Richardson Care’s ABI Services Commended for Exceptional Practices by Headway
)
It uses written evidence submitted in advance and discussions with staff, service users and family members during the visit, along with observations from assessors. Additional information is also gathered, with sources including individuals’ care plans, risk assessments, key worker meeting minutes, goal records, staff meeting minutes, interviews and other available literature.
“Care standards remain high”
The Richardson Mews and The Coach House are two adjacent homes
providing residential care and neurorehabilitation for adults with acquired
brain injury and different complex needs. They are under the same CQC
registration so also categorised as a single provider by Headway.
The assessors’ report for these homes concluded: “Policies and procedures are in place to ensure residents’ dignity and privacy are never compromised, and care standards remain high. Conversations with two residents uphold the belief that they are treated with respect and dignity at all times. Staff demonstrated their commitment by using appropriate communication styles and, for example; asking permission to view rooms beforehand, and knocking on doors prior to entry.” It added that control, independence and respect for residents is a value embedded in the services’ ethos.
The importance of personal touches
It is a core principle at Richardson Care to treat each person as
an individual with their own views and preferences. This was demonstrated by
the example of how an individual’s room is prepared before they are admitted.
The report documented:
“Service users will be welcomed with a room which reflects some very personalised décor and personal touches. Taken from information passed over from family, former care givers and interviews with the person themselves, particular colour schemes, décor or items of particular sentiment will greet all new residents.”
The report cited the example of one service user who, on arrival said: “Wow, how did they know that? I wasn’t expecting that. It shows they really gave some thought to me coming here and want me to feel welcome.”
Quality of therapeutic support
The report also highlighted the quality of the therapeutic support
available to service users, stating that the service is led by a dedicated
Therapy Lead (Clinical Head, Dr Pedro Grilo) in collaboration with the rest of
the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). The team comprises neuro specialists in psychology,
psychiatry, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational
therapy.
The report said: “With support from key, and associate key workers, an enablement approach reflects the objectives and thoughts of the resident. Activities are devised which reflect the interests of the resident to support with motivation and engagement. Service users receive individualised therapeutic support, tailored to their specific needs including promoting independence in personal care, life skills and recreational or vocational pursuits.
“The support plans, made available to the Headway assessors, reflected a person-centred, rehabilitation-focused approach, with a number of residents working as volunteers out in the community.”
To find out more about the specialist residential neuro-rehab services for adults with acquired brain injury, learning disabilities and/or complex needs, go to www.richardsoncares.co.uk
)
