"Social care of my sister who has long term incapacity"

My sister has long term incapacity with autism and seizures and has been in care with Fife Services since a very young age (she is now in her 60s). As a family, we are thrilled with the care she receives from the Adult Service team, and praise wholeheartedly the fantastic changes in the last 30 years in how adults with learning issues are supported.

Aspects of care which we have admired are:

-The home environment: After early years in an institution, my sister moved firstly to a communal home for four service users, and then more recently (due to behavioural issues in shared accommodation) to single accommodation with a carer. Staff have always been pro-active in making her environment safe, clean and attractive for her, including considering sensory stimuli such as attractive lighting which she can enjoy despite her limitations.

-Equipment: Staff suggested and facilitated the lease of a mobility vehicle and met stringent safety standards to enable my sister to have more excursions. All furniture has been made as safe as possible due to seizure risk.

-Staff: My sister's carers have been uniformly excellent, always well informed when we have questions, liaising when there are issues and above all, delivering their exemplary care with warmth and affection. On top of their professionalism, this is really key to my sister's quality of life. Many other specialists (epilepsy team, vaccination nurses, GP and local A and E etc.) have also been wonderful when needed.

-Recreation: Whenever it is safe (i.e. seizure frequency and behavioural issues, which are monitored carefully, are under control), staff introduce activities for my sister, including new competencies and tasks which she can undertake. These opportunities for her to participate as fully as possible in society are truly appreciated. She has also been taken on holidays, mainly to holiday cabins in Scotland, but also to visit family in England and to Euro Disney. These represent a huge commitment by staff, but have been joyful.

-Framework for care delivery: As her legal guardian, I am delighted how well staff keep us informed with quarterly reports covering all aspects of my sister’s well-being, and immediate emails and calls when there are issues. I have felt involved and listened to. Most recently, it was delightful for our mother (now unable to make the journey to Scotland) to be able to see my sister in her new flat during a virtual Person Centred Review.

Overall, the care provided for my sister is outstanding. Quite simply, it allows her, despite her issues, to live her best life. Many thanks.