A care at home service in Lewis has been graded ‘excellent’ by inspectors for the sixth inspection in a row.
Crossroads Lewis Care Attendant Scheme received the highest grade possible for the quality of its care and support.
It follows a recent inspection by the Care Inspectorate.
The service provides round the clock care across Lewis, offering differing levels of support to about 64 service users at a time.
"Excellent" rating for respite care service
6 May 2016
The inspectors' report said: “The service delivered by Crossroads Lewis Care Attendant Scheme provides invaluable support to people who are the main carers for a family member.
"The support enabled the carer to have a break from their caring role by providing one to one support from support workers.
“Crossroads continues to provide short respite breaks for people in their own home. This is to take over the family carers' responsibilities, to allow the carer to have a break away from their home."
Inspectors added: "Feedback about this service was very positive as it allowed people to have a rest from caring, particularly valuable when other respite options were not suitable to their needs.
"People spoke highly about the service that they received and told us that they could happily leave their relative knowing that they were safe and well cared for.”
A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “This service demonstrated that what they provided was centred on the needs of the person being supported, and their family carer.
“It also provides support for people living alone. As well as providing practical assistance, this supports individuals who may be vulnerable, or who have additional needs, by providing companionship, social or emotional support.
“We have laid out in our inspection report areas where this service can further build on the outstanding work being done and will continue to support them to do this."