AN ALEXANDRIA care home has been praised by inspectors.

Balquhidder House care home on Charleston Way was given the second highest possible rating by the Care Inspectorate for the level of support given to residents, as well as how the support has been planned out, following an inspection earlier this month.

The home can hold 65 elderly residents, and boasts a specialist dementia unit in the lower floor of the building.

Inspectors were told by residents that staff at the home were very attentive to their needs, even going as far as helping them choose their clothes in the morning.

Read more: In Pictures: Alexandria care home Balquhidder House celebrates summer fete

One relative told the inspectors: “The ethos and culture at Balquhidder are first class. Residents appear to be valued and respected by staff. The environment is excellent, providing opportunities to go outside and to have privacy during visits.

“Occasions like birthdays, Christmas etc. are celebrated enthusiastically.

“We were especially impressed by the ‘Sunday Lunch’ occasion for our relative, which enabled her to enjoy a family occasion with a number of her relatives."

Another praised the actions of staff in responding to a health emergency, spotting changes in their relative quickly, and being able to identify any medical help which was necessary.

One other relative said: “My mother in law couldn’t get better care. The home is like a five star hotel.”

Click here for all the latest news in Dumbarton and the Vale

In a breakdown of grades for the health benefits seen in residents due to their care, residents getting the most of life, and compassionate and respectful treatment, the home scored highly.

Sandra McCombie, the business support manager at the care home told the Reporter: “The only word we can use is chuffed.

“We’re a family-run business and we work really hard to make sure that our residents get the best level of care they can.

“It’s fantastic to get the feedback we did. You couldn’t ask for better.”