A GROUP offering care at home to older people across East Lothian has received a glowing report.

Clover Care Scotland Ltd was visited by an inspector from the Care Inspectorate at the end of July.

The service was offering care and support to 24 people – many of whom spoke highly of the Haddington-based group – at the time of the inspection.

Each of the four categories – How well do we support people’s wellbeing? How good is our leadership? How good is our staff team? And How well is our care and support planned? – were rated as 'good'.

Staff were said to have “interacted warmly and respectfully with people” while people had “regular care staff who were on time”.

Under the first heading, the inspector said that there were “several strengths with the care provided and how this supported positive outcomes for people”.

The report reads: “People we spoke to were satisfied with the quality of the care and support received.

“The staff interactions were warm, kind and patient.

“People were supported to communicate in a way that was right for them, at their own pace, by people who knew them well.

“People did not feel rushed by staff when being supported.

“Care and support were carried out in a dignified way with personal preferences respected.”

Comments from people included that “they look after me beautifully” and “I think they are wonderful and they are helping me”.

Similarly, relatives also offered positive comments, including: “I do trust them and, as I do not live near, this is important to me.”

Several strengths were also identified in the leadership, while it was also noted that there was a detailed improvement plan which showed what improvements had been identified, actions and timescales.

The report added: “People experienced a consistent care team visiting them at home.

“The staff were regular and knew people well.

"Staff had time to provide support with compassion and engage in meaningful conversations.

“This ensured people benefited from a warm atmosphere because there are good working relationships.”

Finally, under ‘how well is our care and support planned’, the inspector again noted that there were “several strengths” with personal planning.

They added: “People's personal plans detailed each area of care, for example communication, and had personalised information regarding how best to support someone.

“However, there needs to be more focus regarding what people consider is important to them and the related outcomes they want to achieve.”