Support at home

There are a range of support services available which help people to stay in their own homes.

Home Meals

One of the most important issues for older people is to ensure a healthy diet. This helps keep the body in working order and prevents illness. The healthy eating guide contains details about diet and can be ordered by telephoning 0845 6060667.

The home meal service has been updated. Now, instead of bringing a hot meal to you, that you have to eat straight away, we will provide ready prepared meals that can be heated in the oven, microwave, or a steamer, and can be consumed when you choose to eat. The meals are of modest cost and there are over 40 choices of meals available including special diets and ethnic meals.

Home Shopping Service

Scotmid, in conjunction with West Lothian Council, has established a home delivery shopping service. Dedicated staff are employed specifically for this service. Scotmid staff work together with home care staff who assist with putting your groceries away in your home. All you have to do is to place your order through your delivery driver who will then deliver your shopping.

Scotmid have a full range of goods, and this service enables you to shop in bulk, when you might have encountered difficulties carrying the shopping home normally. The service is flexible, you do not have to use the service every week but can choose to use the service fortnightly, monthly or as you require. A modest charge is made for each delivery.

Community Laundry

The community laundry service helps people who are incontinent or who have other medical conditions and are living at home or with relatives, to cope with the practical problems of washing sheets. A fresh supply of sheets is brought on a regular basis to each home.

There is no charge for the service, which is jointly provided and co-ordinated by local councils and Lothian Health. To access this service applicants should contact their general practitioner (GP), health visitor, community nurse, social worker or care worker, who will provide information about the service and assist with the referral process.

More information To access any of the support at home services you can contact: Bathgate Social Work Centre, 69 Whitburn Road, Bathgate. Tel: 01506 776700. Leaflets are available on request, or from libraries, council information services (CIS) centres and community centres.