A new initiative at an Edinburgh care home means that residents now receive twice-weekly visits from a local GP.
The initiative has ensured that residents at the 74-bed Cramond Residence have access to healthcare on a private basis to help them with accessibility and to prevent potential issues before they occur.
The GP visits are included within the home’s current rates and have been designed to complement each resident’s personal care plans, bringing together all aspects of a person’s wellbeing – from nutritional advice and emotional welfare to physiotherapy and organised activities.
Cramond Residence adopts a small group living philosophy spread across three floors, whereby groups of eight rooms form distinct ‘houses’ where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.
Client liaison manager Christian Daraio said: “Some of our residents are frail and lack mobility, making getting to the doctor’s a stressful and daunting experience. That is why we were exceptionally keen to offer our residents access to a GP without having to leave the comfort of their own homes.
“We set up a special clinic in the home where our visiting GP holds twice weekly private consultations for routine check-ups and residents can advise our onsite care team if they would like an appointment.
“The collaborative approach has been offered since we first opened in 2018 and is a unique feature that is much appreciated by residents and their family members. It gives peace of mind that a loved one has direct access to expert health professionals – on top of our day-to-day care.”