A north-east care home has been applauded for providing a “homely relaxed atmosphere” for people with mental health issues.
That was the verdict of a recent Care Inspectorate report into Arrdeir House in Aberdeen.
The home, run by the charity VSA, offers long-term accommodation for adults living with mental health conditions.
Inspectors graded it “excellent” in terms of quality of environment and “very good” in the remaining three categories – quality of environment, quality of staffing and quality of management and leadership.
The service, which was previously known as Glenmohr, moved to Arrdeir House in 2012 and can house up to 10 residents.
Elspeth Donald lived in Glenmohr and has been at the new home since it opened.
She said: “I like it here, it’s a really pretty house and we’ve got our own garden and greenhouse.
“We have our own rooms, that’s what I like most. The staff don’t bother us, but they are lovely.
“We can go anywhere in Scotland with our own bus passes. We have our own personal freedom.
“There’s much more of a variety of things going on than there was in Glenmohr – there’s much more freedom here.”
Bosses say this freedom is an essential part of the support the home offers.
Sheila Main, general manager, added: “The main aim of the service is to promote independence and concentrate on recovery.
“The residents are really quite independent and have become more so since we moved here.
“They have got their own private rooms and also the communal areas as well.
“It’s important for them to know staff are here 24/7 but the beauty of this property is they can be as independent as they like.
“The option is there for residents to be here till the end of their life if they want to.
“About 10 years ago we had a couple married, who have since moved on, and we have supported people to move on to their own tenancies.
“Their independence is very important for families and carers, and they are heavily involved in their support.”