A DEDICATED team which provides care and support services to people living in their own home, sheltered housing or adapted accommodation has been recognised with a national award.

West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (WD HSCP) - Care at Home Team were presented with a special award for Collaborative Working in an Integrated Setting at the Scottish Association of Social Work Awards.

The team impressed judges with their dedicated care which helps residents who need care, remain at home.

The team were also praised for their part in delivering a crucial part of the partnership’s integrated provision for older people and those in need.

As well as an excellent core service, the team created an integrated out of hours care service and district nursing service to respond effectively to risks and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

Staff were commended for helping residents recover at home from hospital stays and injuries by providing care at home.

In 2015 and 2016 the service, which predominately provides care to residents over 65, provided 9,000 hours of care and delivered care to 36 per cent of people with intensive needs, and to 98 per cent of people who were assessed with complex care needs.

A recent Home Care survey received great feedback from residents with, 98 per cent of clients agreeing or strongly agreeing that the Care at Home service made them feel safer in their home and 99 per cent said their contact with Home Carers has improved their quality of life.

Keith Redpath, Chief Officer for WD HSCP, said: "This award is very well deserved recognition and a great achievement for everyone connected with our home care service. Residents are receiving top quality care and being supported to stay in the comfort of their own homes which brings great benefits to being cared for at home. I would like to thank the all the staff for their part in delivering a first-class service to our residents."

Chris McNeil, Head of Community Health and Care Services, added: "We recognise that more people are living independently at home through the dedicated work of our skilled and committed staff, who deliver high quality services throughout West Dunbartonshire. This win recognises the excellent services and support they provide and is testament to their hard work."