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According to the
National Care Standards on Short Breaks and
Respite Care Service for Adults, attention is now being focussed on
short breaks. There is an emphasis being placed on the quality of the
service provided. At Threshold we strive to meet these standards and
indeed exceed them.
Service aims & objectives
Over the past 5 years,
Threshold has been responsible for providing short breaks for many of
its’ service users. These short breaks have been very successful and
have been planned to not only provide a period of respite for parents
and carers, but to provide a break which is also designed to meet the
needs of its service users. Short breaks take the form of a
‘holiday-like’ respite for service users. This allows the service user,
as well as the carer, to experience the full benefits of a break. This
allows the service user, to return refreshed.
Threshold short breaks are not provided in a residential building base,
as is normally the case. Breaks are arranged for small, medium, and
even large groups (where appropriate) to destinations such as Craig
Tara Holiday Park in Ayr, hotel accommodation in Blackpool or even
foreign destinations such as Mallorca or Benidorm.
Such short breaks have been provided many times in the past and have
proven very successful, resulting in a large demand for this service.
Threshold has built a great deal of expertise in operating such a
service. We would endeavour to provide a break that can cater for each
service user’s individual support needs and also importantly their
desires and wishes, including choice of who should share their room.
For single room accommodation there will be an extra cost. In each
situation, the Managing Coordinator will determine the actual cost of
each short break, taking into account the nature of the work to be
undertaken.
Standards
Informing
and deciding
The service user and
main carer will be given all the information required about the short
break. This will be in a format that can be easily understood. It will
include general information about Threshold and the short breaks. There
will also be specific information about the possible locations,
activities, sleeping arrangements etc.
First meeting
If the service user
does not receive a regular service from Threshold project, they will be
visited at least once in the run up to the break. This will allow the
opportunity to discuss any aspect of the break, and voice concerns or
opinions.
Legal rights
Threshold has
written policies and procedures on health and safety, data protection,
risk management etc. These can be accessed on request.
Any service user going on a Threshold Short Break will receive an
“Individual Agreement” This will be a ‘contract’ between the service
user and Threshold to define how any needs and desires will be met.
Positive experience
We will strive to
make this an enjoyable experience for all concerned, whilst ensuring
health and safety at all times. Any service user needs will be met in a
way that respects privacy and dignity. Any views about accommodation
will be listened to.
Management and staffing
Threshold has a proactive training policy, and those
providing care and support will be trained in a variety of different
subjects. All staff are carefully vetted through reference and
disclosure checks, and meet the criteria specified by the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act etc.
The Threshold South Lanarkshire management oversees the Short Break
Service.
Individual agreement
This is the contract
between Threshold and the service user, who will retain a copy.
It will include the following information: record of agreed service,
time, cost etc; preferred name; record of hopes and desires and how
they will be met; personal care needs; food preference / dietary
requirements; medication; cultural / faith / spiritual needs;
risk-taking; contact details.
Starting the service
The staff team will
welcome the service users, and allocate a named person who will be
available during the short break to discuss any requirements or
concerns.
Making choices
The service user
will be consulted about the way the service is delivered and can make
suggestions according to skills and interests.
Occasionally it will not be possible to offer choices and the reasons
and possible alternatives will be discussed.
Feeling safe and secure
The service user can
choose which activities to participate in according to personal wishes,
health and safety, and risk assessment. Any incidents or accidents will
be dealt with appropriately following project procedures. We endeavour
to ensure the environment is free from bullying, discrimination or any
form of abuse.
Belongings will be clearly marked and stored in the corresponding
rooms. Service users have sole access to their own belongings unless
they want to share and give permission to do so.
Exercising your rights
Service users are
treated with politeness and respect at all times. Any request will be
dealt with as soon as possible. Confidential information is shared
amongst staff on a need-to-know basis only. This information is held
securely and can be accessed by the service user.
Expressing your views
Threshold has a comprehensive complaints procedure.
Any complaints will be dealt with quickly and sympathetically, without
penalty to anyone making a complaint. Service users are encouraged to
use an independent and confidential advocacy service.
Lifestyle - social, cultural,
religious
Threshold is a Church of Scotland project, but those
from all religious and cultural backgrounds use the service. Service
users are given the opportunity to practice beliefs, or observe holy
days and festivals.
Routines, preferences and cultural needs relating to personal care will
be respected.
Eating well
Threshold support workers will ensure that meals
reflect the service user’s choice and preference including any ethnic,
cultural, faith requirements, or special dietary needs. If any
assistance is needed during mealtimes this can be arranged. Service
users will be monitored during mealtimes to ensure enough is eaten.
Where possible, the service user can choose the location and timing of
meals.
Keeping well - healthcare
Threshold will be made aware of any health conditions
you may have and will assess and manage any symptoms, and inform
appropriate doctor or health care team if necessary.
Keeping well - medication
Service users can choose whether to manage their own
medication, and will receive a safe place for storage.
If Threshold is to manage the medication, there are procedures in place
for safe storage and administration.
Private life
Personal care needs will be met in a way that respects
the service user. Service users can choose which staff member(s) will
help.
The sexuality, sexual needs and preferences of the service user are
important and their right to intimate relationships will be respected.
Daily life
During the course of the short break, it will be
possible for service users to meet others and try out new activities if
desired. Activities will be age appropriate and optional.
Staff will provide support with appearance taking into account
preferences, age, comfort, fashion and culture.
Supporting communication
Communication support will be available at all times.
Contact with home can be maintained if desired.
The service user can communicate in any way desired, at any time, at a
desired pace.
Ending the short break
Information will only be shared with the main carer if
allowed by the service user, or on a need-to-know basis.
Service users are supported to keep in touch with any friends made
during the short break, as long as all those involved agree.
Service users are encouraged to take part in any review of the short
break.
Personal experience
“I was sharing a room in the hotel with two similar
guys that are fairly independent.
One day, activities consisted of being able to go out to fairgrounds
during the day, or going to the beach and shops in groups. But also the
service user could be selective of where they are wanting to go, or
indeed whether they want to remain in the hotel to chill out.
I was able to offer a bit of assistance helping folk that maybe
slightly less able than myself. I found myself assisting someone that
was visually impaired. Helping him was a great experience for me.
The experience wasn’t about a typical carer holding your hand. In my
opinion it is significantly all about the service user and what they
want to do with Threshold working their hardest to accommodate this.”
Matthew B
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