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According to the
National Care Standards on Housing Support Services, supported living
has been developed over a number of years as an imaginative response to
a wide range of needs. 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
Threshold South
Lanarkshire is primarily a community support service. For the past ten
years we have been supporting adults with learning disabilities in the
South Lanarkshire area. This enables them to be integrated and included
in the wider community. This can involve access to colleges, libraries,
social venues, shops, sports activities, churches, and employment.
The project has been
called 'Threshold' because it is believed that through it people can be
placed on the 'threshold' of new experiences and opportunities, which
they were previously unable to access, for a variety of reasons. See
our Main Project page for more details.
Since May 2005, we
have been providing a supported living service for some service users
that we have known for a number of years. Supported living covers a
range of activities that allows people to maintain their accommodation,
meet their duties and responsibilities as a tenant, and get involved in
the local community.
Standards
Informing
and deciding
The service user
will be given all the information required about the supported living.
This will be in a format that can be easily understood. It will include
general information about Threshold and the Supported Living Service.
There will also be specific information about the quality standards,
policies and procedures etc.
First meeting
If the service user
does not receive a regular service from Threshold project, they can
arrange to be visited by a staff member. 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 who begins a service will receive an
“Individual Agreement” This will be a ‘contract’ between the service
user and Threshold and a copy will be kept by each party. You will also
be able to see any Care Commission reports on our service.
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. We will try to ensure a choice
is given where possible to allow the service user to reach their
potential in life.
Management and staffing
Threshold has a proactive training policy, and those
providing care and support will be trained in a variety of different
subjects including food hygiene, moving and handling. 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 Supported
Living Service.
Housing Support Planning
The service user
will be involved in developing a personal plan, and in later reviews.
This plan will include the following information: record of agreed
service, time, cost; preferred name; communication preferences;
financial support; 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 etc.
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, and service users can live their life in keeping
with these beliefs.
Routines, preferences and cultural needs relating to personal care will
be respected. Personal care needs will be met in a way that respects
the service user. Staff will provide support taking into account
preferences, age, comfort, fashion, and culture.
The sexuality of the service user will be accepted and your needs and
preferences in this area will be viewed as being important to you.
Choice and communication
The service user
will be consulted about the way the service is delivered and how it
links to their personal and social life. Good information will be given
about the choices that are available and the effect they will have. The
service user will be encouraged to use and independent representative
or advocacy service. The service user will be free to carry out those
choices unless there is a specific legal reason not to. The service
user can communicate in any way desired, at any time, at a desired pace.
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.
Exercising your rights
The personal plan
explains the rights and responsibilities of the service user and what
is expected from all parties. 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. Service
users will be allocated a key worker who will be their usual contact
within the Supported Living Service.
Service users will be treated with politeness and respect at all times.
Any request will be
dealt with politely and quickly.
Expressing your views
Service users will be encouraged and helped to make
their views known about all aspects of supported living. 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. Service users can
play a part in the Care Commission's inspection.
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.
Keeping well - healthcare
Threshold will be made aware of any health conditions
the service user may have and will assess and manage any symptoms, and
inform
appropriate doctor or health care team where 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.
Choosing to leave or end the service
If the service has to end for any reason, the key
worker will offer assistance to locate other services. Records will be
passed on to a new housing support provider if applicable; these will
be kept up-to-date and organised. Ending the service will be a positive
experience where the service user can take time to decide and be
supported by all those concerned.
If you would like help in reading and
understanding these details, or
you would like more information, please use the Contact
Us page.
This
information in also available in Microsoft Word format.
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