Whiteford House Residents Have a Ball at Somerset Park!

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.