STAFF at a respite service in Alloa have been praised following an unannounced inspection.

Elected representatives on the Partnership and Performance Committee said Ludgate House Resource Centre was one of the local services "to be proud of".

The praise came after papers for last Thursday's, January 16, meeting highlighted the results of an unannounced Care Inspectorate visit in November.

Ludgate House received grades of "very good" along with positive feedback.

Inspectors said: "The service provided a lovely level of encouragement and support for people to maintain their level of independence and abilities.

"Staff were respectful and warm when supporting people.

"It was obvious that staff were committed and motivated in providing a quality level of care and support to people using the service.

"The staff had a very calm and caring manner."

Ludgate House provides respite and short stay breaks as well as a short-term assessment service to older people in the Wee County with 24hour care for up to 11 folks.

The assessment element is key in ensuring people are not left in hospital while waiting for their permanent care provision.

Feedback from inspectors added: "Staff had developed warm and trusting working relationships with people being supported.

"People were well supported to maintain and strengthen their abilities and independence.

"The service was very good at considering people's views, needs and wishes.

"People felt listened to, and that wherever possible, the service arranged their support according to their choice and wishes."

Council leader Councillor Ellen Forson gave a big congratulations to local staff and services, saying there was a "lot of good work" ongoing in adult social care.

In an interview with the Advertiser earlier this month, she made clear one of her budget priorities will be to protect funding for such services as well as social care for children.

Labour's Cllr Kenny Earle, who lives near Ludgate House, said the service is something "we should be proud of".

Committee papers also revealed that a whopping 97 per cent of adults' services in the Wee County had been given grades of "good" or better.

Documents added that this is "significantly higher" than the 82 per cent average in Scotland and that no services had a "poor" or "unsatisfactory" rating as at the end of September 2019.

Cllr Forson added that this was a massive achievement for a local authority the size of the Wee County.