Our Edinburgh and Glasgow supported living services receive fresh new Care Inspectorate ratings!

Two of our Glasgow supported living services have received ratings of ‘Very Good’ from Scotland’s care regulator, the Care Inspectorate - after being inspected for the very first time!

The two services, run by Living Ambitions, part of the Lifeways Group, support a total of 20 adults, either in their own homes or in shared homes.

A further supported living service in Edinburgh also received a Care Inspectorate rating of ‘Good.’

Commenting on the new ratings, Fiona Barrie-Higgins, our Regional Director for Scotland, said:

“Achievement is not just about reaching the goal, but the values and choices that guide us there.

“These results recognise the daily dedication, exceptional care, commitment, and hard work of our people, supported to ensure that they live their best lives. I’m very proud!”

Lifeways in Scotland provides supported living and residential services at over 130 locations around Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, North and South Lanarkshire, the Highlands, and Inverness.

The provider also runs Loch Park Day Centre, a unique lochside service in the heart of the Highlands in Keith, Moray.

All our Scottish services are regulated by the Care Inspectorate and other regulatory bodies.

The Care Inspectorate provides care services in Scotland with one of six ratings: 6 – excellent, 5 – very good, 4 – good, 3 – adequate, 2 – weak, and 1 – unsatisfactory.

Here’s a summary of the Care Inspectorate’s findings across the three supported living services.

‘Warm and compassionate care’: Glasgow South East Registration 1

At these supported living services, collectively known as Glasgow South and East 1, we provide care for nine people living in their own homes or shared homes.

The Care Inspectorate carried out an unannounced inspection of the service, which is made up of four houses, over a period of three days in July 2024. These visits marked the regulator’s first inspection of the service.

After the Care Inspectorate’s visit, the service received its very first rating: ‘Very Good.’

What the Care Inspectorate report says about our east Glasgow supported living services:

• “We observed warm and compassionate care and interactions between people and staff which were kind and friendly.”
• “Carers knew people well and had supported them often over a sustained
• period of time… interactions were personal and meaningful, and…carers knew how to meet people's needs.”
• “People told us: ‘I like all the staff’ and ‘I'm really happy with my support.’
• “Families… felt their relatives were being supported by the right staff.”

‘Continued improvement’

Commenting on the inspection’s findings, Heather Laughlan, a Lifeways Quality Manager in Scotland, said:

“We strive for excellence daily and are aware of what is working well and where we will further develop.

“The service is now developing a continuous improvement plan, ensuring the views and opinions of the people we support, team members, relatives, carers, and visiting professionals are at the heart of our continued improvement journey.”

The full report is available to read on the Care Inspectorate website.

‘Kind and caring’: Glasgow South East Registration 2

At these supported living services, collectively known as Glasgow South East 2, we provide housing support and care in east Glasgow for 11 people in the area with learning disabilities or autism. The Care Inspectorate carried out an unannounced inspection of the service, which is made up of four houses, over a period of two days in August 2024. These visits marked the regulator’s first inspection of the service.

After the Care Inspectorate’s visit, the service received its very first rating: ‘Very Good.’

What the Care Inspectorate report says about our east Glasgow supported living services:

• “We…visited people in their homes and witnessed kind and caring interactions between people and staff team members who were supporting them.”
• “People were enabled to get the most out of life and get involved in a wide range of activities they enjoyed… This wide range of activities and events was evaluated regularly to ensure that it met people's needs and wishes.”
• “Many staff had worked in the service for some time and knew people's needs well. Staff demonstrated detailed knowledge and skills when supporting people”
• “People using the service, and staff, benefited from a warm atmosphere because there were good working relationships.”

‘Thrilled’

Commenting on the inspection’s findings, Sanchia Daly, the Registered Manager (whose team is pictured celebrating the new rating at the top of this article) said:

“We are thrilled to have received such positive feedback from the Care Inspectorate on our very first inspection.

“Being graded as ‘very good’ is a testament to the dedication and compassion of our staff, who consistently go above and beyond to support the people we care for.

“Their extensive knowledge and genuine commitment to improving lives are at the heart of everything we do, and we will continue to strive for excellence in helping people live life to the fullest.”

The full report is available to read on the Care Inspectorate website.

‘Focussed on promoting people's independence’: Living Ambitions Edinburgh and the Lothians

Our Edinburgh and the Lothians service provides housing support and care at people’s homes. The service supports 14 people living with learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, physical disabilities, and mental health issues.

The inspection from the Care Inspectorate was carried out over two days in July and August. After the Care Inspectorate’s visit, the service was rated ‘Good.’

What the Care Inspectorate report says about our Edinburgh and the Lothians service:

• “Staff interactions with people experiencing care and support were warm, encouraging and focussed on promoting people's independence.”
• “Staff spent time getting to know people and knew people's history and interests. This meant that trusting relationships were formed between people and the staff who supported and cared for them.”
• “Relatives confirmed they were able to freely visit their loved ones at a time of their choosing. People often left their homes to attend events or visit friends and family in the community.”
• “When asked what they enjoyed about their work, one staff member commented: ‘just the smiles on their faces. You know they're content in their life.’”

‘A testament’

Commenting on the inspection’s findings, Registered Manager Michael Williams said:

“We are thrilled to celebrate our recent Grade 4 and Grade 5 ratings from the Care Inspectorate, a testament to the exceptional care and dedication of our team. These high grades reflect our commitment to providing outstanding support and ensuring the well-being of those we care for.”

He added:

“It's a proud moment for everyone involved, and we remain dedicated to maintaining these high standards as we continue to nurture a positive, compassionate environment. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this achievement!”

The full report is available to read on the Care Inspectorate website.

Fresh leadership

These ratings come after the appointment of Fiona Barrie-Higgins, our Regional Director for Scotland, earlier this year.

Then, in June, Lifeways and Living Ambitions joined the Association for Real Change (ARC) Scotland’s Charter for Involvement.

The Charter for Involvement aims to help people who receive support in Scotland get involved in their services, the organisations that run the services, and their wider communities.

 

About Living Ambitions and Lifeways:

Our Scottish services are run by Living Ambitions, part of the Lifeways Group, which delivers adult support services across the UK.

These services include supported living, residential care, outreach services, respite care and support at home, with the aim of helping people live as independently as possible.

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Youtube