Renfrewshire Care at Home team applauded for 'continuing efforts'

Care at Home, run by the area’s health and social care partnership (HSCP), received three ‘good’ ratings and one ‘very good’ in an unannounced inspection from the Care Inspectorate.

The results have been published against the backdrop of a stark financial picture for the sector, which has been caused by the combination of an increasing demand for services and higher costs.

Councillor Jennifer Adam, chair of the integration joint board, the body responsible for oversight of the HSCP, expressed her gratitude to workers who have continued to perform in difficult circumstances.

She said: “Despite the ongoing challenges facing our HSCP staff, the outcome from this inspection highlights that they continue to strive for and deliver high standards of care for the people across Renfrewshire who rely upon them.

“I would like to thank them once again for their continuing efforts.”

The Care at Home team provides assistance to people with a range of specific needs in their own homes across Renfrewshire.

This can cover support with various health care needs, personal care and assistance, medication support and practical assistance to live independently.

The inspection took place in August and was carried out by four inspectors who, in making their evaluations, spoke with 33 people who use the service, 14 relatives and 68 members of staff and management.

It rated the service as ‘good’ across areas which included how it supports people’s wellbeing, the strength of its staff team and how well it plans care and support. It was given a ‘very good’ for its leadership.

Some of the key findings from the watchdog were that people had “positive experiences” of the service and were “treated with dignity and respect”.

A multi-disciplinary approach to personal planning was commended, while staff were said to have a “good understanding” of how to support people to meet their needs and leaders were considered responsive to feedback.