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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
Port of Leith Housing Association receives glowing praise from Care Inspectorate
Port of Leith Housing Association’s (PoLHA) sheltered housing complexes have been classified as ‘excellent’ by the Care Inspectorate for the quality of care and support to their 131 residents.
Findings from the Care Inspection report issued this week revealed that the sheltered housing complexes in the Leith area of Edinburgh – Hermitage Court, St Nicholas Court and Jameson Place – were awarded a grade six (excellent) for ensuringthat residents’ health and wellbeing needs are well catered for. Helping people stay well in their tenancy is a priority for staff and the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle were recognised through exercise classes, coffee mornings and charity fundraising events.
Following a ‘short notice’ inspection, follow on visits and attendance at tenants’ meetings over a four week period, a series of service records, including evidence of activities and social events, newsletters and supervision and development, were sampled to enable the inspector to review the work being done and deliver a grade.
In addition, 40 per cent of tenants were issued care standards questionnaires. Of the 29 completed questionnaires, 100 per cent were happy with the quality of support they received.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “This is a tremendous achievement. We are delighted to have been awarded a grade six for the level of care and services our staff provide. We are committed to delivering the best possible care for our residents and the staff do a wonderful job in ensuring their needs are met are at all times.”
The Association was also awarded a grade five (very good) for the quality of staffing, management and leadership.
Maureen Tait, PoLHA’sSenior Sheltered Housing Co-ordinator, said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised for our efforts. We strive to make our tenants feel comfortable and ‘at home’ while they stay with us. Many residents still like to have their own independence, but also be part of a close-knit team, which is why they enjoy getting on board with our fundraising activities.”
