A Carnoustie care home has been described as “supportive” and “wonderful” in a Care Inspectorate report that awarded it high ratings for its care.

Balhousie Brookfield, part of the Balhousie Care Group, has secured two Grade 5 ratings from the Care Inspectorate after the official body made a surprise visit late last year.

Balhousie Brookfield care home was awarded a ‘Very Good’ rating of Grade 5 for how well the home ‘supports people’s wellbeing’ and how well ‘care and support’ is planned. The Care Inspectorate found that staff demonstrated a “very good understanding of people’s specific individual needs” and “supported people with respect and kindness.”

Describing Brookfield as having a “homely atmosphere” where they saw “much enjoyment and laughter”, the Care Inspectorate highlighted the residential care home’s commitment to planning the care and support provided to is residents. This was carried out through a series of audits designed to manage the performance of the service including systems to ensure staff training requirements were met, residents’ finances were managed effectively and ensuring the safety of all stakeholders.

Residents and relatives described staff as “wonderful” and the home manager, Sarah-Jane Patterson, as “very supportive” in the Care Inspectorate’s report. Sarah-Jane and the team at Brookfield are delighted with the new ratings. Sarah-Jane said:

“Our latest Gradings from the Care Inspectorate is a reflection of the exceptional work of our team here at Balhousie Brookfield and it is hugely well deserved. Our focus on personalised care for each of our residents and providing a comfortable and safe environment is of the most importance to us and we are proud for this to have been acknowledged so positively by the Care Inspectorate.”

Claire Docherty, Head of Operations at Balhousie Care Group, added:

“The work Sarah-Jane and the team at Balhousie Brookfield have carried out to achieve two Grade 5 ratings is fantastic. Providing personalised care in a safe and welcoming environment is at the heart of what we do and Brookfield have demonstrated their commitment to this and, as a result have been recognised by the Care Inspectorate.”

These Care Inspectorate ratings follow a highly successful period for Balhousie Care Group, which is one of the leading providers of care for the elderly with 25 care homes across North East Scotland. Balhousie Wheatlands care home, based in Bonnybridge, gained ‘excellent’ Grade 6 ratings from the Care Inspectorate for its “sensitive, patient and caring staff” for the second year in a row last November.

The organisation, which employs 1300 people, has received several awards in 2018 alone including a RCNi 2018 Leadership Award for Yvonne Manson, dementia nurse consultant, for her innovative work in dementia practices.