Official opening of first-class council care home

Well-wishers old and young gathered to witness the opening of one of Scotland’s most sustainable care homes.

Residents, local councillors and NHS Lothian and council representatives joined pupils from Liberton Primary School at Inch View, which first opened its doors in March.

Primary six pupils from the neighbouring school, who helped name the home, performed a specially written poem and sang a rendition of Dougie MacLean’s Caledonia to mark the occasion.

Commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council, the £8 million state-of-the-art building houses 52 residents from the former Balmwell House and Craigour care homes, many of whom suffer from dementia or other health problems.

The home is one of four built by the council since 2007, part of Live Well in Later Life, a joint ten-year plan with NHS Lothian.

Councillor Norman Work, vice-convenor for Health and Social Care at the council

“I can’t emphasise enough how purpose-built it is, it’s a fantastic facility. I’ve had a great response from the relatives who think it’s a brilliant home, and obviously the residents are delighted too.

“There’s more money being spent on older people now. The change in demographics means we need to invest more in proper facilities.”

Inch View features a host of ultra-modern features, including infra-red beams to detect if residents get up unexpectedly during the night, its own library and hairdresser and a purpose-built activity room with all day and evening entertainment.

Residents can also enjoy a garden and ‘wandering route’ as well as music piped into their bathrooms.

Councillor Work added: “These state of the art homes were designed in consultation with service users and the design sets the standard for other local authorities to follow.

“I have been very impressed with the facilities when at the home, which will give residents the opportunity to stay in accommodation which is more suitable to their needs, and gives them a better standard of living.”

Resident Jack Rutherford agreed that the home offered a good quality of life.

He said: “We get three good meals a day and in between times they go around with tea and biscuits. Everything is clean and the assistants work hard.”

Fellow resident David Crombie added: “I was at the Balmwell before. This is more modern and a better standard. It’s very nice and we’re well looked-after. The staff here are very helpful.”

Bob Anderson, Chair of the Edinburgh Community Health Partnership, said: “We welcome the development of this new care home and the benefits it will bring to the local community. This new development will help to improve the quality of life for the residents living in and around the Liberton and Gilmerton area.”