Blackwood praised for commitment to person-centred care

A Scottish housing support service has been commended by the Care Inspectorate after it received a five star review for its services.

Blackwood’s Aberdeen Services recently underwent a short-notice inspection for which it was awarded five stars for its commitment to person–centred care, strong team work implementation and strong support from care staff.

Debbie Maitland, manager at Aberdeen Services, commented on the Care Inspectorate report and the five-star review of the provision, organisation and staff.

She said: “Both staff and service users were delighted with the score and feel it’s a great way to reflect the positive atmosphere in place at our services in Aberdeen.

“We pride ourselves on supplying our staff with the very best training, ensuring that our management team is kept up-to-date with the best practices and wider developments that impact on the local service.

“All of our staff receive regular supervisions, have a high level of training and are enthusiastic and committed to their roles.

“There is definitely a real team ethic in Aberdeen and we are confident that our service users know and have working relationships with staff, to such a level where they know that their views will be heard.”

The Inspection Report revealed five star grades in ‘staffing,’ ‘care and support’ and ‘management and leadership’ categories.

Service users in particular, reported high levels of satisfaction and praised the dedicated staff who encourage them to live independently in their own homes and to get involved in the activities of the wider community.

In addition, the report also revealed that staff at Aberdeen Services are dedicated to ensuring that the opinions and suggestions of the service users are welcomed.

Commenting on the achievement, Blackwood’s chief executive, Fanchea Kelly, added: “I’m thrilled with the five star review Aberdeen Services received for its committed and attentive staff. It’s great that the service users feel so at home and so positive about their experiences of Blackwood in the north.

“It’s a testament to Blackwood’s commitment to providing a high level of care and support to customers that is frequently inspected and maintained.

“The people who use Blackwood services are at the heart of shaping its future. Their experiences and input steer our new policies and innovation at Board level, in regional scrutiny panels and via tenant surveys.

“Therefore, it’s fantastic to know that one of the key strengths in Aberdeen is the care and support provided by the staff, who provide the basis of the great feedback experienced in this development.”

Edinburgh-based charity, Blackwood, has more than 1500 homes throughout Scotland which help older people and those living with disabilities or sensory impairments to live more independently.