Ministerial visit showcases Glasgow’s Care at Home and Reablement Success

Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, spent the morning of Tuesday 16 December at Blair Court, Glasgow, meeting the dedicated staff at the heart of Glasgow’s Care at Home and Reablement services.

Accompanied by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Chief Officer Pat Togher and Samantha Flower, Occupational Therapy Lead for Partnerships, the visit offered a first-hand look at how our HSCP is transforming lives and supporting independence for thousands of patients, helping avoid unnecessary or prolonged hospital admissions.

Glasgow’s Home Care Service delivers an astonishing 81,693 visits every week, supporting over 4,100 of the city’s most vulnerable residents, with an average service user age of 78. The service operates 365 days a year, with 25 mobile teams covering the city from 7am to 10pm, and over 60% of care delivered out of hours to meet complex needs.

Reablement plays a key role: 75% of new service users start with a reablement package, and over 40% leave the service with no further care required — well above the citywide target.

Eighty-two percent of hospital discharges and 85% of community referrals receive reablement support, helping people regain confidence and skills after illness or crisis.

The average hours of care required per person decreases by 15% after reablement, freeing up resources to help more people stay at home safely.

The innovative ‘front door’ approach of our HSCP’s Health and Social Care Connect (HSCC) has reduced onward referrals by 70 to 75%, reducing waiting lists and ensuring people get the right support, first time.

Expert Occupational Therapy intervention enables alternative solutions to care and support, maximising individuals’ independence and often preventing the need for ongoing formal care.

Mr Arthur met with occupational therapists, reablement teams and service managers, hearing directly from those delivering care and was able to hear real-life stories demonstrating the service’s person-centred ethos. Through collaborative working, tailored interventions and a focus on what matters most to each individual, staff are helping people live well at home, reduce social isolation and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

After the visit Samantha commented: “I was extremely proud to showcase the excellent work local authority occupational therapists do every day, and it was lovely to see their contribution being acknowledged by the minister.”

The visit also highlighted Glasgow’s leadership in partnership working, digital innovation and continuous improvement. From rapid hospital discharge (80% home on the day of referral) to seamless collaboration with NHS and third sector partners, the service is setting the standard for integrated care.

Mr Arthur praised the dedication and professionalism of staff, recognising their vital role in supporting patients to live independently, with dignity and choice. The city’s Care at Home and Reablement services stand as an example of best practice, delivering real results for individuals, families and the wider community.

Robert Murray, our HSCP’s Interim Head of Care and Technical Services said: “The Care at Home and Reablement Team were delighted to welcome the Minister during his recent visit. The team had the opportunity to share the exceptional work they deliver every day, supporting some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable citizens to remain safely and independently in their own homes.”