Our aim is to provide a safe and stable environment which will permit Service Users in our homes to live in dignity, while retaining their individuality and freedom of choice.
We believe all Service Users have the right to expect care similar to that which would be given by a caring relative in their own homes. This of course includes being addressed as they wish and being treated with courtesy at all times.
We believe all our Service Users are important as individuals. Service Users are invited to bring their own personal possessions and furniture thus enabling them to maintain a homely environment unique to them. They can invite whoever they choose into their own living space, with privacy for personal discussions at any reasonable time (provided that it is not detrimental to their well being).
Within the confines of community living and individual disabilities we do our utmost to give each Service User control over his or her own life.
Admission procedure |
| All prospective Service Users are normally interviewed by a competent member of staff who assesses whether or not they would benefit from our care and, equally importantly, whether or not they would fit into the existing community in the proposed home. If this is impractical, we will obtain a written assessment prior to admission. A written confirmation of the suitability of the placement will in each case be sent to the Service Users and/or their advocates. |
| Care planning |
| On admission, Service Users and staff work together to draw up comprehensive care plans that are directly aimed at meeting the individual needs of each Service User. The plans build on the individual strengths of each Service User and encompass all aspects of their day-to-day life. Short, medium and long term goals will be set. This way we help all our clients to reach their full potential, whatever their abilities. In addition, the Service Users’ involvement in the care planning process means that goals are set which they themselves agree and consider attainable. Enormous pride and joy is generated when such goals are met, and this in turn inspires self-confidence and a willingness to set – and meet – new challenges. Whenever possible we encourage our Service Users to help with tasks around the house and garden, and also with shopping and cooking. By doing this, they feel they are making a positive contribution to the running of the community, which greatly bolsters their self-esteem. Such a system of positive reinforcement works best when there is great commitment on the part of the staff who must put it into effect. Our training and development policy ensures that all of our care staff are skilled and under on-going development through the NVQ scheme. |
| Recreation and activities |
| Service Users’ social and recreational needs are determined through a specific assessment. We facilitate opportunities for engagement in local social and community activities, and a “What’s On” guide is available in each home to help clients identify events of interest. Spiritual needs form part of the assessment and we ensure that as far as possible Service Users can attend religious services of their choice. We keep a list of the local representatives of various denominations in each home. Regular Service User meetings are held in each home in which individuals and staff can discuss daily living arrangements and propose changes. Items on the agenda might well include, for example, activities and menu planning. Friends and family are important for a happy life and we help maintain contact with, and visits to and from, both. |
| Menus |
| Food is a central part of life, something that most of us look forward to. We reflect this in the importance we place on it in our homes. Staff and Service Users plan menus together on a daily basis, and once the choice has been made they will often shop for the ingredients together and cook the meals together. We ensure that all Service Users receive a balanced and wholesome diet, but we also encourage them from time to time to enjoy a take-away – there are good choices of different cuisines near all our homes. |
