil – Scottish Liberal Democrats
WATT, Mandy – Scottish Labour Party

11: City Centre (4 councillors to be elected)

DORAN, Karen – Scottish Labour Party
MILLER, Claire – Scottish Green Party
MOWAT, Jo – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
RANKIN, Alasdair – Scottish National Party (SNP)
SIDOR, Peter – Scottish Libertarian Party
STEVENS, David – Scottish Liberal Democrats

12: Leith Walk (4 councillors to be elected)

DONALDSON, Marion – Scottish Labour Party
GARDNER, Nick – Scottish Labour Party
JACOBSEN, David Don – Socialist Labour Party
MARGA, Cristina – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
McNEESE-MECHAN, Amy – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MELVILLE, Alan Gordon – Independent
RAE, Susan – Scottish Green Party
RITCHIE, Lewis – Scottish National Party (SNP)
TOBERMANN, Harald – Independent
ZAPOROZCENKO, Vita – Scottish Liberal Democrats

13: Leith (3 councillors to be elected)

BOOTH, Chas – Scottish Green Party
DIJKSTRA-DOWNIE, Sanne – Scottish Liberal Democrats
McVEY, Adam – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MUNRO, Gordon John – Labour and Co-operative Party
PENMAN, Paul – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

14: Craigentinny/Duddingston (4 councillors to be elected)

CAMPBELL, Ian – Scottish National Party (SNP)
GRIFFITHS, Joan – Labour and Co-operative Party
HADFIELD, Patrick – Scottish Liberal Democrats
LUNN, Alex – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MARTIN, Lyndsay – Labour and Co-operative Party
MCLELLAN, John – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
STANIFORTH, Alex – Scottish Green Party
WADHWA, Mridul – Scottish National Party (SNP)

15:  Southside/Newington (4 councillors to be elected)

BURGESS, Steve – Scottish Green Party
DICKIE, Alison – Scottish National Party (SNP)
FARTHING, Dan – Scottish Liberal Democrats
PERRY, Ian – Scottish Labour Party
ROSE, Cameron – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

16: Liberton/Gilmerton (4 councillors to be elected)

CAMERON, Lezley Marion – Scottish Labour Party
HOWIE, Derek – Scottish National Party (SNP)
KNOX, John Christopher – Scottish Liberal Democrats
MACINNES, Lesley – Scottish National Party (SNP)
NICHOL, John – Scottish Green Party
POGSON, Tim – Scottish Labour Party
SMITH, Stephanie – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

17: Portobello/Craigmillar (4 councillors to be elected)

BRIDGMAN, Mike – Scottish National Party (SNP)
CAMPBELL, Kate – Scottish National Party (SNP)
CAMPBELL, Mary – Scottish Green Party
CHILD, Maureen – Scottish Labour Party
LAIDLAW, Callum – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
LESLIE, Callum – Scottish Liberal Democrats
WALKER, David – Scottish Labour Party Continue reading City Council Elections: candidates announced

Holyrood says aye, but Westminster says it’s not the time

Who blinks first? Something’s got to give as governments set on collision course

The Scottish Parliament has backed SNP plans to pave the way for a second independence referendum. MSPs voted 69 – 59 in favour, with the Greens supporting the SNP against Tory, Labour and Lib Dem opposition. Continue reading Holyrood says aye, but Westminster says it’s not the time