Moira Gardner celebrated her 89th birthday in unforgettable style – taking her very first ride on a motorbike while visiting family in Australia. Now fast approaching her 91st birthday, Moira remains determined to make the most of every day.
That same spirit is helping Moira get back in the fast lane at home in Bothwell, supported by the Hamilton and Clydesdale Home Assessment Team (HAT). She required additional help following a serious fall last August, with a second in December making recovery more challenging.
The HAT plays a vital role in supporting South Lanarkshire’s commitment to the principles of Discharge Without Delay, helping ensure people can return home safely as soon as they are ready, while also contributing to wider efforts to improve unscheduled care and reduce delayed discharges.
Proudly independent, Moira admits that accepting support has taken some adjustment.
“It’s been frustrating because I’m not used to relying on other people,” she said. “But the team encourage me to do what I can without pushing me too much. I’m slowly regaining my confidence and getting out and about again.
“The team looking after me have been great and I’ve told them that many times.”
The recently published Audit Scotland report on delayed discharges highlights how important it is to continue shifting the balance of care towards support at home and in local communities.
Councillor Margaret Walker, Chair of South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board, said: “Across South Lanarkshire, thousands of people rely on social care every day. As an Integration Joint Board, we are both acutely aware of the pressures facing health and social care services and see the extraordinary commitment of our staff and partners in supporting people at key moments in their lives.
“Stories like Moira’s show the very human impact of timely, well-planned and compassionate support.”
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care in South Lanarkshire, recently met Moira to hear her story. He said: “It was a privilege to meet Moira and hear about her resilience and determination to remain independent. Her experience clearly demonstrates the vital role our Home Assessment Teams play in supporting people to recover, regain confidence and continue living at home.
“In South Lanarkshire we have continued to deliver sustained progress in reducing delays and indeed started the year with our delayed discharge rate at almost 30% below the national target. But behind those statistics are real people and we recognise that every delay is significant for the individuals concerned.
“My thanks to Moira for sharing her experiences, our staff for their unwavering dedication and our wider community for their ongoing support, particularly during what has been a very busy winter period.”
The Care Inspectorate recently graded the Hamilton and Clydesdale Home Assessment Team as ‘very good’ in all inspected areas, with particular praise for its person‑centred approach, strong partnership working and the compassion shown by staff in supporting people to maintain independence at home.
Scott McNeill, Service Manager for the HSCP’s Care at Home Services, said: “We are delighted with the inspection results. The report recognises the dedication and professionalism of our staff and the positive difference they make at a crucial point in people’s recovery.”
Reflecting on her motorbike adventure, Moira said: “My son‑in‑law revved the engine and asked if I wanted a ride,” she laughed. “I think he thought I’d say no, but I said, ‘I’d love that – just give me a couple of minutes to get ready!’ It was absolutely brilliant.”
