|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quality Network Public Statements |
|
| Organisation | Aspects and Milestones | |||
| Type | Not for profit organisation | |||
| Services included | Registered residential homes, short breaks, day care, domiciliary and supported living | |||
| Contact name | Karen Cowley | |||
| Tel. | 0117 9709 300 | |||
| KarenC@aspectsandmilestones.org.uk | ||||
| Public Statement | 2004 | |||
|
Our Services Aspects and Milestones Trust is a not for profit organisation providing person centred services to people with mental health needs and people with learning difficulties. We aim to respond to the changing needs of people through offering a range of choice in where they live, who to live with and what type of opportunities to pursue. Currently our service spans South Gloucestershire, Bristol City and Bath and North East Somerset. Aspects and Milestones are separate divisions within the Trust providing the relevant expertise within the two areas of specialism, however there are many benefits to working alongside each other, the most important being that of shared knowledge and understanding. The Quality Network review was carried out within Aspects which provides a wide range of services to people with learning disabilities; Registered residential homes, short breaks, day care, domiciliary and supported living. As there are over 55 registered care homes, various day service packages and approximately 20 supported living options, it was initially difficult to decide which of our services to review. However, it was decided to explore how things are for people in two different types of environment – supported living and residential care.
The service review took place between September and December 2003. 11 service users were invited to participate in our research. We aimed to have a good balance within the review panel and invited a cross section of stakeholders both internal and external to the organisation. Throughout the workshops there was lively debate, meaningful discussion and constructive support and we were therefore very grateful for the active participation. The Review Panel consisted of: •
Two service users (plus supporters) The team were supported by Karen Cowley as Quality Lead and Anne O’Bryan, Karen Flood and Bill Heron from the Quality Network.
Time was taken to visit people in their own homes and to experience everyday life from their perspective including participation in usual activities such as •
Going to college Over time the Panel members were able to build a picture of the persons’ life and used the 10 outcomes (which are important things that should be happening in the lives of people with a learning disability) as a benchmark to measure against. We were then able to ascertain the areas in which we were working well and the areas on which to improve. Things that are going well Some people are making lots of choices, especially if the person can speak up for themselves. Big changes have happened for some people based on their person centred plans, for instance - becoming tenants or being supported to live more independently. People are generally being encouraged to speak up. Support Workers do their best to listen well to people and to respond to people’s specific communication needs. Employment is seen as important and some people have a job. People’s networks are expanding due to the work being done through person centred planning, as a result some individuals have lots of friends. Belonging to the library, church, pub and social clubs form a valuable part of people’s lives. Families are involved in Person Centred Planning training and where there are family connections, big efforts are being made to maintain the involvement. In one person’s experience there were also strong efforts to reconnect with lapsed communication. Staff are listening, noticing and documenting clearly any concerns and are encouraged to speak up or support service users to complain if necessary. Staying healthy is an important aspect high on the priority list.
1. People need to become real members of their local community (local networks, chosen faith or areas of interest) and in order to do this Aspects must support staff to ensure this happens more often. We will look specifically at recruiting community builders to form our workforce and continue to involve service users in this process. Service users will also be asked to help us to train staff. 2. People need to be able to see their friends more regularly and to have private time with their partners. We will raise this need as a priority to the same level as staying healthy (we are very good at making sure people attend hospital appointments but do not always go the extra mile to make sure friends stay in contact). We will also apply ordinary life principles to individual need for privacy and tailor make arrangements accordingly. Aspects has also made a commitment to enhancing existing environments to include more private space. 3. We need to get better at supporting those people who do not use words to communicate, to make more choices. When people require a lot of support we need to raise the awareness that unless we try harder at finding the right method of communication, the choices offered can be limiting.
The Panel member’s feedback about being involved in the Quality Network review, was overwhelmingly positive although understandably challenging. An action plan has been drawn up outlining the detail in relation to aims, responsibilities and timeframe and we hope that progress will have been made in time for the June 2004 follow up day. We are more than happy to hear from similar organisations and discuss our experience and new approaches.
Karen Cowley Telephone:
0117 9709 300 10th February
2004 |