The Abbeyfield Stewartry Society has been providing supported housing facilities within the Stewartry area of Dumfries and Galloway since 1964.
We have two sheltered houses, both of which offer high quality accommodation for older people, completed to modern day standards of safety and security and offering excellent facilities. Our houses are intended for older people with applications generally considered from anyone over the age of 60. However, there are no set age limits with each case being considered on its own merits.
The service is registered with the Care Inspectorate and undergoes regular inspections to ensure the service we provide meets the required standards of care and support.
The Society is managed by a Board of Trustees who are all volunteers who have a wide skill base appropriate to the needs of the business. Being a Trustee for the Society allows you to assist with the provision of quality accommodation and support to the elderly people in the local community. New Trustees are always welcome.
Residents are cared for by a small, friendly, qualified staff team. All staff recruited by the Society are required to have a PVG scheme membership and two suitable references. They also undergo required training relevant to the provision to ensure they are competent in their role, and meet with Care Inspectorate regulations.
Both houses also have a “Friends” Committee comprising of volunteers who befriend the residents; they hold monthly meetings to organise activities and outings and also assist with providing transport enabling residents to attend medical appointments and social activities in the local area. If you have some spare time on your hands and becoming a Friend appeals to you, we are always looking for more members. Please get in touch with us if you are interested.
BOTHWELL - CASTLE DOUGLAS
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Bothwell House opened in 1982. It was renovated and developed in 2010 to provide supported accommodation for up to 13 residents over three floors, serviced by a lift.
All rooms have an en-suite wet room, breakfast bar and satellite TV and broadband connection. They also have an emergency alarm system and a member of staff is on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Two main meals are served every day in the communal dining room. We have laundry facilities as well as a room cleaning and laundry service.
The house has a pleasant garden where residents can sit out out, or even help to maintain.
STRATHDEE - KIRKCUDBRIGHT
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Strathdee supported house was bought in 1964. It had an extensive refurbishment completed in 2013, to provide a mixture of accommodation suitable for single or double occupancy, up to a maximum of 12 residents. It is served by a modern stairlift and offers the same facilities as Bothwell House.
The accommodation includes an en-suite wet room, kitchen area, telephone/broadband connection, facility for Sky TV and individually controlled central heating. Residents may furnish their room with their own treasured possessions.
The Society liaises closely with the Primary Health Care team and Social Services to ensure that residents are getting the support and care that they need, including help with preparing their breakfast, getting dressed, with medication, bathing or other personal care.
The totally inclusive charges are set at a level to cover costs and can be supported by relevant benefits depending on residents' circumstances.
We offer a four week trial period before residents have to make a decision to take up the offered accommodation.
All residents should be able to meet their own over-night care needs, however there is a staff member available in both houses should they be required due to illness or an emergency.
Some comments from residents and their families
“I love living here, it’s like a five star hotel but with family support. All the staff are so helpful and kind.”
“My Aunt is very happy at Bothwell House and has nothing but praise for the staff.”
“At present, you have cheerful, hardworking staff who genuinely care, in every aspect. Care and charity come from Caritas – the kind of self-giving love that make good things happen. Well done.”
“The Abbeyfield is an excellent home, well run and friendly. My mother has been a resident for almost 10 years and we thank you for the kind attention she has received.”
“ I am getting on living here very well, it is a comfortable way of living, good food, friendship and easy to keep in contact with the outside world.”
“ Facilities are good, I have quite a large area and I think I have one of the best views in the house.”
“ I like living here, this is my home, I am looked after well, always somebody there if I need them.”
“ I have lived here a couple of years now and l like it very much.”
“ It’s a real home from home.”
“ I am so lucky to be here things are just grand.”
“ Staff are extremely professional in all aspects.”
New in 2017
The Society is always looking at ways in which we can improve the service we provide to our residents and meet their changing needs. Over the past two years we have consulted with residents, their families, staff and stakeholders involved in the provision, to ascertain ways in which we could do this.
Feedback indicated that one of the main concerns of residents was that they may have to move on if their care needs increased, as we did not provide hands on care.
The Board of Trustees looked into this in great detail and took the decision to apply to the Care Inspectorate for registration as a Care at Home Service to run alongside the current Housing Support Service.
In April 2017 we gained this registration, which enables us to provide extra care to those residents who require it. The new registration will enable residents assessed by Social Services as requiring it, to have assistance with all aspects of personal care such as washing and dressing, oral care and assistance in managing medication.
This service, although provided by Abbeyfield Stewartry Society, is funded by the local council who currently provided free personal care to people over the age of 65 in Scotland who have been assessed as requiring it. This means it would not add to the cost of staying at either Bothwell House or Strathdee. Residents who move in and already have a care package with another provider are under no obligation to change and use our service - it is entirely their choice.
We hope the new provision will enhance the current service, enabling our residents to remain as independent as possible whilst providing the extra support they may need in order to do so and offering them continuity of care provided by a small, familiar team of experienced carers, leading to positive outcomes for all our current and future residents.