Monday June 8th 2026
Flexible Respite
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A respite service is providing “flexible friends” for older people in Tweedbank, an inspection has found.
Flexible Respite, based at Craw Wood, is registered to provide a support service to adults and older people with physical/sensory needs and/or memory impairment/dementia.
In addition it supports people with mental health conditions and/or a learning difficulty living in their own homes and in the community.
At the time of the announced but short notice inspection last month the service was supporting 23 people.
It was found that people experienced a high standard of well-being within the service, supported by strong relationships, consistent practice, and a flexible, person-centred approach.
Feedback from families and individuals was “overwhelmingly positive”, many described the care as “excellent, respectful, and holistic”, and delivered by staff who “genuinely understood the people they support”.
Medication support was minimal with any prompts clearly recorded within the service electronic system and subject to daily managerial audit.
This provided safe oversight and enabled early identification of any emerging issues.
Seizure management guidance was also in place which ensured any required intervention was delivered safely, promptly, and consistently.
Financial support was delivered transparently and tailored to individual needs. Most people managed their own money, and where additional support was required, structured processes were in place to reduce risk and protect both individuals and staff.
Evidence within the service electronic system demonstrated these systems were working effectively in practice and were audited daily.
The report states: “Overall, leadership was knowledgeable, proactive, and responsive, with effective systems in place to maintain oversight and ensure safe, consistent service delivery.
“The service was also recognised for supporting not only clients but also their relatives and carers, offering guidance, reassurance, and timely responses to concerns.
“The workforce was well trained, with staff completing a comprehensive programme of mandatory training.
“Supervision and appraisal processes had recently been updated, and competency checks were scheduled to take place across the team.
“People consistently reported very positive experiences of the staff supporting them.
“They described staff as amazing, super, all stars, and lovely people, the kind of individuals they would choose as friends.
“A small, consistent core team provided continuity and reassurance, which helped people feel safe, respected, and well supported.”
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