A housing support service in Auchinleck has been given the thumbs up from a care scrutiny body following its latest inspection.
Berryknowe Housing Support Service, in the town’s Back Rogerton Crescent, was graded as ‘good’ across two quality indicators.
The news follows an unannounced two-day inspection last month.
Staff from the Care Inspectorate graded the service at level four, meaning ‘good', in relation to leadership and the service’s ability to support people’s wellbeing.
Berryknowe is a combined housing support service and care at home service and provides support to a maximum of 10 adults over 16 years with a learning disability and/or mental health condition. The service operates 24 hours a day.
An extract from the Care Inspectorate report said people were “happy” living at Berryknowe, there was a “nice relaxed atmosphere” and staff “knew people well".
It was also noted that this was “clear to see” in interactions and observations.
According to the report, the service had “significant strengths” on how people’s health and wellbeing benefitted from their care and support.
And there were “strong links” with the local health professionals who were available for advice and guidance.
The report goes on: “This meant people were well known and treatment plans were implemented for the person to be treated outwith hospital to reduce stress and distress. The service maintains very good records in relation to health input.”
One area picked up on was the mealtime experience which “could have been much improved", and this was a “previous recommendation” made to the service in 2019.
The report notes: “The service did implement changes to the dining experience within to help improve the setting and presentation at mealtimes.
“Items were introduced with some success, but they were removed during the pandemic and not implemented again once restrictions eased.”
There was also praise for the staff and leadership team.
The report states: “We heard very positive comments from relatives and external professionals. There were high levels of confidence in the organisation and no complaints or concerns were logged. Managers knew all of the individuals supported well. The management team demonstrated a proactive “make it happen” attitude.”
Among the areas of improvement the service has been asked to improve the setting and presentation of the mealtime experience and “refocus” attention on supporting people to achieve their outcomes.
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