1st Focus Homecare

26 Castlebrae Business Centre, Peffer Place, Edinburgh EH16 4BB
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Top 20 award
9.9 38 Reviews
  • 1st Focus Homecare, Edinburgh
Mission:

To provide an unparalleled level of care (to the residents of Edinburgh) which maintains dignity, choice, independence, health and happiness.

Vision:

•        To promote the health and well-being of clients and their families by providing high-level, cost-effective solution to care at home.

•        To provide a service with integrity and expertise in a kind and gentle manner that preserves and respects dignity, choice and happiness.

•        To be a leader in the development of innovative services that enable people to function as independently as possible in their own homes and community.

•        To be a fair, transparent and honest employer who is committed to make each individual member of staff part of a (the) team.

Values:

•        Integrity: To treat clients and employees with dignity, respect and kindness at all times.

•        Compassion: All clients deserve to be treated equally and 1st Focus Homecare recognise the personal worth of every person they serve.

•         Quality: Focus on continuous quality improvement in the pursuit of excellence. 1st Focus Homecare strive to exceed the expectations of their clients by committing to deliver quality care and value in every aspect of its work.
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Care Provided by 1st Focus Homecare

Types of Home Care

  • Visiting Care
  • Live-in Care
  • 24 Hour Care
  • Overnight Care (Waking)
  • Overnight Care (Sleeping)

Minimum Visit Duration (Visiting Care)

  • 30 minutes

Contract Durations

  • Ongoing / Long Term
  • Respite / Short Term

Age Ranges

  • Older Person Care (65+)

Personal Care Services

  • Washing & Dressing
  • Toileting Assistance
  • Medication Assistance (Oral)
  • Companionship
  • Continence Care
  • Feeding & Drinking Assistance

Household Services

  • Cleaning Service
  • Food Preparation & Serving

Other Care Provided

  • Dementia
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Hospital Discharge

Funding & Fees

  • Hourly Visiting Care Fees: £35 – £38
  • Weekly Live-in Care Fees: £1950 – £1950

Please contact the team to discuss care package options that suit your needs.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact 1st Focus Homecare to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Private Funding (Self-funded)
  • Direct Payments (from Local Authority/NHS)
  • Local Authority (Contracted Provider)
  • NHS (Contracted Provider)
Explain these funding types

Good to Know

Owner

  • 1st Focus Homecare

Person in charge

  • Scott Falconer (Director)

1st Focus Homecare Reviews (38)

