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FINANCIAL
ARRANGEMENTS AND FEES
We are committed to providing value for money within our service.
The fees charges are dependant upon the type of care package and
needs of the individual service user.
Depending upon the personal financial situation, a service user
can either pay the fees privately or receive benefits arranged by
the DSS and/ or the health authority.
The current rules can be complicated and specific advice is available
for the Home manager.
SMOKING
AND ALCOHOL
The unit is a smoke free zone. Smoking is permitted in the 'smoking'
area of the garden. Alcohol is not permitted as the fundamental
part of the service users treatment programme is based upon abstinence.
FIRE
SAFETY
The unit has a modern Fire Alarm system fitted with fire exit notices
and fire emergency instruction notices displayed at strategic points
throughout the home, as advised by the local fire department.
Staff
are instructed during induction training regarding fire prevention,
drills, and policies relating to using fire appliances, evacuation,
fire congregation points, raising the alarm etc. Where possible,
service users are informed of the emergency procedure on admission.
In addition further training is attended by staff on an annual basis.
A fire alarm test in carried out weekly to ensure that the system
is working appropriately. Fire drills are conducted monthly. We
do not practice full evacuations.
Records are kept of all drills and fire safety tests. Where possible,
furniture, fixtures and fittings and made of fire retardant materials.
RELIGION
Service users may attend religious services as they so desire. However
it may be necessary for relatives to arrange for transport and accompaniment.
In the event of this not being possible we will endeavour to accompany
service users on specific occasions if staffing levels permit. Service
users have the right to meet clergy of their chosen denomination
at any time. If required, a private room will be made available.
CONTACT
WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Service users family and relatives are encouraged to visit regularly
and take part in the care planning and assessment process. Where
visiting is not possible, telephone or letters are encouraged also.
In these cases, help will be given to assist the service user to
respond where necessary.
Visitors
are welcomed during all reasonable times and are asked to let the
person in charge know hat they have arrived and when they have departed.
For security and fire safety reasons visitors must sign in and out
of the visitors book on each occasion.
The service user has the right to refuse to see any visitor and
this right will be respected and up-held by the person in charge
who will, if necessary, inform the visitors of the service users
wishes.
CARE
PLAN REVIEW
Once developed, the care plan will be regularly reviewed to ensure
that the plan is appropriate and the service user is responding
in a satisfactory manner. Adverse reaction to the care plan by the
service user will result in an immediate review by the keyworker,
home manager and care staff, plus other members of the multi- disciplinary
team if appropriate.
Family and relatives are actively encouraged to participate in the
care planning process and are invited to formal reviews. Service
users and their relatives are always welcome to chat with a member
of staff if they have any concerns.
The care plans can be viewed by relatives should the service user
agree.
Input from relatives is often the keystone to the service user remaining
alcohol free once discharged.
ADVOCACY
SERVICES
If consultation with a service user is difficult due to the service
users' illness or choice, an advocate may be arranged by the home's
staff. These will usually be from an external source to maintain
as much objectivity as possible.
BEREAVEMENT
In the unfortunate event of bereavement the family can expect every
possible support and consolation from staff.
Staff will assist relatives/ next of kin with funeral arrangements,
if requested to do so. Where there is no next of kin, the service
users social worker/ funding authority will arrange the funeral.
LEAVING
OR TEMPORARILY VACATING
If a person wishes to be discharged from the unit then 4 weeks notice
must be given of this intention, or 4 weeks paid in lieu of notice,
after which time it is expected that all belongings are removed
from the home. Should belongings not be removed by the end of the
notice period, a storage charge will be made which will be equivalent
of 50% of the weekly fee charged. These conditions are waived during
the 6 week trial period. If a service user temporarily moves out
of the home (e.g. to receive hospital treatment) the bed is retained
for a period of eight weeks, provided 100% of the normal fee is
paid. Following this initial 8 weeks, 80% of the weekly fee is paid.
MONITORING AND QUALITY AUDITS
Within the unit there is an audit system to ensure that close monitoring
is maintained on all of the home's services, care delivery and procedures.
Our head of Clinical Governance audits the homes once per year,
and we also expect the Home manager to do the same earlier in the
year. Action plans are produced following audits and followed up
regularly by our management team.
Another important part of our quality monitoring is to involve our
service users and their families by asking them to complete questionnaires
on a yearly basis. This information is collated and kept within
the service user guide.
Monthly monitoring of accidents, incidents, medication administration
and care plans are also integral to our quality management within
the home.
PETS
Whilst we acknowledge that many people have pets for company during
their lifetime and that they may wish to bring an animal with them
when they move, the management has a responsibility to all the service
users with regard to Health and Safety. Also there needs to be consideration
as to the choice of animals brought into the unit. This is not to
say that we do not permit pets. The home manager will, however treat
every case dependant upon need and the amount of pets already at
the home. The unit has a pet's policy which is in the Operations
manual.
MEDICATION
If a service user wishes to self- medicate and it has been considered
safe to do so, then all help and advice is given. Otherwise all
medication will be managed and dispensed by the staff under the
instructions of the doctor. The home has a self- medication policy
within the Care Manual. Any service user may see the doctor in private
if they so wish.
TELEPHONE
The unit has a telephone which can be used by service users for
incoming calls. It can also be used for outgoing calls at a nominal
fee. In addition every bedroom has a telephone line which service
users can have connected by BT. The service user will be responsible
for all costs involved.
MEALS
Menus will be varied, and nutritious. Favourite dishes and special
diets will be catered for. Service users are encouraged to eat in
the dining room but may eat in their own room if this is their choice.
Snacks, tea, coffee, other hot drinks and cordial drinks are served
and available 24 hours a day.
The service users are encouraged to make their own meals in the
evening as part of their rehabilitation programme. Staff are there
to provide support with this.
Service users are encouraged to utilise appropriate nutrition books
and gain experience in menu planning and budgeting.
Click
here for our Service Users Charter
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