Balhousie Forth View, our care home based in Methil, has introduced a specialised Assessment Unit.
The unit offers placements for people for six weeks initially, then supports residents on their next steps, whether that’s a permanent placement within Forth View or another care home provider moving into long-term care.
Officially opening in November 2023, the unit, which has 15 beds, has been inundated with requests for admissions as a much-needed option for the local hospitals with patients who require further assessment to support with delayed discharges.
Currently, the new assessment unit is full and some residents have enjoyed their stay so much, they are moving upstairs to the main care home to become long-term members of the Forth View family.
The project has been a great success for the team at Forth View, repurposing what was previously a dementia unit that had several empty beds, merging the dementia unit with the main care home, and creating the assessment space that is proving to be a great support to the local community.
Denise Fleming, Home Manager at Balhousie Forth View, said:
“The Assessment Unit all came from a conversation with a social worker who said there was a need for assessment beds in Fife. Covid put a stop to many temporary options because of the risks involved at the time, so we realised there was a way we could help. Now, after plenty of consideration, planning and logistics, we have a wonderful – and very busy – Assessment Unit!”
As well as helping to support local hospitals and social care providers in the region, the Assessment Unit has created some new jobs, including Team Leader, Kim Davidson and Clinical Manager, William ‘Ben’ Robinson.
Now, Forth View is inviting the local community for a special Open Day, showcasing the Assessment Unit and its many benefits.
Rhona McGregor, Operations Manager at Balhousie Care Group, said:
“Forth View is unique in its service provision as, while we provide residential and nursing care to our older residents, we also have a Youth Physical Disability service within the home. The addition of the Assessment Unit is a great way to continue Forth View’s hard work to support and care for people across the community with varying care needs. We hope many people locally will come along to our Open Day to hear more about our new Assessment Centre and the fabulous work our team do here.”
Balhousie Forth View will hold an Open Day for visitors – welcomed with drinks and nibbles – to have a look around the Assessment Unit and meet the team. There will also be a chance to win a hamper!
