Blantyre LIFE has delivered ‘phenomenal’ care, supporting 200 people through reablement while significantly reducing length of stay in its first full year of operation.

A special event was held to mark the anniversary of the pioneering housing and care campus that champions the ‘home for life’ approach.

Residents past and present joined staff and senior leaders to share personal stories of recovery and independence, highlighting the vital role Blantyre LIFE plays in helping individuals transition back to independent living without prolonged hospital stays.

Raymond Walters, whose 82-year-old mother Maria from East Kilbride has been receiving care at Blantyre LIFE, expressed his gratitude for the outstanding support provided.

He said: “My mum arrived on Christmas Eve and the care she has received has been absolutely phenomenal. She is getting back to her old self. She has worked part-time in TK Maxx for 20 years and is incredibly independent — she’d go back to work today if she could!”

Raymond praised the facilities, noting that Maria’s apartment has everything she needs to regain confidence in daily living, including a kitchen, fridge and microwave.

He added: “I’m over the moon with this place, it’s a breath of fresh air. The staff here have given my mum her independence back, helping her learn to fend for herself again. This facility is second to none, it’s a perfect bridge between leaving hospital and getting back home, rebuilding confidence every step of the way. This place really has been there for her when she needed it.”

Olivia Gemmell and Raymond Walters. (Image: ugc)

Another resident, Marie Pettigrew, 89 is originally from Glasgow and moved to Chapelton during the Second World War evacuation. Her mum’s parents came to Scotland from Italy and opened an ice cream shop. Her dad was in the army and husband worked for the RAF, while her son was born in Singapore and daughter in Northern Ireland.

Marie said: “I’ve been well travelled and I’m now looking forward to getting home. Blantyre LIFE has been great to help me get back on my feet. The staff have all been brilliant.

“I’ve lived in my house since I was a wee girl, and while it’s too big for me now, I was determined to get back home. After four or five weeks here, I can do everything myself again. My son is picking me up today and I couldn’t be happier.”

Olivia Gemmell (right) and Marie Pettigrew. (Image: ugc)

Hannah Wade and Olivia Gemmell, social work assistants since the facility’s opening in March 2023, shared their passion for supporting residents on their journey to independence.

“I help residents settle back into their homes, ensuring all the necessary equipment is in place for a smooth transition,” said Hannah. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see people thrive and regain their independence.”

Reflecting on success stories, Hannah highlighted a resident, Betty, who initially struggled to walk but left Blantyre LIFE fully mobile and without the need for additional mobility aids.

“These are the moments that make this job so fulfilling,” she said.

Hannah Wade (left) and Soumen Sengupta with a resident. (Image: ugc)

James Douglas, support worker and key worker at Blantyre LIFE, said: “It’s incredible to see the transformation in people from when they arrive to when they leave. Many come in at a low point, but with the right support and encouragement, they regain their confidence and independence.

“This service is a crucial bridge between hospital and home. Going straight from a hospital environment — where everything is supervised — to independent living can be overwhelming, but here, we help people adjust at their own pace.

“Residents do the hard work themselves — we just provide the right tools, guidance and reassurance. Seeing them thrive and return home stronger is what makes this job so rewarding.”

Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Hearing these incredible stories of recovery and renewed independence is truly inspiring. It’s heartening to see the real, positive impact Blantyre LIFE has had on individuals and their families across South Lanarkshire.”

The facility also enabled a significant improvement in terms of average length of stay, falling from 44 in the previous model to 27 days in 2024.

Professor Sengupta added: “This outstanding facility not only reduces reliance on long-term nursing and residential care but also plays a crucial role in contribution to the wider range of actions being undertaken to improve unscheduled care and tackle delayed discharges.

“This service is a testament to the dedication of our teams and the power of partnership working. My sincere thanks go to all the colleagues who have worked tirelessly to bring this exceptional service to life for the benefit of the entire South Lanarkshire community.”

Lesley McDonald, chair of the Integration Joint Board (IJB), said: “It’s been a real privilege to meet the residents and hear first-hand how Blantyre LIFE has supported their recovery. Their stories highlight just how vital this service is in enabling people to rebuild their confidence and return home safely.

“What struck me most during the visit was the genuine warmth and compassion shown by the staff. Their care and dedication were so evident in every conversation – it’s clear they go above and beyond to support residents in their journey back to independence.”

Find out how South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership are providing support to people. You can watch short films providing a unique glimpse into what Blantyre LIFE is and why it has been created, by visiting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayklX8esbdI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgzV1xvTzho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUFJzkXiTpo

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