“It’s been perfect here,” Peggy said. “They are just very kind and caring and I want for nothing. I am very well looked after.”
For Peggy Wallace, life at McKillop Gardens care home in East Kilbride is about feeling a sense of home, being listened to and genuinely cared for.
Across Scotland, there is a shared commitment that social care should be rooted in dignity, kindness and respect. At McKillop Gardens, that commitment is reflected in the way staff work with residents, as Senior Social Care Worker Tina Shearer explains: “Everything we do here is led by the people who live here.”
Recently, Councillor Margaret Walker, Chair of the South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board and Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care in South Lanarkshire, visited McKillop Gardens to spend time with residents and staff and hear first hand about life in the home.
Councillor Walker said: “Spending time with Peggy and hearing about her experience really brought home how important it is that people feel a genuine sense of home where they live. It’s clear that residents at McKillop Gardens are listened to, valued and supported to live well. The warmth and care shown by staff is evident throughout the home.”
That experience of care was reflected in a recent unannounced Care Inspectorate inspection. The care home, part of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership’s local services, was praised by inspectors and rated ‘very good’ across key areas.
Inspectors highlighted the home’s warm and welcoming environment, strong leadership, safe and responsive care and the trusted relationships built between staff, residents and families.
One example of this everyday listening is Peggy’s suggestion to introduce colour coded uniforms, making it easier for residents to recognise staff roles, a simple idea that was quickly taken on board and put into practice.
Reflecting on the visit, Professor Sengupta said: “Meeting Peggy and other residents was a powerful reminder of why listening matters so much in health and social care. My thanks go to Peggy and everyone who shared their experiences so openly, helping us to understand what really makes a difference and to shape care around what people value most.
“My thanks also go to the staff at McKillop Gardens, whose warmth, professionalism and commitment are clearly felt in the lives of the people they support.”
