Tag: Home Instead

It’s a Wonderful Life Celebrating the Festive Season

Christmas arrived early for some Edinburgh care home residents this week, with a festive lunch and film afternoon at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

In collaboration with catering partner, Leith’s, the event catering division of Compass Scotland, the EICC produced a special event for local people with Dementia. 100 guests were invited for a traditional two-course Christmas lunch while they watched the Christmas classic, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on the big screen.

The Leith’s and EICC teams approached local care homes, agencies and charities to invite residents to attend the free event and enjoy some festive cheer in the lead up to Christmas. Residents and carers joined the event from Home Instead, Colinton Care Home, St Margarets Care Home, Alzheimer Scotland, Viewpoint Housing Association and Re-Engage Edinburgh.

Guests were greeted with a glass of bucks fizz to start the celebration, before enjoying a starter of either Cock-a-leekie terrine with pickled vegetables and tomato chutney or celeriac and sun blushed tomato tartare with oatcakes, followed by roast turkey or a roast butternut squash pave with all the trimmings. The afternoon was rounded off by coffee or tea and mince pies.

This is the third time the EICC has hosted the festive film afternoon for local care home residents. The event was carefully considered and supported to ensure it was comfortable, calm and enjoyable for all. 

As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, this activity is in line with its ‘Our Social Promise’, which launched in 2022. This includes a Mission to a Million commitment, to provide support to one million people by 2030 through jobs, training, community engagement and development.

Claire McHardy, Leith’s General Manager at EICC said: “We understand the importance of social connections for older people, so we were pleased to be able to reach out to these organisations to help us put on this event.

“It was a lovely Christmassy afternoon, and it was heartwarming to see the joy that our food and the film brought to our guests.”

Lisa Moodie Commissioned Service Lead for Edinburgh & Lothians at Alzheimer Scotland said: “Alzheimer Scotland was delighted to be invited to the EICC’s festive film and lunch.

“The people we support thoroughly enjoyed the chance to watch a classic film over a festive lunch. Thank you to the EICC for reaching out to involve us.”

Marshall Dallas, EICC Chief Executive commented: “We’ve worked closely with Alzheimer Scotland over the last ten years, holding their annual conference here at the EICC.

“We have also hosted social gatherings for Re-engage, so we’re really pleased to welcome guests today from these organisations, together with guests from local care homes, as we enjoy a wonderful festive occasion.” 

Local home care company receives recommendation-based award

 

An Edinburgh based care company has received so many glowing  recommendations from clients and their families that it has been honoured with a top regional award.

Home Instead Senior Care specialises in providing at-home care to older people, and has been named as one of the 20 most recommended providers in the Home Care Awards 2019. Continue reading Local home care company receives recommendation-based award

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