The Care Inspectorate lent its support to National Care Home Open Day, as the Chair and Chief Executive visited a care home for older people in East Lothian. 

Almost 2500 care homes across the UK opened their doors to their local community on Friday 20 June 2013, in an initiative which has won the backing of Baroness Joan Bakewell.

The Care Inspectorate – the official care watchdog in Scotland – says visiting care homes is an important part in choosing a service, and is urging people to do lots of research before choosing a home that is right for their loved ones. Care-Home-Day---June-2013

Paul Edie, Chair, and Annette Bruton, Chief Executive visited Astley House Nursing Home in North Berwick to meet with residents and staff.  Paul Edie, Chair of the Care Inspectorate, said:

"Many families face difficult decisions when older relatives need to move into a care home. People need to do a lot of homework when choosing a care home – like making sure friends and relatives are close, and making sure specialist support is in place.  

“Visiting a care home is a really important way of helping people choose and we are happy to support National Care Home Open Day.

“We also urge people to check the latest inspection reports for any care home they are considering using. The Care Inspectorate visits every care home in Scotland regularly, and all our inspection reports are published freely on our website.

“When we inspect, we talk to staff and residents, observe practices that are going on, and examine at the fabric of the home itself. We then grade the quality of care, staffing, environment and leadership for each home. Our website also provides as summary of complaints that we have upheld and any enforcement action that may have been necessary. 

Care homes play such an important role in the later lives of so many people. While the majority of care homes in Scotland perform well, the Care Inspectorate does not hesitate to take action where necessary."