Inverness, Black Isle, Beauly, Muir of Ord and Conon Bridge care-at-home service, Contrast Care, rated ‘very good’ by inspectors from the Care Inspectorate following surprise Highland visit
A home care service which assists residents in parts of Inverness and Ross-shire has received a glowing report from inspectors.
Contrast Care, which is run out of Beauly, currently provides support to around 75 people living in and around Inverness, Beauly, Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge and the Black Isle.
And a surprise visit by inspectors in early October rated it "very good" across the board.
It scored "very good" ratings - or five our of a maximum six - for its support of people's wellbeing, the quality of its staff team, and how well its care and support is planned.
Issuing its findings, the Care Inspectorate said Contrast Care provided "very good quality care".
"People using the service were happy with the support they received," the report said.
"People's health and wellbeing was supported to a very good standard," said the inspectors. "People we spoke with, or who submitted questionnaires, were very happy with the service they received. Feedback was consistently positive."
They continued: "Staff worked well together which had a positive impact on people's care and support.
"We received many positive comments in relation to the staff who provided the service."
They added: "We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff about how they were supported by the service leadership and management.
"They confirmed that they had received regular professional supervision and were supported to attend a range of training to help them in their role. There was a culture of openness, where staff raised issues for discussion.
"Staff spoke positively about the work of the team and the meaningful impact it had on people experiencing care."
Moving onto the service's planning of care and support, the inspectors said: "Care and support planning was functioning at a very good level."
"People told us that the service engaged with them regularly to ensure that their views were taken into account."
The inspectors added that staff were "well trains and supported" and that "the service benefited from effective leadership and management who demonstrated a caring ethos".
"There was a positive approach towards service development".