‘Heart of the community’ Nordalea rated highly by inspectors
AN UNST care home and day service has received an overwhelmingly positive report after a surprise inspection this month.
Nordalea care home and support service were both highly praised by Care Inspectorate Scotland after an unannounced visit on 8 and 9 September.
Staff at the day service in particular were praised for consistently going the extra mile to service users.
The care home, which was providing support to seven adults at the time, was rated as “very good” for its care of people’s wellbeing.
And the day service was also rated as “very good” for its staff team, setting and its support of people’s wellbeing.
Care Inspectorate Scotland also found that six improvements it had requested from the Nordalea care home had all been met when it inspectors visited earlier this month.
Nordalea, which is based in Unst and operated by Shetland Islands Council, can provide residential and respite care for up to seven adults as a care home.
Its day service, which is housed in a different part of the building, can support up to 12 adults on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Inspectors visited the building across two days in early September, and said they found that people in the care home were being treated with “dignity, compassion and kindness”.
“People and their families provided positive feedback about the service and the support they received,” they said.
“One family member told us, ‘it gives me peace of mind knowing he is looked after’.”
There was a “reassuring, consistent and welcoming nature” to Nordalea care home, inspectors found.
People experienced positive relationships with each other and the staff, and had ample opportunities to maintain social connections.
“There was strong evidence of meaningful, person-centred activity and community engagement throughout the inspection,” the report added.
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“Staff demonstrated a good understanding of what was important to people living in the service and took positive steps to support individual interests and maintain connections with aspects of their lives that were meaningful to them.”
For example, Care Inspectorate Scotland said one resident was supported to watch a live sheep sale in Lerwick that they were interested in.
Staff feedback was also positive, with members describing feeling well supported in their roles.
“One staff member shared, ‘I love my job here, we all want the best for the residents’,” inspectors said.
“Staff reported that management had become more stable and valued the open-door approach, feeling comfortable seeking guidance, raising concerns and sharing feedback.
“They also highlighted the support provided during personal challenges, reflecting a caring, responsive and supportive workplace culture.”
The day service at Nordalea was also highly praised, with one family member calling it the “heart of the community”.
“A person receiving support shared that they enjoyed getting out on the bus and accompanying staff when collecting people for the day centre,” inspectors said.
“Activities within the service reflected a warm, inclusive and community-focused atmosphere.
“Intergenerational activities, including visits from local schoolchildren, promoted meaningful social interaction and community connection.
“Staff were committed to people and consistently went the extra mile to meet each person’s needs.”
Staff feedback was also positive, with members describing feeling well supported in their role.
One staff member said: “I love my job here, and I have lots of things I want to try”.
Inspectors also praised the “modern” design of the day service space, which they said was purpose built to support people with a range of needs.
“There were a range of indoor and outdoor spaces available which were spacious, bright and adaptable and could be used to accommodate small and larger group activities.”
The care home was rated as “very good” for support of people’s wellbeing and “good” for its leadership overall.
And the day service was rated “very good” for support of people’s wellbeing, staff team and setting, and “good” for leadership and care and support planning.
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