A north-east care home and its staff have been praised by health chiefs for their commitment to looking after residents.
Crosby House in Aberdeen has been awarded some of the best possible grades by the Care Inspectorate for the high level of support it provides.
The home is one of a number of services run by social care charity VSA which were inspected earlier this year.
All achieved top marks, including another home in the city, Ruthrieston House.
From planning fun activities for all the residents to investing in their staff, the inspectors said it was clear that management were committed to providing the best possible care.
VSA’s assistant director of social care and well-being, Jenny Ewan, said there was no excuse for homes that did not to put the needs of residents at the heart of what they do.
And she said moving into a care home should feel not like an end – but the beginning of another chapter in life that is just as fulfilling.
“The focus at VSA is always on the resident and what they want out of the home. It’s what makes this work,” she said.
“It’s not about us making decisions for people, it’s about them making decisions for themselves and us helping to achieve them.
“Care homes shouldn’t be used as baby-sitting services – it’s about looking at each person individually and ensuring their needs are being met.”
Mrs Ewan urged people who are looking for a home to visit them as many times as possible and to research Care Inspectorate reports thoroughly.
“You can go into a care home that maybe looks lovely on the surface, but you don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes,” she said.
“The inspections are completely unannounced, we never have a clue when they will turn up. And that’s for the best as you should have nothing to hide.
“It’s a big transition for people to move out their own home and it’s not a decision that can be made lightly or quickly.
“It’s about giving people the choice to live in a place where they will be safe, secure and well-cared for.”