Inverness holiday firm catering for adults with additional needs impresses Care Inspectorate
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A small Inverness company that offers tailor-made holidays to adults with additional needs has received a positive report.
Trusted Travel Buddies Ltd received a online “virtual” visit at short notice by the Care Inspectorate on January 17 and received “very good” ratings, the second highest given.
The service will support people living in the Highlands, on an individual basis, to plan and book a holiday which takes into account their individual travel needs. It then provides the support or assistance required to enable the chosen holiday to proceed.
Inspectors spoke to people who had experience of the service over the past couple of years including people who used the service, or in some cases their relatives, or professionals within their circle of support.
The report stated: “Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and it was evident that people had enjoyed and benefited from their individual holiday experience.
“People told us that Trusted Travel Buddies were ‘magic’ and that they would score them 10 out of 10.
“Each person we spoke to described the service as being reliable, organised and with an attention to detail in preparing all aspects of the trip.”
Inspectors found also that the manager and staff member communicated effectively with people, and took time to get to know individuals, and their respective support teams.
“A number of people told us that they had already booked their next holiday through Trusted Travel Buddies and that they were very much looking forward to this,” added the report.
From this inspection it was evaluated that support of people’s wellbeing was Very Good, and the same rating was given for Trusted Travel Buddies care and support regarding Covid.
The report added: “It was evident that people using the service, and their representatives, experienced compassion, dignity and respect. People we spoke to described a warm, friendly and kind approach.
“Trusted Travel Buddies offers an entirely individualised service, within which people were offered choices, rights were promoted and individual dignity protected. Individuals and their representatives were fully included in directing all aspects of the holiday planning.
“There was no doubt that people experienced good outcomes.”
Ms Macleod said: “We are delighted with the progress we have made despite Covid, and we are starting to build a good community of clients again, although we managed to organise some staycations.”