9.9

1st Focus Homecare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.862) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time 1st Focus Homecare has 38 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 38
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  • 19
  • 19
Reviewer Connection to 1st Focus Homecare
  • 11
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Total of 38, showing 21-38
Review from Sue S (Daughter of Client) published on 19 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the service provided. Professional and reliable. My mum enjoys her weekly visits and it’s a relief for the family to know that someone is going in to see her. She likes to have a cup of tea and a chat with the carer. She also needs help with housework, shopping etc. which she gets.
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Review from B D (Husband of Client) published on 25 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We needed some care and companionship for my wife after a long spell in hospital. 1st Focus Homecare was very responsive and quickly came up with the needed support at very short notice. The two members of staff quickly built a good relationship with my wife and they couldn't have been more helpful
or flexible in their approach.
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Review from T L (Client) published on 24 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
10/10.
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Review from C M (Son of Client) published on 24 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We needed some companionship for our mother twice a week and this was organised quickly for us. The two members of staff have developed a very good rapport with her in a short period of time. Our father is currently having some mobility issues and so we have increased our care. Again, this has been
dealt with very efficiently to meet our needs. We have been very happy with the level of care and service.
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Review from K M (Son of Client) published on 12 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Focus Homecare has been providing care for my mum since mid-2022. A home visit was conducted to meet my mother and I, helping to establish an appropriate care package. My mother was listened to and her needs and wishes were taken fully on board. My mum had a desire for fixed carers and this has
been catered to. One or two minor teething problems, as is to be expected in any new relationship as an understanding develops. Importantly where issues arose, 1st Focus were easily contactable and resolved any issues as soon as possible. 1st Focus carers have developed a great relationship with my mother and she is always delighted to see them. Care notes are always input, giving an additional level of reassurance.
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Review from J N (Daughter of Client) published on 17 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Overall care of my mother is excellent. Staff are courteous, friendly and go over and about their duty. Mum is really grateful for their hard work and social skills they have, it makes her day to see them as they come through the door. Mum loves to see familiar faces and has struck up friendships with
those who see her often.
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Review from Ian W (Son of Client) published on 28 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Professional carers, carry out their duties with dignity and kindness. Punctual with all visits and will discuss any concerns relating to care immediately. High standard and person-centred approach in care. Strong managerial support and transparency. Always happy to discuss any aspects of care with
an understanding of both the needs of the client and relatives.
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Review from F G (Daughter of Client) published on 7 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Focus Homecare have cared for my mum for the past five years and I can honestly say they are excellent! They are very flexible and will respond very quickly to any concerns/issues, of which I have to say are minimal! Compared to other companies I have heard about from colleagues, there is little
comparison. Always arrive on time, at the specified time and as far as possible with the same two carers alternating, providing consistency not only for Mum but me too! If this is not possible, the company will always try to send out cover staff who know Mum, again, providing her with the reassurance she needs. Good care notes provide me with an update on returning home from work. It is very reassuring that I can rely on the fact that there is someone who is checking she is safe and well cared for during the day, as I work full time.
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Review from P C (Sister of Client) published on 6 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
At the moment we are very satisfied with the care that my sister receives from 1st Focus, especially from management when we have had occasion to contact them. Although there appears to have been high turnover of staff, it seems to have been effectively managed, which must be hard for those in charge.
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Review from Shirley M (Daughter of Client) published on 6 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Focus Homecare has recently taken over the care of my mum. The family are very pleased with all aspects of the care provided. The carers arrive on time and are all very friendly and attentive, and my mum is very happy with each and every one of them.
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Review from Anthony L (Son of Client) published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Focus are an excellent service. The carers have been superb with my mum, who has Alzheimer's. There are too many examples of the ways in which they have helped her and us as a family to list here, but we are all very grateful indeed and could not cope without them, as I do not live nearby my mum.
The care notes, regular updates and messages all keep us informed on how we can work together to provide care for my mum.
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Review from E A (Client) assisted by family/friend published on 11 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am very pleased with the service that I have received from 1st Focus Homecare. From the carers through to management, who also support me at home. Basically, I am in bed most of the time. I have Secondary Progressive (MS) Multiple-Sclerosis and Breast Cancer. In these uncertain times, I feel very
vulnerable with this virus about; as I'm very vulnerable. However, I believe that there may be a number of visiting carers working for this company who are not vaccinated and have no intention of getting vaccinated. Could you please ask why the company wasn't putting pressure on these staff? As it's selfish; not just their decision but the poor vulnerable service users they visit. In England, it's the law!
Reply from Scott Falconer, Director at 1st Focus Homecare

Hi. Firstly I would like to thank you for taking the time to review 1st Focus Homecare. In relation to staff vaccinations, this is a conversation that we have already had and unfortunately, our position hasn't changed. We have and continue to ask staff on a regular basis to have their vaccinations, but we have very little power in forcing people against their own free will to have the vaccines. I share your frustration on this matter but the honest truth is if we were to give staff an ultimatum of losing their jobs if they remain unvaccinated we wouldn't have enough staff to run the company. In relation to English law, I really think this is a question for your local MSP as I have no say in Scottish legislation, although if the Scottish Government do make vaccines mandatory for all health and social care I would be very quick to enforce this. Kind regards.

