Kirkmuirhill man praised Clydesdale's Care at Home service

David Walker, who lives in Kirkmuirhill, South Lanarkshire, has praised the team at Clydesdale's Care at Home service.

For David, originally from Bristol, the team's friendly support has helped him maintain his independence, stay connected and feel supported in his own home.

David said: "Louise comes in with a smile on her face every morning.

"The carers have been fabulous and it’s been great having them around.

"They’ve helped with anything I’ve needed, and they were a very important support after I lost my wife, Cathie, just before Christmas.

"It was a terrible time, but they tried to keep my spirits up and I’ll always appreciate that.

"Louise and her colleague Elaine see me in the morning and again at tea time.

"Everyone has been brilliant and they know I appreciate them."

David with Home Carer, Louise (Image: South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership)

Louise, a home carer, said: "I’ve been working with David for two years and I love my job.

"Being able to make a difference to people’s lives is amazing.

"We build a strong rapport by chatting and getting to know them and their lives.

"I really enjoy helping people regain their independence in their own homes.

"My colleagues are amazing to work with and I genuinely love what I do."

Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer for health and social care in South Lanarkshire, added: "Having spoken directly with David, it was clear how important it is to him to be supported by familiar staff who take the time to know him and build trusted relationships.

"That continuity makes a real difference to people’s confidence, independence and wellbeing at home and reflects the strength of our care at home services across South Lanarkshire."

Clydesdale's Care at Home service, part of the South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, was recently given "very good" ratings by the Care Inspectorate.

This was after an unannounced inspection that looked at how well the service supports people's wellbeing and the quality of its staff team.

The Care Inspectorate report praised the service for providing warm, respectful and reliable support.

It noted that people benefited from carers who knew them well and who took the time to uphold their dignity and independence.

The report also highlighted the service's continuity of care, with staff building trusting relationships over time.

Clydesdale Care at Home team (Image: South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership)

Liz Mather, operations manager for Care at Home in Clydesdale, said: "Our teams make a huge difference to people’s ability to live safely and independently at home.

"This inspection recognises the compassion, professionalism and consistency shown by staff every day and the positive impact they have on people’s lives."

Councillor Margaret Walker, chair of the South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board, said: "The dedication shown by our care at home staff makes a real difference every day and David’s experience reflects the warmth, commitment and professionalism they bring to their work."