The month of March comes from ancient Roman times, when March was actually the first month of the year. In some way's March also is the begining of our operational year as we finally completed the surveillance audit on 28th February.  We have been recertified again and the auditors report will be discussed at the Steering group meeting on 20th March. We have included an extract from the report as part of our March Update !

Extract from Auditors Report 2008

Prepared by John Copeland, Audit Trained Service User, SAI Global

We have performed interviews with service users, stakeholders, management at the service provider and tutors. Throughout these interviews, especially the service users and stakeholders, we have received nothing but positive endorsement about how the service works for the particular client's individual needs, how the service runs appropriate programs that are tailored for the individuals specific needs, and how all staff interact and provide the appropriate level of care and passion for the users of this service. 

Service Standard 2: Individual Needs
 
Within the service users’ files, individual and personalise plans were developed in consultation with service users. Guardian/family members, support workers and advocates had all positive intentions to provide the best program, tailored to the service users’ individual needs set out within personal plans.

These plans showed clear evidence of relevant goal setting; smart goals that service users work towards and achieve with the support of the service providers relevant tutors and care givers.  Some programs that were identified from these plans are as follows: 


Personal Care

            Including such activities as:CookingPersonal hygieneFeeding etc

      
Independent Living

Activities include: Socialisation training Appropriate meeting and greeting gestures Behavioural management Improving fine motor skills Emotional management Travel training etc

 Vocational activities

Activities include: Reading - Writing - Improving communication - Memory and concentration activities - Speech and language skills- -Computer skills etc

 Physical well-being

Activities include: Exercise programs - Physical therapy - Sensory therapy - Developmental therapy - Health and nutrition - RelaxationSwimming and hydrotherapy programs - Health and safety, etc

 

General activities

Activities include: Musical activities - Art and craft - Socialising with other people - General outings in the community - Gardening - Caring for animals, etc

 
These are only some programs that we heard about or observed throughout the audit process.  These programs are examples of available tools that staff can incorporate into the personalised plans developed for all service users.


Service users/stakeholders interviews were extremely positive towards the programs set out by able care.  Examples were given of successful outcomes and noticeable growth in relation to service users enjoyment and successful positive modification of behaviours from staff and stakeholders.
 

Observations were made that Ablecare staff encourages verbal and nonverbal service users to participate in the creation of their personal plans. This includes using a range of tools that are available for the staff to use from the DSQ’s interactive toolbox through to the use of Ablecare own self-created tools that can be adapted for individual needs.  For example; Compic and visual timetables and easy recognisable logos aid service users who may not be able to understand verbal prompts.


Ablecare had clear policies on reviewing these plans on a six monthly basis, which all stakeholders, as well as service users were encouraged to have input into the planning process and the reviewing process.

The Ablecare Post School Day centres will be closed for the week after Easter. The Everton Office will still be operating over this period.