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Review from J G (Client) published on 8 December 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two carers, both are satisfactory. Staff are the most experienced. I have had one of the carers for quite a while and would be sorry to lose her. The other carer has been with me for less time. She is less experienced but willing to learn. The carer I have had for longer is a good person for
my most recent carer to learn from.
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Review from V D (Client) published on 29 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very pleased with my care from all the staff from 1st Focus Homecare. They are all very kind and show great kindness to me at all times. I am treated with dignity, respect and kindness.
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Review from Victoria E (Niece of Client) published on 13 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Over the past few years, my Uncle has had the experience of having used several companies providing personal care. Without doubt 1st Focus has stood head and shoulders above them all! The care and compassion shown by carers and office staff, in my experience, is exceptional. Not only were my Uncles
basic needs taken care of but so many other tasks were carried out to keep him safe, comfortable and engaged. They called upon health professionals when they thought they were needed and were always willing to discuss, advise and give support to me over the phone. As I live 350 miles away this was invaluable. Each and every one of the 1st Focus team deserves our heartfelt thanks for the job they do and I will always be grateful to them.
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Review from Roderick H (Son of Client) published on 3 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my mum has received recently (especially during the months of the Covid pandemic) has been nothing short of excellent. What I really appreciate is the consistent regularity of the carers just now. By only having a few carers, not only are we keeping my mum safe, but there is a familiarity of
people and routine which is of huge benefit and keeps all our lives simple. A major, major thank you to three members of staff for all their care, patience, understanding and hard work.
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Review from Gill (Next of Kin) published on 20 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
This care company has been looking after my 93-year-old friend for several months now. Once we settled into a routine whereby he had the same carers coming in daily, things worked really well. Almost all of the carers were well trained and attentive to his needs and if there were any issues that arose
I would contact the management team and they would sort the issue as a matter of urgency. The carers have all worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to attend to his needs, washing, showering, dressing, feeding, laundry and encouraging him to do some activity in the house to keep him active and alert.
As a nurse myself, I would have no issue with recommending this care company to friends and family. We had a few really awful experiences before we were transferred to 1st Focus and they have restored my faith in the care sector.
Very well done, management and carers alike!
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Review from M M (Client) published on 19 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Regular and reliable service at all levels. Cheerful at all times. Usually keeping good time and working well together.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.862)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.862) out of 10 for 1st Focus Homecare is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Home Care Provider is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.862 for 1st Focus Homecare is calculated as follows: ( (94 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 109 Ratings = 4.862
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows: 3 points for the first Positive Review, 2 points in total for each of the next 9 Positive Reviews (1st = 3, 2nd = 0.5, 3rd = 0.5, 4th = 0.25, 5th = 0.25, 6th = 0.1, 7th = 0.1, 8th = 0.1, 9th = 0.1, 10th = 0.1)

    The 5 points relating to the number of Positive Reviews for 1st Focus Homecare is based on 19 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as follows: 3 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 5
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Home Care Provider does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Inspectorate (CI) Rating

Date: 16 Nov 2023
How well do we support people's wellbeing?
Very good (5)
How good is our leadership?
Very good (5)
How good is our staff team?
Very good (5)
How good is our setting?
Not Assessed (0)
How well is care and support planned?
Very good (5)
Care Inspectorate is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in Scotland. View Latest Report

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (3)

Amy

Amy Tearle

Job Title: Care Manager Joined: 2018

Amy joined 1st Focus in 2018 and brings years of experience within the care-at-home setting. She has been our Care Manager since 2020.

Xeila

Xeila Ferreira

Job Title: Senior Care Supervisor Joined: 2019

Xeila has been with the company since 2019 and is our Senior Care Supervisor.


When Xeila is not out helping the community with 1st Focus she enjoys playing the guitar (although she has never been to classes, all self-taught through YouTube and friends)
Xeila loves dogs and meeting up with friends on her time off.

Amy

Amy Shikuku

Job Title: Business Development Manager Joined: 2017

Amy has been with 1st Focus since 2017 when she initially started as a Care Assistant and has now progressed into a role where she coordinates the onboarding of new service users to 1st Focus Homecare.


When Amy isn't coordinating new care packages she enjoys bird watching and attending the theatre.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of homecare.co.uk. Please contact 1st Focus Homecare to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. 1st Focus Homecare has an Enhanced Service - more info.