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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
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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
