Happy Birthday Whiteford House!

Staff from Enhance Healthcare took centre stage during a memorable evening at the 20th Annual National Care Awards in Glasgow, where they proudly received the coveted 'Meaningful Activity Award’ along with a well-deserved nomination for ‘Specialist Care Unit’ award.

Atlantic View, Enhance Healthcare’s newest care setting, has received top marks in its first Care Inspection by the Scottish Care Inspectorate.

Townend care home were “delighted” to find out that their remarkable Activities Team has been nominated at this year’s Scottish Care Awards! Nestled in the picturesque grounds on the outskirts of Symington, the dynamic duo, Sara-Louise Gregor and Leighann Bell have reached the final three in this years ‘Meaningful Activity Award’ category.

The staff at Clyde Valley Care Home were "over the moon" to hear about their nomination for this year’s Specialist Service/Unit of the Year award at the Scottish Care Awards. Situated in the stunning Monteith House in Lanarkshire, they have been invited to attend the glitzy awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on 15th November, where they will find out if they have won this prestigious award. This 33-bed care service specialises in supporting young adults with severe mental health diagnoses and/or learning difficulties in the heart of Scotland. Nestled within over 70 acres of mature woodland and fields, Clyde Valley Care Home resides in a beautifully retrofitted 200-year-old mansion designed to meet the needs of both residents and staff. Staff expressed their gratitude for the nomination, stating: "We’re really thankful for the recognition for the work we do. It’s our job, and we love it." It was this dedication that was highlighted by their nominee, who noted that "the respect, dignity, compassion, kindness, and understanding provided by our team is ‘above and beyond’ all expectations." Manager Billy Russell, who has been with the home for over 10 years, praised his amazing staff: "We’re delighted that all our hard work has been recognized. Our staff have been here for a long time, and to see them nominated for the incredible things they do every day is brilliant." The well-established team focuses on creating a warm, nurturing environment where residents can achieve their goals and maintain their independence: "It’s more like a family here with all the staff and residents. Many of our residents don’t have family, so we’re happy to step into that role. They have us, and we have them." When asked how the nomination came about, Billy credited his dedicated staff and the support from the directors at Enhance Healthcare: "They’ve been superb. They make a point of getting to know you and check in regularly to ensure you have everything you need." Clyde Valley was one of the first homes purchased by Enhance back in 2016, and it has gone from strength to strength since then. Operations Manager Ashleigh Walmsley had this to say: “Visiting Clyde Valley is always met with warmth by not only the staff but also the residents themselves who are more than happy to demonstrate and display their crafts or achievements; working alongside Home Manager Billy Russell through the years has been nothing short of a joy, so to see him, his team and all of their hard work recognised brings a huge amount of happiness not only to myself but our Enhance Healthcare peers.” On behalf of everyone at Enhance Healthcare, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the unwavering dedication and compassion you show in caring for our residents. Your hard work makes a meaningful difference in their lives, and we wish you all the luck in the world—you truly deserve it!

Enhance Scotland's Whiteford House has received a glowing report from its first visit by the Care Inspectorate. The home was awarded four grade 5 'Very Good' grades and one grade 4 'Good' grade in the report which was compiled during an unannounced 3-day visit to the Ayrshire care setting in September. Staff were praised by Inspectors who were impressed with the "very positive relationships" that the team had cultivated with residents and noted from their observations that staff had "a great knowledge" of the individuals living in the service. The strong relationship between staff and service users contributed to building positive outcomes as well a reduction in specific challenging behaviours. Families found that as a result of these relationships, transitions to and from Whiteford House were easier for both service users and for the family as a whole. Feedback from relatives remarked on the "caring nature" of the staff and how "staff make their relatives smile". The Care Inspectorate were assured to see that "people could be confident that the right staff were being employed to provide their care". The environment itself made an impression on the Inspectors who described it as"welcoming, homely, and tastefully decorated". Whiteford House, which opened its doors in October 2023, is a purpose-built care setting which provides person centred care to 31 adults with complex health and mental health requirements. As such, the home has been furnished with contemporary bedrooms, spacious lounges and dining areas where residents are able to "socialise if they choose", as well as kitchenette areas where service users are able to make their own food encouraging them to "maintain their independence" or enjoy meals made by an in-house chef. This strong sense of independence was evident in service users bedrooms which are "their own private space" which people are encouraged to "personalise…how they wish". The management at Whiteford House, led by Megan Borthwick, and deputy manager Lindsay Wood, were also praised as being "approachable" by staff, service users, and families/friends as well as "responsive" to any queries or concerns. The Care Inspectorate recognised that management were aware of the importance of fostering positive relationships not only with the people living in the home, but with staff and families as well. These "good relationships" were also evident with external professionals such as GP's, nurses, and social workers. Inspectors were pleased to see that feedback forms were used to continue the drive of high standards throughout the home and that "information collated was used to improve the service". Management were also praised for having “very good quality assurances systems in place which informed the service development plan”. Inspectors noted that “management had very good oversight of the service and everyone found them approachable”. Management and care staff were not the only members of the team to impress the inspectors who commented that the dedicated activities worker was a "real strength" to the service. Activities within the home make use of the many designated activity rooms including the cinema room, games room, and a sensory room where residents can relax. Service users are also encouraged to access the wider community via group outings or one-to-one trips making good use of the dedicated minibus. Inspectors were impressed to see "evidence of people achieving their outcomes and goals and the positive impact this had on them, developing life skills and improving confidence and social circles". This was as a direct result of service users being "fully consulted on activities". Home manager Megan Borthwick commented: “I’m really proud of the whole team. We’ve all worked so hard over the past year to make sure that Whiteford is not only a great place live but a great place to work as well. We are looking forward to celebrating our one-year anniversary at the end of October, so we’ll have something else to celebrate now as well.” If you have any enquiries regarding Whiteford House, or any of our other homes, please call us.

Meet Debbie, our first-ever Employee of the Month (May 2024), at Atlantic View. Debbie has been on the Atlantic Journey from day one before we met our first residents. Debbie brings a life time of experience to Atlantic, is a fantastic role model and of course a heart of gold... Thank you, Debbie. You truly deserve this award...

Twice a year, we invite our residents and their families to an unforgettable dining experience at Atlantic View.

Today our first ever Resident to Atlantic View and his family enjoyed a divine private dining, cooked to perfection from our talented Chef Chris. Chris really showed off his skills in the kitchen with a local favourite of Cullen Skink, Atlantic View Fish Suppers and a simply delicious Tequila and lime cheesecake with passion fruit sorbet... The memories we make with our families is everything!! ❤️

Bake Sale this afternoon at Heathfield House 4th May 2.30pm. We can't wait to see you there. We understand not everyone can make it but if you still wish to donate just click the link All proceeds go to Dementia UK. https://www.justgiving.com/page/lorraine-caddis-1714775506784