A friendly smile at the front door each morning is something David Walker from Kirkmuirhill has come to rely on.
For David, that small but meaningful moment reflects what matters most about the support he receives from South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership’s Care at Home Service in Clydesdale – familiar faces, trusted relationships and care shaped around his life, helping him to remain independent, connected and supported in his own home.
Originally from Bristol, David moved to Scotland when he was four and now lives in Kirkmuirhill. He receives support from Clydesdale Care at Home, which was recently awarded ‘very good’ ratings by the Care Inspectorate for both supporting people’s wellbeing and the quality of the staff team, following a recent unannounced inspection.
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.”
Home carer Louise added: “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.”
The Care Inspectorate report highlighted the service’s delivery of warm, respectful and reliable support, with people benefiting from carers who knew them well and took time to uphold dignity and independence. Inspectors also noted the importance of continuity of care, with familiar staff building trusting relationships over time.
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.”
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.”
